As Christians worldwide mark Ash Wednesday, religious leaders in Nigeria have called on believers to use the Lenten season for deep spiritual reflection, renewal, and national unity, while also urging the government to address economic challenges.
“Return to God – Venerable Adepoju Adebayo
In an exclusive interview, with Venerable Adepoju Adebayo, Vicar of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, emphasized the significance of the season, describing it as a time for corporate prayer, fasting, and rededication to God.
“Ash Wednesday is not just about receiving ashes; it is a call for repentance, self-discipline, and a renewed commitment to God,” he said.
Venerable Adebayo also urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith despite economic hardships in Nigeria, stressing that spiritual devotion should take precedence over worldly struggles.
“While we recognize the difficult economic realities, let us not be consumed by anxiety. Instead, let us trust in God’s divine provision and grace.”
Beyond personal devotion, he called on the government to intensify efforts to address economic struggles for the well-being of all citizens.
CAN: “Lent is a Time for Hope
Similarly, The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, encouraged Nigerians to use the 40-day Lenten season to foster peace, unity, and love, despite prevailing hardships.
In a statement, Archbishop Okoh reminds believers that Lent is a time of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, urging them to find hope in the midst of challenges.
“This season calls for reflection, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let us let go of bitterness, embrace one another in love, and extend kindness to our neighbors. It is also a time to pray for our nation, trusting God for His intervention in our affairs.”
He further called on religious leaders, citizens, and government officials to work together in fostering national unity and social justice.
NCPC calls for justice
Adding his voice to the call for reflection, The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged Christians across Nigeria to uphold justice, fairness, and unity during the Lenten season.
In his Ash Wednesday message, released through Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations at NCPC, Bishop Adegbite stressed the importance of placing God at the center of national and personal renewal.
“Lent is a period of sober reflection, abstinence, and self-discipline. As we seek spiritual growth, we must also seek to build a just and fair society where peace and progress thrive,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for interfaith harmony, noting that unity between religious groups remains crucial for peace and national development.
Bishop Adegbite also called for special prayers for President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other government officials, asking God to grant them wisdom and direction in leading the country.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and charity, observed by Christians worldwide in preparation for Easter. As part of the observance, priests place ash crosses on worshippers’ foreheads, symbolizing repentance and a renewed commitment to Christ.
Religious leaders across Nigeria continue to emphasize the importance of faith, national unity, and social justice, calling on citizens to embrace the season with renewed hope and spiritual devotion.
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