By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Tinubu has called on Christians and Muslims to use the rare convergence of Lent and Ramadan, both of which begin on the same day this year, as an opportunity to promote peace, unity, and national stability.
In a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, the President described the simultaneous commencement of the two sacred seasons as uncommon.
Tinubu added that it serves as a reminder that Nigerians of both faiths share much in common and are one people under God.
“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,” Tinubu said.
For Christians, the Lenten season is 40 days of fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ’s time in the wilderness before His crucifixion.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection, marking one of the five pillars of Islam and reflecting total submission to God.
The President urged Nigerians embarking on the observances to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, and pray for the progress and security of the nation.
“Let us live by the good precepts of our faiths and be honourable in our duty to God and fellow humans,” he said.
Tinubu prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of the sacred seasons would abide with Nigerians always.