Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Urge Nigerians to Embrace Virtues of Lent and Ramadan as Fasting Begins

The solemn events of Lent and Ramadan, which begin on the same day this year, have been greeted with warmth by President Bola Tinubu to both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria.

In a statement, President Tinubu emphasized that all religions are based on the ideas of devotion, selflessness, and communal love, and that the coming together of the two holy times serves as a reminder of Nigerians’ unity and shared ideals.

The President called on Nigerians to pray for the advancement and security of their country and to use the holy seasons of Lent and Ramadan to advance peace, unity, and stability. He urged people to carry out their religious beliefs, encouraging neighborliness and moral behavior toward God and other people.

President Tinubu declared, “Lent and Ramadan are times for spiritual introspection, personal growth, and service to humanity.” We should strive for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria by living up to the principles of our own religions.

In order to guide Nigerians toward a better future for the country, the President hoped that the lessons and blessings of these holy seasons would persist with them forever.

As the Lenten season and Ramadan begin, respectively, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also sent heartfelt welcomes to Nigerian Muslims and Christians.

Atiku, the Waziri Adamawa, issued a statement acknowledging the Sultan of Sokoto’s declaration of the moon sighting, which signaled the start of Ramadan. During the holy month, he encouraged Muslims to practice piety, worship, sacrifice, and good actions.

Lent and Ramadan starting on the same day, according to Atiku, is a nice reminder of the kindness and sacrifice that are inherent to all religions. He underlined that the times spent in contemplation and fasting are chances to cultivate compassion and altruism for the underprivileged and impoverished.

Atiku remarked, “I hope that both Muslims and Christians have a fulfilling spiritual journey.” “Those in society who are wealthy have a responsibility to help those in need and to foster a culture of kindness and generosity.”

Nigeria’s varied religious communities are united by common principles, which are reflected in Atiku’s message. The significance of kindness, empathy, and service to humanity is emphasized by Atiku’s words as Nigerians begin these holy times.

Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has also greeted the Christians and Muslims of Nigeria on the start of Lent and Ramadan.

“Deeply significant periods of fasting, reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal for Nigerians of both faiths,” according to Professor Yilwatda, are the twin sacred seasons.

He described the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent as a potent message to the country, saying that it is both deeply instructional and highly symbolic that the two events are starting on the same day. “It is a divine reminder that Nigerians are one people, brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny, regardless of religious affiliation, and that peaceful coexistence is not optional but essential to national progress and stability,” he said.

Discipline, compassion, humility, love for one another, and service to mankind are among the common characteristics that are emphasized in both Ramadan and Lent, according to Professor Yilwatda.

Instead of allowing distrust, hatred, or division to permeate their daily contacts, he urged Nigerians to let these common characteristics fortify the ties between Muslims and Christians.

“I urge all Nigerians to use this holy time to offer up heartfelt prayers for our nation and the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it implements extensive reforms aimed at stabilizing and repositioning our economy and society at this pivotal point in our national journey,” the APC Chairman stated.

“With earnest prayers, a shared goal, perseverance, and sacrifice, these reforms will be implemented safely and provide long-term answers to our social and economic problems.”

Yilwatda was hopeful that the season will rekindle people’s faith, uplift their spirits, and strengthen Nigeria’s shared commitment to peace, unity, and the advancement of the country.

His words were, “Ramadan Mubarak. Barka da Ramadan,” addressed to the Muslim faithful. As they fast, pray, and perform charitable deeds during Ramadan, they pray that Allah would accept them.

He prayed that the Lenten season would bring Christians closer to God in faith, love, and selfless service. He also wished them a happy Lenten season.

In his closing remarks, Professor Yilwatda reiterated that Nigeria will become a more powerful, cohesive, and successful nation if its citizens remain together under God.