In Lent, Ramadan Message, Tinubu Urges Prayers for Nation’s Progress and Security

• Atiku, Yilwatda, Akpabio, Obi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Okpebholo, Ododo, others welcome Ramadan, Lent 

•CAN president says Nigeria needs action, not just policies

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade, Kuni Tyessi in Abuja, Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to pray for the country’s progress and security during this year’s Lent and Ramadan season.

In a message, yesterday, to commemorate the commencement of Lent and Ramadan among Christians and Muslim faithful, the president also charged Nigerians to always promote peace, unity and stability of the nation.

Tinubu in a seven-paragraph message, stated, “With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan. 

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Also, at the opening of 2026 Tafsir, Tinubu urged citizens of all faiths to support efforts toward national stability.

Speaking at the State House Mosque, he noted that Ramadan coincided with the Christian season of Lent, describing the overlap as a reminder of shared values of sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial.

Tinubu said fasting should go beyond abstinence from food and drink, stressing the need for kindness, forgiveness, good deeds, and love for humanity.

He called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to continue praying for peace and to support ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.

In his address, Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, Abdulwahid Suleiman, thanked Allah for granting the faithful the opportunity to witness another blessed month of Ramadan, the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his leadership and wished him a peaceful and successful Ramadan. He prayed that Allah would forgive His servants during the sacred month and decree goodness for them throughout the year.

The Chief Imam also prayed for divine guidance for the President and his principal officers, asking Allah to grant them wisdom in leadership, good health, and strength.

He further prayed for peace, stability, and improved well being for all Nigerians.

Atiku Welcomes Ramadan, Lent

A former Vice-President of Nigeria and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Christians and Muslims on the commencement of the Lent season and Ramadan, respectively.

The Christian and Muslim season of fasting began yesterday, Wednesday, February 18.

Atiku said with the announcement of the sighting of the moon by His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, as represented by the Shehu of Borno, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, Muslims in Nigeria should embark on Ramadan fasting.

“The holy month of Ramadan has come again and it is a moment that enjoins us to be steadfast in good deeds, more than before.

“The Almighty Allah has commanded us to embark on mandatory fasting in this holy month and it is a season that calls us to more piety, worship and sacrifice.”

He noted that apart from being a period of spiritual and physical purification and self-restraint, it would foster empathy and compassion towards the poor, thereby motivating both Christians and Muslims towards charity.

He observed that it was a pleasant coincidence for the season of sacrifice for both Christians and Muslims to be commencing on the same day, and wished both Christians and Muslims a rewarding spiritual exercise.

“It is, therefore, incumbent on the well-to-do in the society to extend charity to the less privileged and those who have limited means to fulfill the obligations of this season of sacrifice,” Atiku said.

Yilwatda: Ramadan, Lent Divine Reminder of Essence of Nation’s Peaceful Coexistence

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said Ramadan fasting and the Lent period were divine reminder that regardless of religious affiliation,  peaceful coexistence was not optional but essential to national progress and stability.

Yilwatda in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, described the twin sacred seasons as deeply significant periods of fasting, reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal for Nigerians of both faiths.

He noted that it was profoundly instructive, and richly symbolic, that Ramadan and Lent were beginning on the same day, describing the rare convergence as a powerful message to the nation.

According to him, “It is a divine reminder that Nigerians are one people, brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny, regardless of religious affiliation, and that peaceful coexistence is not optional but essential to national progress and stability.”

Yilwatda stressed that both Ramadan and Lent emphasised common values such as discipline, compassion, humility, love for one another, and service to humanity.

Akpabio Charges Muslims to Pray for Peace, Embrace Compassion at Ramadan

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the Muslim faithful to dedicate the sacred period to prayers for peace and to deepen acts of compassion and understanding.

In a goodwill message to mark the start of the fasting season, Akpabio urged the Muslim ummah to seize the opportunity of Ramadan for spiritual reflection, renewal and national cohesion.

The message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, conveyed the Senate President’s warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe.

“As the Muslim community prepares to observe the holy month of Ramadan, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to all Muslims in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.

Akpabio described Ramadan as a sacred season that offers a unique opportunity for self-improvement and rededication to the values of faith, sacrifice and service to humanity.

