President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent warm greetings to Christian and Muslim faithful across Nigeria as the seasons of Lent and Ramadan commence simultaneously on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the President described the rare concurrence of the two sacred periods as a reminder of the shared values and common faith that unite Nigerians.
“Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day this year. 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.
He highlighted the spiritual significance of the observances, noting that Lent provides Christians with a period of fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following the example of Jesus Christ before His crucifixion. For Muslims, Ramadan is a sacred time of devotion, sacrifice, communal love, and reflection, forming one of the five pillars of Islam.
The President urged Nigerians to use the period to promote unity, peace, and stability, and to pray for the nation’s progress and security.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The message comes as both religious communities observe the seasons with fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, reinforcing spiritual reflection and communal harmony across the country.
