President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent warm greetings and prayers to Nigeria’s Christian and Muslim communities as the holy seasons of Lent and Ramadan begin concurrently this year—a rare alignment he described as a powerful reminder of the nation’s shared spiritual heritage and unity under God.
In a statement released by the State House on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the President urged Nigerians to use the sacred periods for deeper devotion, repentance, charity, self-reflection, and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, good neighbourliness, and national progress.
Tinubu highlighted the symbolic significance of Lent and Ramadan starting on the same day, noting that such convergence is uncommon and underscores the common values that bind people of different faiths in Nigeria.
“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,” the President stated.
“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 called on citizens to uphold the moral teachings of their respective religions, promote peace and stability, and pray fervently for Nigeria’s continued security, unity, and development.
“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.”
The President concluded with a prayer that “the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”
The message comes at a time when Nigeria’s multi-religious society continues to face economic hardships, security challenges, and social tensions. The President’s emphasis on shared values and peaceful coexistence is widely seen as an appeal for national harmony during periods when millions of Nigerians will be engaged in fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.
Lent, the 40-day period of preparation leading to Easter, began on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, while Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is expected to commence around the same date or shortly after, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Both observances involve fasting, increased worship, almsgiving, and spiritual discipline, making the overlapping start a poignant moment for interfaith reflection and solidarity.
Religious leaders across the country have welcomed the President’s message. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have separately commended the gesture, describing it as timely and encouraging.
Many Nigerians on social media echoed the call for unity, with hashtags such as #LentAndRamadan and #OneNigeria trending as believers shared prayers, reflections, and messages of goodwill across faith lines.
President Tinubu’s statement is consistent with his administration’s recurring theme of fostering national cohesion amid diversity. Previous goodwill messages during religious festivals have similarly emphasized peace, tolerance, and collective progress.
As Christians and Muslims begin these sacred observances, the President’s words serve as a reminder of Nigeria’s rich pluralistic heritage and the shared responsibility to build a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
