By Kunle Oyatomi
Adherents of Nigeria’s two major religions are off regular wining and dining, with Muslims observing the annual 30-day Ramadan and some Christians marking 40 days of fasting called Lent. It’s rare to find these two observances coinciding in their religious obligations to their Creator. This observation is instructive because we can all agree that this isn’t merely coincidental; Providence is at work, signifying the arrival of good news for Nigeria, according to many compatriots. I wish to concur with them. After all, we’re a society deeply rooted in religion, whether symbolic, nominal, superficial, ceremonial, or substantial.
However, some cynics may not want to see the Hand of Providence in the picture, describing this perspective as superstition. Really? Whether they have a point or not is neither here nor there. Instead, we should examine the reality of these developments and what they signal for the country, particularly in relation to the current reforms of the Tinubu Presidency, which is about to mark its midterm.
President Bola Tinubu has approached these issues from a rather auspicious angle and has drawn inspiration from them. He believes, “this year’s convergence of religious observances of Lent and Ramadan is a testament to the unity in diversity that characterizes Nigeria.” As he wished Nigerians a season of blessings, the president stated, “This year’s Lent, a time of devotion and reflection for Christians, coincided with the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, a season that similarly emphasizes devotion, sacrifice, and acts of kindness. This period of reflection coincides with encouraging progress in our nation. We ended 2024 positively, as our economy showed growth in the last quarter compared to the same period in 2023.”
He then spoke of declining food prices, a stabilizing exchange rate, dropping fuel prices, and strengthened internal security. For him, Heaven is at work for Nigeria. Indeed, as Ramadan commenced, Tinubu urged the faithful to comport themselves in a manner pleasing to Allah so that their prayers for themselves, their loved ones, and the nation at large would be answered. The ultimate objective of religion is for supplicants to mediate between the Creator and humanity. Thus, it’s not asking too much for a political leader to plead for prayers for secular authorities; both work hand in hand for the peace and progress of institutions.
This is why Tinubu linked Ramadan and Lent as a metaphorical occasion for the Divine ordering of a smooth sail for the Nigerian economy during these challenging times. As a believer in the supremacy of God in the affairs of man, he urged Christians and Muslims not to cease praying for their beloved country.
There’s no doubt that we have made significant progress following nearly two years of social and economic reforms under this administration. However, due to the enormous challenges inherited by this government, something far beyond the strength of mythological Greek gods will be required to clean up the Augean Stables. While the government is leveraging its administrative expertise, the public must complement this with a massive measure of patriotism, increased productivity, and untainted cooperation.
Support will naturally come from religious bodies. Their members are expected to live exemplary lives befitting those who are disciples of the founders of their respective religions, movements, or sects. Their teachings abhor antisocial traits such as violence, economic sabotage, immorality, man’s inhumanity to man, destruction or theft of public infrastructure, and treason. True practitioners of the main religions and traditional varieties would not harbor these vices, nor would they include them in their creed.
I must also add that religion, without intentional and prayerful support for the government of the day, falls short of being a God-honoring practice. Whether Muslim, Christian, or traditional worshipper, the charge is that we must pray for our leaders. If they are deemed benevolent, we pray that God keeps them so. Conversely, if they are perceived as lacking benevolence, we should still pray for a change of heart for them and for Divine guidance in their nation-building efforts.
Therefore, when the Catholic Bishops Conference, at its plenary meeting of 2025 in Abuja, claimed that the Tinubu government had done little to alleviate poverty, insecurity, youth unemployment, corruption, and electoral fraud, it took very little time for Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga to issue a statement aimed at changing the narrative. He reminded the clerics that the conversation had moved beyond such clichés.
Onanuga acknowledged the concerns of the religious leaders and their desire to contribute to discussions on nation-building. However, he disagreed with the view that Nigeria remains in the same state as when Tinubu took office. He stated, “While some governance challenges in the areas highlighted by the Bishops remain, it is important to categorically state that our country has made tremendous progress in all areas since Tinubu assumed office 22 months ago… Under President Tinubu, Nigeria spends more on economic and social infrastructure such as roads, power, healthcare, education, and security.”
Thus, we can see that in these times of abstinence from wanton feasting, in compliance with the demands of the two major faiths in Nigeria, our President has drawn our attention to how it has pleased Heaven to bring both to the same table of sacrifice, where they can supplicate for the country.
Their obligation this solemn season is, as they worship God in fasting, to refrain from excessive criticism of the so-called shortcomings of the government.
I believe that, in the long run, the soul that pleases God in times of sobriety and whose worship would be accepted is the uncomplaining one who, alongside their petitions, lifts up the country and its leaders to Heaven for direction.
Oyatomi Esq. is on the Board of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative, a think tank based in Abuja.
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