He encouraged adherents to use the period not only for fasting and prayers, but also to strengthen bonds of unity and mutual respect among citizens.

Sanwo-Olu Greets Muslims, Christians for Ramadan, Lent

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated with Christians and Muslims on the commencement of this year’s Lenten and Ramadan fasting season.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, greeted Christians and Muslims for Lent and Ramadan, urging them to use the fasting period to seek the face of God in prayers.

The governor enjoins Nigerians and Lagosians in particular to be more steadfast in prayers to God against many untoward occurrences in the country and seek advancement of our shared peace and prosperity.

“I congratulate Lagosians and Nigerians, especially Christians and Muslims, for the celebration of this year’s Lent and Ramadan. The fasting period is very significant to Christian and Muslim faithful across the world. It teaches abstinence from worldly pleasures, steadfastness in prayers and total submission to the will of God.

“I believe strongly that the start of these two major religions’ activities on the same day is not a mere coincidence but God’s design for our nation and the entire world for peace and stability.

“Lent and Ramadan are important seasons in the Christian and Islamic calendars. It is a period when the adherents are expected to fast and seek God’s intervention in the affairs of man. The season teaches us the significance of abstinence for the sake of seeking God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.

“As we join the rest of the world in observing this year’s Lent and Ramadan, I enjoin Lagosians and Nigerians, especially Christians and Muslims, to be more steadfast in prayers to God against any forms of evil occurrences in our land.

“Let us be good to one another. We should be tolerant and be of good behaviour to one another. Let us continue to offer prayers for continued peace, unity and stability in Lagos and Nigeria at large,” he said.

Obi: It’s Rare Spiritual Convergence to Cherish, Revere

Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has reacted to the significant coincidence of Christians and Muslims beginning their fasting and absentance religious obligations on the same day.

Writing on X handle, the former Anambra State governor, said, “Today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks a moment of extraordinary spiritual convergence in Nigeria — a nation richly blessed by God with abundant resources, yet long hindered by poor leadership. For the first time in many years, the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begin on the same day.

“This rare coincidence is far more than a meeting of dates; it is a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice, reflection, and the possibility of national renewal at a time when our collective identity has been strained by ineffective governance.

‘’It is striking that both sacred seasons are marked by fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving. We may therefore see this convergence as what might fittingly be called a ‘Double Fast’ — a divine invitation to transcend our differences and rediscover our shared humanity.

“As millions of Nigerians — Christians and Muslims alike, from North to South — abstain from food and drink, or devote themselves to forty days of penance and prayer, we are united in a single purpose: to seek the mercy of the Almighty for the healing of our land.

“This rare coincidence, this shared season of fasting, calls for intensified prayer against the insecurity and economic hardship confronting our country.  But prayer alone is not enough; it must be paired with action.

‘’It urges us toward charity for the vulnerable, forgiveness of one another, and the self-discipline both faiths commend. Many will rightly see this period as a necessary spiritual reset for our troubled nation.

“Let this season become a time of deep spiritual engagement. May our hunger remind us of our neighbours’ suffering, and may our prayers stand as a shield over our nation. May our sacrifices be accepted, and may this unique alignment usher in a lasting era of peace and unity across Nigeria.

“A Holy Lent and Ramadan Kareem to all. With our prayers and shared resolve, a New Nigeria is Possible,” he said.

Abiodun Salutes Muslim, Christian Faithful

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated Muslim and Christian faithful in the state on the commencement of the Ramadan and Lenten fasts, describing the season as a period of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation.

In a statement in Abeokuta, the governor said abstinence from food and worldly pleasures reflected a deep desire to draw closer to God, seek divine guidance, and pray for the growth and development of families, communities, Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

Abiodun noted that it was particularly significant that both Ramadan and Lent began around the same period, stressing that the coincidence underscored the shared values of faith, sacrifice, charity and good works among Muslims and Christians.

According to him, the prayers and supplications offered during the fasting season would strengthen Ogun State and the nation spiritually.

“As a people, we are bound by deep faith in God, and the fasting period represents a moment of reconnection with God and spiritual blessings.

“The modest achievements we have made in the last six years plus have been made possible through your prayers, support and good wishes.

