By Ola Kiya, Reporting
THE Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the simultaneous commencement of this year’s Lent and Ramadan fasting seasons as “God’s design” for Nigeria and the wider world.
Sanwo-Olu joined Christians and Muslims in marking the beginning of the sacred periods, urging the faithful to dedicate the season to fervent prayers for peace, unity and national stability.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor congratulated adherents of both faiths and called on them to seek God’s face during the fasting period.
“I congratulate Lagosians and Nigerians, especially Christians and Muslims, on the celebration of this year’s Lent and Ramadan,” he said. “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.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the rare alignment of the two major religious observances was not a coincidence.
“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 stated.
He noted that Lent and Ramadan occupy important places in the Christian and Islamic calendars respectively, serving as periods of reflection, sacrifice and spiritual renewal.
According to him, the season underscores the significance of abstinence in seeking divine grace, mercy and forgiveness, adding that Nigerians must use the opportunity to pray against untoward occurrences in the country.
“As we join the rest of the world in observing this year’s Lent and Ramadan, I enjoin Lagosians and Nigerians to be more steadfast in prayers against any form of evil in our land,” he said.
The governor further appealed for tolerance and mutual respect among citizens, urging them to uphold good conduct and continue offering prayers for sustained peace, unity and prosperity in Lagos and across Nigeria.
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