President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians for forgiveness for any wrongs he may have committed, calling on citizens to pursue unity, peace and moral renewal as the holy month of Ramadan begins.
The president made the appeal on Wednesday while speaking at the commencement of this year’s Tafsir at the State House Mosque in Abuja.
Tinubu also drew attention to the coincidence of Ramadan with the Christian season of Lent, describing it as a timely reminder of the shared values of faith, sacrifice and compassion that bind Nigerians together across religious lines.
“Ramadan coincides with Lent, reminding us of our common commitment to sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial,” he said.
“We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians.”
Tinubu said fasting should go beyond physical abstinence, noting that it must embody kindness, forgiveness, good deeds, and love for humanity.
He urged Nigerians across all religions in the country to pray for peace and support efforts against terrorism, banditry, and insecurity.
Abdulwahid Suleiman, chief Imam of the State House mosque, thanked Allah for enabling the Muslims to witness another Ramadan.
He lauded Tinubu’s leadership and prayed for wisdom, good health, and strength for the president and his team, while beseeching peace, stability, and prosperity for all Nigerians.