“As the Ramadan and Lenten fast goes on, please be assured of our administration’s renewed determination to deliver the dividends of democracy and build a prosperous future for all of us.

“We shall not fail you. I urge continued prayer for the country, for the Presidency, and for Ogun and other states, so that we can all live in divine joy and assurance.”

Mbah Preaches Love, Peaceful Coexistence as Christians, Muslims Begin Their Fasting

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has enjoined Nigerians of both faiths to see the unique convergence as a divine call to embrace values that promote unity, love, service and peaceful co-existence.

Mbah noted that such remarkable coincidence was a reminder that while paths of worship might differ, Nigerians remained united in values of faith, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God espoused by the two religions.

This was contained in his message to the people of the state and Nigerians earlier on Ash Wednesday and while also fielding questions from newsmen after a Holy Mass to usher in the Lenten season at the Government House Chapel, Enugu.

“Lent calls Christians to prayer, fasting, penitence, almsgiving, and renewed commitment to love and service. Ramadan invites Muslims into a month of fasting, reflection, charity, and spiritual discipline.

“Both seasons teach restraint, deepen empathy for the less privileged, and strengthen our resolve to live in righteousness and peace” Mbah stated.

He also described Ash Wednesday and Lent as a season of sober reflections and cutting down on excesses, as man must ultimately return to dust.

“Ash Wednesday is also a reminder that we are from dust, and to dust we must return. So, for me, I think it is also a time for us to reflect on our actions and be a better version of who we are as leaders, as workers, as team players.

Okpebholo: Ramadan, Lent at Same Time is Divine Call for Unity, Prayers for Nigeria

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on the Moslems and Christians to pray for the unity of the country.

The governor described the simultaneous commencement of the holy month of Ramadan by the Muslim Ummah and the Lenten season by Christians as a significant and spiritually symbolic moment for Nigeria.

He noted that the coincidence of these sacred seasons offered a rare opportunity for collective reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to the values of faith, sacrifice, love, and peaceful coexistence.

The governor called on Muslims observing Ramadan and Christians marking Lent to use the solemn period of fasting and prayer to seek God’s intervention in the affairs of Edo State and Nigeria at large.

He urged both faith communities to pray fervently for national unity, economic stability, security, and lasting peace across the country.

Ododo Seeks Religious Tolerance, Vigilance, Peaceful Coexistence

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has urged residents to uphold religious tolerance, remain vigilant, and foster peaceful coexistence as Muslims and Catholics begin the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the governor described Ramadan and Lent as sacred periods of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation for Muslims and Catholics respectively.

According to the Governor, “the holy seasons of Ramadan and Lent offer an opportunity for believers to strengthen their relationship with Almighty God and reaffirm commitment to the values of compassion, charity, humility, sacrifice, and self-discipline.”

Ododo urged faithful of both religions to use this period to pray for sustained peace, stability, and development in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship and promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths across the state.

IPCR: Overlap is Call for National Healing

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.

In a statement, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.

IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offered an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence.

It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.

The institute, however, warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability.

Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.

CAN President: Nigeria Needs Action, Not Just Policies

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has urged leaders across the country to move beyond policy drafting and focus on real implementation that brings relief to struggling Nigerians.

In a press statement to mark Ash Wednesday, 2026, Okoh said the nation was going through a difficult period marked by rising cost of living, unemployment pressures, and persistent security concerns, stressing that what Nigerians needed was practical action and responsible leadership.

He called on leaders at all levels to be inclusive in their decisions, mindful of the country’s diversity and sensitivities, and committed to ensuring government programmes truly reach households, young people, and vulnerable communities.

He also warned citizens against division, violence, and the spread of false information, noting that Nigeria’s diversity across faiths and ethnic groups remained one of its greatest strengths.

“Nigeria does not lack policies; the real challenge is ensuring they are carried out fairly, transparently, and in ways that bring real relief to citizens,” he said.

Okoh urged continued cooperation among religious communities and responsible civic conduct to safeguard peace and national stability.

Addressing young people, he encouraged them to channel their creativity and energy into innovation, productive ventures, and responsible participation in public life.

“As we mark this Ash Wednesday, may it renew our collective commitment to justice, compassion, and responsible citizenship,” he added, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on the choices both leaders and citizens make.