President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the 2026 Lenten and Ramadan fasting periods to promote unity, stability and pray for the nation’s security.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a personally signed statement, the President highlighted the spiritual significance of both seasons for Christians and Muslims, noting that their simultaneous commencement this year carries a powerful message of shared faith and unity.
“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.
Tinubu explained that for Christians, the Lenten season represents a period of fasting, abstinence and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
“For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind,” he stated.
On Ramadan, he described it as a sacred period for Muslims marked by total submission to God Almighty and a renewed commitment to sacrifice, devotion, service and communal love.
“For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving. It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions,” he added.
Urging citizens to reflect the values of their faiths in their daily conduct, the President appealed for harmony and national cohesion.
“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 said.
“Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans. I pray that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”
