Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has called on citizens to remember the country in their prayers as Christians commence the Lenten season.
In a message shared on her X account on Wednesday, the First Lady described Lent as a sacred period devoted to spiritual renewal and introspection, encouraging Nigerians to embrace compassion and unity throughout the solemn observance.
“As we begin this Lenten period, I pray that this time of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and drawing closer to God is committed to following Christ’s example of love,” the First Lady wrote.
“May our prayers and acts of compassion and kindness deepen our faith and reflect on our relationships with others. I urge us to remember to pray for the peace and prosperity of our dear nation, Nigeria. I wish us all a blessed and fulfilled Lenten season.”
Lent commenced on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of one of the most significant seasons in the Christian liturgical calendar. The 40-day period, observed without counting Sundays, is traditionally set aside for penitence, fasting, prayer, and charitable giving.
The season culminates in the celebration of Easter and commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness—a period symbolizing contemplation, sacrifice, and spiritual preparation.
‘Very Significant’ Period
This year’s Lenten observance coincides with the beginning of the Muslim Ramadan fast, a relatively rare alignment that has prompted widespread appeals for unity and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
Governors from several states, including Lagos, Kwara, and Edo, joined religious leaders in highlighting the importance of tolerance during this overlapping spiritual season.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the simultaneous commencement of Lent and Ramadan as deeply meaningful. In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, he emphasized the global importance of both observances.
“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,” the governor said.
He further explained that Lent and Ramadan hold central positions in the Christian and Islamic calendars, serving as periods dedicated to fasting and seeking divine guidance in human affairs.
“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.
“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.”
Similarly, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, echoed the message of harmony, noting that the concurrent fasting periods underscore the need for cooperation among people of different faiths.
“The two fasting seasons beginning on the same day again signal a need for all of mankind across creeds to work for harmony, peace, and unity, while acting as a united force against all forms of evil and things that could slow down the pace of development in Kwara State and Nigeria,” Abdulrazaq said.
He also urged “the two faith communities to pray and work with the government to improve the well-being of the people”.
In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo described the overlap as a unique opportunity for collective reflection and a renewed dedication to shared values.
According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor encouraged Nigerians to seize the moment for national renewal.
“This is a profound spiritual moment for our nation. As Muslims fast and Christians observe Lent, I encourage all faithful to lift Nigeria before God in prayer and supplication.
“Let us seek divine guidance to overcome our challenges and build a more united, prosperous, and peaceful country,” the governor said.
The alignment of Lent and Ramadan has therefore become more than a calendar coincidence, with leaders across the country framing it as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s religious diversity and the shared responsibility to promote peace, unity, and national progress.
What you should know
The Lenten season, which began on Ash Wednesday, is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, penance, and almsgiving in the Christian faith, leading up to Easter.
It commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and is considered one of the most sacred times in the Christian calendar.
This year, Lent coincides with the start of the Muslim Ramadan fast, creating a rare overlap between two major religious observances. The convergence has prompted national leaders to call for tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and collective prayer for Nigeria’s stability and development.
First Lady Remi Tinubu and several state governors have urged citizens to use the dual fasting season as an opportunity for reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to faith-driven values. They emphasized the importance of seeking divine guidance while working together to foster peace and prosperity across the country.
