President Bola Tinubu says the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan commencing on the same day this year is a reminder of shared values among Nigerians.
Mr Tinubu stated this in a special message to both faith communities on Wednesday in Abuja.
“This year, Lent and Ramadan began 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 urged Muslim and Christian faithful to embrace peace, unity and good neighbourliness as Lent and Ramadan begin.
He noted, “With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan.”
He urged Nigerians to promote peace, unity and stability, and prayed for progress and security of the nation.
He said, “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.”
The President said the Lenten season is a time of fasting, abstinence and penitence for Christians.
He said it followed the example of Jesus Christ in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
Mr Tinubu said Ramadan is a sacred season for Muslims that reflected submission to God Almighty.
He said the season emphasised sacrifice, devotion, service, communal love and giving.
Mr Tinubu said Ramadan remained one of the five pillars of Islam and called for deep spiritual reflection beyond fasting.
He stated, “Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans.”
The President prayed that the lessons, blessings and joys of the seasons would abide with Nigerians always. (NAN)
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