Tinubu, Atiku congratulate Muslims on Ramadan

President‑elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Nigerian Muslims to embody humility, forgiveness and service—qualities exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW)—as the Ramadan fasting period began on Thursday. In his congratulatory message, Tinubu said, “As we begin this year’s Ramadan, I bring warm greetings and congratulations to all Muslims who have received the grace of Almighty Allah to witness this holy month.” He emphasized that Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink; it is a time to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah and become better servants of both God and fellow humans. Tinubu called for believers to “imbibe the spirit and true meaning behind the holy month,” keeping hold of the “excellent and wonderful things” it signifies.

He urged Muslims to fast and reflect with the spirit of sacrifice, self‑discipline, goodwill, justice, tolerance, mercy, compassion and generosity that lie at the heart of Islam. “Let us strive to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) example of humility, forgiveness, and service to others,” he said, adding that such conduct would help create a better nation where Muslims and non‑Muslims can live in trust, peace and justice as Allah intends. Tinubu also appealed for prayers for Nigeria, its leaders and the country’s diversity, urging unity and progress. “The lessons of the holy month of Ramadan point to the success of unity, not the failure of division,” he noted, wishing that the month bring everyone closer to Allah, with fasting and prayers accepted, and that it be a time of peace, unity and harmony for Nigeria and all humanity. “Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims in Nigeria and across the world,” he concluded.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in his own Ramadan message, reminded Muslims of the sacrifice and devotion required in worship, describing them as core tenets of the holy month. He lamented that this year’s Ramadan arrived while the country stood at a crossroads, marked by despondency and confusion. Nevertheless, he expressed delight that “the month of Ramadan has come to us as a blessing from the Almighty, an opportunity to wash away our worries, doubts and hopelessness.” Atiku affirmed that the essential principles of Ramadan—particularly the importance of sacrifice not only for family and friends but also for the cause of peace—are precisely what the nation needs to heal its wounds, both individually and collectively.