VP KASHIM SHETTIMA CALLS FOR UNITY AS NIGERIANS OBSERVE RAMADAN AND LENT

VP KASHIM SHETTIMA CALLS FOR UNITY AS NIGERIANS OBSERVE RAMADAN AND LENT Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged citizens to seize the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent as a powerful opportunity to strengthen national unity, compassion, and collective resolve toward peace and progress. In a statement issued on Thursday signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President) Shettima described the convergence of these sacred periods as not only a time for spiritual renewal but also for nation-building and practical solidarity. This year, millions of Nigerians are observing Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and spiritual reflection, at the same time that many Christians are participating in Lent, a period of abstinence and preparation for Easter a rare overlap that religious and political leaders have described as symbolic of shared values and collective purpose. Shettima said the period should go beyond ritual observance: Feed the hungry, uplift the weary
Give charity and extend kindness
Pray for peace and work for justice
He emphasised that such actions reflect the true essence of both holy seasons and strengthen the bonds among Nigerians of different faiths. In his message, Shettima encouraged citizens to:
Strengthen inter-religious harmony
Show compassion to fellow Nigerians
Address shared challenges through collective effort
He framed the moment as more than a spiritual observance, but a call for practical empathy and cooperation in confronting social and economic issues facing the nation.
Analysts and interfaith groups have echoed this sentiment, noting that the rare coincidence of Ramadan and Lent presents a unique platform for promoting tolerance, dialogue, and mutual respect across religious lines in Nigeria. The unity message comes amid ongoing national conversations about peace, security, and cohesion as leaders across sectors recognise the symbolic power of this spiritual convergence. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has similarly highlighted the shared values between the two observances, urging Nigerians to promote peace, good neighbourliness, and national stability.
Religious, civil and political voices have united in calling on citizens to embrace tolerance and bridge social divides as the country marks these solemn seasons together.
The overlapping of Ramadan and Lent is unusual and carries deep symbolic weight in Nigeria’s multi-faith society.
Leaders are urging Nigerians to use this moment as a catalyst for national unity, interfaith harmony, and collaborative nation building. The call reflects ongoing priority from the government to foster peace and stability during times of spiritual reflection.