NOA DG Calls on Nigerians to Embrace National Unity as Lent, Ramadan Commence

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan and Lent seasons which kicked off on the same day as an opportunity to embrace national unity and foster peaceful coexistence across the country.

According to him, the convergence of these significant religious seasons presents a unique moment for citizens to reflect on shared values and work collectively toward national cohesion, peace, and progress.

Issa-Onilu, in a statement made available to Radio Nigeria, urged both Muslims and Christians to embrace the duty of care by being their brothers’ keepers, stressing that the values of compassion and selfless service inherent in both Ramadan and Lent should inspire us to look out for one another regardless of religious affiliation.

The DG enjoined Nigerians to use the spiritual significance of the period to pray for the government, particularly in its ongoing efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

Meanwhile, Catholic faithful in Asaba turned out in their large numbers to observe Ash Wednesday marking the commencement of the Lenten season characterized with forty days prayers, fasting and alms giving.

At SS Joachim and Anne Oratory , Catholic Diocese of Issele Uku Church, hundreds of worshippers in sober reflection received ash on their foreheads.

The Catholic faithful who were full of thanks for keeping them alive to observe the Ash Wednesday, expressed their preparedness to follow the footsteps of Jesus.

The Catholic Priest, the Reverend Father Christopher Ubah told the worshippers that the ash is a reminder that they are dust and unto dust shall they return.

He urged them to use the Lenten season to rededicate and commit themselves to the service of God , and give alms to the less privileged ones.

Reverend Father Christopher explained that the ash was an external sign of interior conversion, a willingness to begin with God afresh, and walk in the light of Jesus.

The Catholic Priest admonished Christians, and other Nigerians to do what is right and eschew evil as exemplified by Jesus, the sin of God.

He stated further, ”It’s an external sign of interior conversion, a willingness to begin with God afresh, and walk in the light of Jesus. Let it be another opportunity for complete renewal of the spirit , to do what is right and eschew what is evil”.