On the evening of Wednesday when he personally signed a message to Nigerian Christians and Muslims on the occasion of Lent and Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu appealed to fellow citizens for forgiveness if he has sinned against them.
The President made the remarks during the opening of the 2026 Ramadan Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja. His address came on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, which this year coincides with the Christian season of Lent.
Tinubu, while observing the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent on the same day, said the rare occurrence serves as a reminder of shared values.
“Ramadan coincides with Lent, reminding us of our common commitment to sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial.
“We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians.”
Tinubu said fasting should go beyond physical abstinence, noting that it must embody kindness, forgiveness, good deeds, and love for humanity.
He emphasised that the overlapping holy seasons should inspire Nigerians to pray for stability, foster interfaith understanding, and contribute to national development through acts of love and charity.
The President urged Nigerians across all religions in the country to pray for peace and support efforts against terrorism, banditry, and insecurity.
Earlier in a message personally signed by him to Christians and Muslims on the occasion of Lent and Ramadan, the President urged adherents to be honourable in their duty to God and fellow humans.
He pointed out that for both seasons to coincide is a reminder that as a people of faith, “we share a lot in common and are one people under God.”
He 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, and prayed that the lessons, blessings, and joys of these sacred seasons abide with us always.”
While greeting Christians and Muslims faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan, Tinubu said, “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.”
