President Tinubu calls for unity, compassion as Lent begins
..says food prices declining, exchange rate stabilizing
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has extended his best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as the 2025 Lenten season begins, urging Nigerians to embrace compassion, selflessness, and unity.
In a statement on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized the spiritual significance of the 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance, which prepares believers for Easter.
“Lent is a time of deep reflection, self-denial, and acts of kindness. It is a solemn reminder of life’s transient nature,” he said, quoting Genesis 3:19: “For dust you are, and to dust you will return.”
He also noted the significance of this year’s Lent coinciding with Ramadan, describing the convergence as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
“Beyond fasting and prayer, I urge all Nigerians to embrace the love of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and empathy,” he said. “Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, comfort the grieving, visit the sick, and uplift the marginalized.”
The President also highlighted recent economic and security improvements, expressing optimism for the future.
“We ended 2024 positively, with strong economic growth in the last quarter compared to the same period in 2023. Food prices are declining, the exchange rate is stabilizing, fuel prices are dropping, and internal security is strengthening,” he stated.
