At the State House mosque in Abuja on Wednesday, Nigeria’s spiritual calendar converged with its political leadership as President Bola Tinubu used the opening of the annual Tafsir to deliver a message that blended personal reflection with a broader appeal for national reconciliation.
Speaking at the start of Ramadan, Tinubu cast the holy month not only as a period of fasting for Muslims, but as a moment of collective moral reset for the country.
He drew attention to the rare overlap between Ramadan and the Christian observance of Lent, describing it as a timely reminder of values that cut across religious lines, sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial.
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According to the president, fasting should extend beyond abstaining from food and drink.
He urged Nigerians to embody compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and love for one another, stressing that the true essence of the season lies in good deeds and renewed faith.
In a striking personal note, Tinubu asked citizens to pardon him for any wrongdoing. “If I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians,” he said, framing forgiveness as both a spiritual obligation and a civic virtue.
The president also called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the season to pray for peace and rally behind efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges facing the nation.
Earlier, Abdulwahid Suleiman, chief imam of the State House mosque, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness another Ramadan.
He offered prayers for wisdom, strength, and good health for the president and his team, while seeking peace, stability, and prosperity for the country.
