Gov. Mbah urges love, service, and peaceful coexistence during Lent and Ramadan
As Christians and Muslims in Nigeria and around the world commence the sacred observances of Lent and Ramadan, Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, has called on adherents of both faiths to regard the rare overlap as a divine opportunity to reaffirm shared values that foster unity, love, selfless service, and peaceful coexistence.
The governor observed that the simultaneous spiritual seasons serve as a powerful reminder that although modes of worship may differ, Nigerians are bound by common principles of faith, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God that are central to both religions. He emphasised that the period should inspire citizens to deepen acts of charity, strengthen bonds across religious divides, and promote harmony within communities, noting that the essence of Lent and Ramadan aligns in encouraging moral reflection, generosity, discipline, and collective responsibility.
This was contained in his message to the people of the state and Nigerians earlier on Ash Wednesday and while also fielding questions from newsmen after a Holy Mass to usher in the Lenten season at the Government House Chapel, Enugu
Peter Mbah explained that the Lenten period calls Christians to embrace prayer, fasting, penitence, almsgiving, and a renewed dedication to love and service, while Ramadan invites Muslims into a sacred month marked by fasting, reflection, charity, and spiritual discipline.
According to the governor, both observances emphasise restraint, nurture compassion for the less privileged, and reinforce the commitment of believers to live in righteousness and peace. He noted that the seasons provide an opportunity for individuals and communities to cultivate empathy, deepen spirituality, and strengthen social responsibility.
Mbah further described Ash Wednesday and the broader Lenten period as a time for sober reflection and moderation, stressing the symbolic reminder of human mortality embedded in the observance. He stated that Ash Wednesday underscores the reality that humans come from dust and will ultimately return to it, urging leaders, workers, and citizens alike to examine their actions and strive to become better versions of themselves.
In a related message, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Calistus Onaga, encouraged Christians to faithfully uphold prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, describing them as the three cardinal pillars of the Lenten season essential for spiritual growth and renewal
