By Ayo Ayodele
Lent, Ramadan Coincide: Tinubu Calls for Prayer, National Stability
Tinubu Greets Christians, Muslims as Lent and Ramadan Commence
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm greetings to Christian and Muslim faithful across the country as the sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan commence simultaneously this year.
In a State House press statement issued on February 18, 2026, the President described the coincidence of both observances beginning on the same day as rare and symbolic, noting that it underscores the shared values among Nigerians of different faiths.
“With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan,” Tinubu said, adding that the convergence of the two sacred periods serves as a reminder that Nigerians are “one people under God.”
The President explained that for Christians, Lent 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 Muslims, he noted, Ramadan is a sacred month that signifies total submission to God, marked by sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love. He described it as one of the five pillars of Islam and a time for deep spiritual reflection and obedience.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the solemn seasons to strengthen good neighbourliness and promote peace, unity, and national stability. He called on citizens to pray for the nation’s progress and security, and to uphold the noble teachings of their respective faiths.
“As a nation and as a people, I urge us to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation,” he stated.
The President prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the sacred seasons would abide with Nigerians always.