President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace good neighbourliness and pray for national progress as Christians and Muslims begin the rare simultaneous observance of Lent and Ramadan Wednesday.

In a State House press statement he personally signed, Tinubu hailed the overlap as a divine reminder of shared faith. “This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God,” he said.

The President described Lent for Christians as “a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.” For Muslims, he noted Ramadan reflects “total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving,” marking one of Islam’s five pillars.

“As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation,” Tinubu added. He prayed that “the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”

Echoing the message, First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu took to her X handle, urging prayers for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity during this Lenten season of spiritual growth. “As we begin this Lenten period, I pray that this time of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and drawing closer to God is committed to following Christ’s example of love,” she wrote. “May our prayers and acts of compassion and kindness deepen our faith and reflect on our relationships with others. I urge us to remember to pray for the peace and prosperity of our dear nation, Nigeria.”

Lent kicked off with Ash Wednesday, spanning 40 days (excluding Sundays) of penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, leading to Easter. It mirrors Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the desert. (The Sun)