Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to seize the rare concurrent observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent as a powerful moment for spiritual reflection, practical compassion, and strengthened national unity.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima described the overlapping sacred periods as “an opportunity for both spiritual renewal and collective nation-building.”
The Vice President, himself a devout Muslim observing the fast of Ramadan, emphasized that the dual season transcends mere religious observance and demands active engagement in tackling Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and political challenges.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to use the concurrent observance of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season to strengthen national unity and demonstrate practical compassion toward fellow citizens,” the statement read.
He stressed that the holy month of Ramadan and the 40-day Lenten period require more than ritualistic practices. “Let us not only feed the hungry, but uplift the weary; not only give charity, but extend kindness; not only pray for peace, but work for justice. This is the true essence of Ramadan,” Shettima declared.
The Vice President portrayed Ramadan as “a journey of the soul and a time for deep reflection, for self-purification, and for embracing the true essence of Islam—peace, patience, sacrifice, and service to humanity.” He extended similar sentiments to Christians observing Lent, a season of penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter.
Shettima’s message comes at a time when Nigeria faces multiple challenges: persistent insecurity in parts of the North-East and North-West, economic hardship exacerbated by inflation and currency reforms, youth unemployment, and occasional tensions along religious and ethnic lines. By framing the religious seasons as opportunities for unity and compassion, the Vice President sought to redirect public focus toward shared values of empathy, solidarity, and collective responsibility.
He paid special tribute to Nigeria’s religious leaders across both faiths, describing them as “the moral and spiritual compass of the nation.” Shettima acknowledged their critical role in shaping the country’s ethical foundation, guiding communities through difficult times, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“Religious leaders of all faiths have consistently stood as bridges of understanding and reconciliation,” he noted, urging continued collaboration between Muslim and Christian clerics to reinforce messages of tolerance, justice, and national cohesion during these holy periods.
The Vice President also used the occasion to call for intensified prayers for national stability, security, and progress. “We must strengthen the bonds that unite us and reject the forces that seek to divide us,” he said, appealing to citizens to rise above sectional interests and work toward a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
In a direct appeal, Shettima requested special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking that divine guidance grant the President “wisdom, strength, and foresight to pilot the affairs of our great nation.” The request reflects the administration’s recognition of the spiritual dimension in governance and its desire to rally citizens behind the Renewed Hope Agenda amid ongoing reforms.
The statement was issued on the second day of Ramadan 1447 AH, which began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in most parts of Nigeria following moon sighting confirmations by relevant authorities. The Christian Lenten season, observed by Catholics, Anglicans, and other denominations, is currently underway and will culminate in Easter on April 5, 2026.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is roughly evenly divided between Muslims (predominantly in the north) and Christians (predominantly in the south), making periods of concurrent religious observance particularly significant for promoting interfaith harmony.
Vice President Shettima, a native of Borno State and a respected voice from the North-East, has consistently used religious occasions to advocate for peace, unity, and development. His message aligns with the Tinubu administration’s broader emphasis on social cohesion, economic recovery, and security stabilization as key pillars of national renewal.
Religious leaders and civil society groups welcomed the Vice President’s call. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have previously issued joint statements during overlapping holy seasons, urging mutual respect and collaborative efforts to address societal ills.
As millions of Nigerians fast, pray, and engage in acts of charity this month, Shettima’s appeal serves as a timely reminder that spiritual disciplines should translate into tangible acts of kindness, justice, and nation-building. In a country still healing from years of insecurity, economic strain, and social divisions, the Vice President’s words offer a unifying vision rooted in shared faith values.
The statement concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity, and continued divine guidance for Nigeria’s leaders and people as the nation navigates its developmental journey.
