Ramadan–Lent convergence offers moment for unity, Adebayo tells interfaith gathering in Gombe
By Henry Nnaemeka
An interfaith Iftar bringing together Muslim and Christian leaders held recently at the Al-Ahfad Mosque in Gombe, with participants describing the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as a timely opportunity for unity and national reflection.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, told the gathering that the overlap of the two sacred fasting periods should be viewed as a blessing for the country.
He said the season calls for personal and collective renewal.
“The central message in this holy Ramadan, which coincides with Christians’ Lent, is an opportunity to redeem ourselves, renew our faith and reflect on who we are as a community,” Adebayo said.
According to him, Nigeria’s religious diversity should inspire cooperation rather than division. He maintained that both Islam and Christianity emphasise peace, justice and accountable leadership.
“If we are united and use the tenets of our religions to raise a new generation, they will not think of how to get rid of one another; rather, they will think of how to get rid of bad leadership,” he said, urging an early commitment to those ideals.
In his address, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Dr Umar Dokaji, described the joint Iftar as symbolic, noting that Muslims and Christians are simultaneously engaged in fasting and prayer.
He said the decision to host scholars from both faiths was a deliberate step towards reinforcing religious tolerance at a time when the nation faces security, ethnic and social tensions.
“This kind of gathering will help unite the two major religious faithful and will go a long way in preventing religious crisis in the country,” Dokaji said. He also stressed the need to support vulnerable groups and uphold justice as a pathway to resolving Nigeria’s lingering challenges.
Representing the Christian community, former North-East Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Abare Kalla, described the shared fasting period as divinely orchestrated.
He noted that the prayers and supplications offered during Ramadan mirror those observed in Lent, adding that the overwhelming majority of Muslims worldwide reject terrorism.
Kalla recalled how Christian and Muslim communities in Nasarawa once resolved a misunderstanding over a place of worship through dialogue, presenting it as a model of peaceful coexistence.
The event drew clerics, scholars and community leaders from both faiths, united in a common call for peace, justice and stronger national cohesion.
