As the Christian community in Nigeria and across the world begins the 2025 Lenten season, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended a heartfelt message to all Christians, urging them to embrace the spirit of the season through devotion, reflection, and acts of kindness. This 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance, which leads up to the joyous celebration of Easter, holds great significance for Christians and serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discipline and selflessness.
In a statement issued on March 6, 2025, the president acknowledged the special significance of this year’s Lenten season as it coincides with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, further emphasising the unity and shared values between Nigeria’s two largest religious communities.
Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, marks a time for Christians to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly his sacrifice and humility. The season encourages self-denial, self-reflection, almsgiving, and a deepened commitment to prayer and spiritual growth. In his statement, President Tinubu highlighted that this sacred time serves as a reminder of life’s impermanence, quoting the Bible passage from Genesis 3:19: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you will return.”
“These words remind us of the transient nature of life,” President Tinubu stated. “Lent is a time to reflect deeply on our lives, to repent for our wrongdoings, and to prepare ourselves for the hope that Easter brings.”
For the Nigerian president, this year’s Lenten season is not only about religious observance but also about embracing the spirit of compassion and love that is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He urged Nigerians to engage in acts of kindness, particularly towards those who are less fortunate.
“We must embody the love of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and empathy to those around us,” Tinubu urged. “Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, comfort the grieving, visit the sick, and uplift the marginalised.”
This year, the observance of Lent and Ramadan coincides, a rare overlap that President Tinubu celebrated as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity in diversity. Both seasons encourage devotion, selflessness, sacrifice, and compassion for others. The president pointed out that, despite the differences in religion, both Christians and Muslims are called to serve one another and seek a closer connection to God during these sacred periods.
“It is indeed remarkable that this year, as Christians begin their Lenten journey, our Muslim brothers and sisters are also preparing for Ramadan,” Tinubu observed. “This convergence of religious observances is a testament to the unity in diversity that defines our great nation.”
The president’s words are a powerful reminder that, despite Nigeria’s cultural and religious differences, there is much that unites its people—especially the shared values of compassion, service, and devotion to the greater good.
In his message, Tinubu urged all Nigerians to take this time of reflection and turn it into positive action. He called on citizens to deepen their commitment to selflessness, as the nation continues to face various challenges, both at home and abroad.
“Our nation is at a critical point in its journey, and we must reflect on how we treat one another, especially in times of hardship,” he said. “This season is an opportunity to show empathy and generosity, to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering, and to strengthen the bonds that hold our society together.”
