Bola Tinubu urges unity as Lent,Ramadan begin same day

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the 2026 Lenten and Ramadan fasts to promote unity, stability and national security, describing the rare alignment of both observances as a reminder of the country’s shared spiritual heritage.

In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu said the coincidence of Lent and Ramadan beginning on the same day underscored the common values binding Christians and Muslims.

“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.

For Christians, he noted, the Lenten season is 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, Ramadan is “a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving”.

He added that the month of fasting marks one of the five pillars of Islam and goes beyond abstention from food and drink to include deep spiritual reflection and obedience to Islamic injunctions.

Urging Nigerians to embrace peace and solidarity, the president 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.

“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.”