Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to use the concurrent observance of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season to strengthen national unity and demonstrate practical compassion toward fellow citizens.
In a statement on Thursday, Shettima, described the period as an opportunity for both spiritual renewal and collective nation-building.
Also, the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has urged citizens to embrace unity, compassion and peaceful coexistence as Ramadan and Lent begin.
She made the call in a goodwill message to Muslims and Christians on Thursday in Abuja.
The vice-president, who said the sacred month required more than religious rituals, called for active engagements in addressing the nation’s seemingly formidable challenges.
“Let us not only feed the hungry, but uplift the weary; not only give charity, but extend kindness; not only pray for peace, but work for justice. This is the true essence of Ramadan,” he said.
Shettima also described Ramadan as “a journey of the soul and a time for deep reflection, for self-purification, and for embracing the true essence of Islam—peace, patience, sacrifice, and service to humanity.”
He paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s religious leaders across faiths, whom he described as “the moral and spiritual compass of the nation.”
Shettima also acknowledged their invaluable role in shaping the country’s ethical foundation during this period when both major religious communities are engaged in spiritual disciplines.
The vice-president called for prayers for national stability during the holy season, even as he said, “We must strengthen the bonds that unite us and reject the forces that seek to divide us.”
He also requested fervent prayers for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, asking that divine guidance grant the president “wisdom, strength, and foresight to pilot the affairs of our great nation.”
Hajiya Shettima congratulated Muslims on the start of Ramadan, describing it as a period of prayer, fasting, self-discipline and spiritual renewal.
“Ramadan is a sacred period for spiritual growth, self-discipline and compassion, reminding Muslims of the importance of kindness, generosity and service to humanity,” she said.
She urged Muslims to uphold kindness, generosity and forgiveness and other virtues in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran.
She prayed that the season would strengthen faith, deepen reflection and promote peace within families and communities.
She also extended goodwill to Christians observing Lent, urging them to use the period for reflection and closer communion with God.
According to her, Lent offers opportunities for spiritual renewal, sacrifice and commitment to righteous living.
“As Christians begin Lent, the season equally calls for reflection, sacrifice and renewed commitment to faith, love and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” she added.
Shettima said both Ramadan and Lent emphasise compassion, selflessness and love for humanity, which should strengthen national unity and harmony.
She stressed the need for mutual respect and understanding among citizens, irrespective of religious differences.
She urged Nigerians to support one another and contribute to peace, stability and national progress through unity, tolerance and collective responsibility.
She also called on religious leaders to continue promoting messages of peace and coexistence during the sacred periods.
She expressed optimism that prayers offered during Ramadan and Lent would bring divine guidance to the nation.
She wished Muslims a blessed Ramadan and Christians a fulfilling Lenten journey marked by peace, hope and spiritual growth.
(NAN)
