By Rita Okoye

The Inter-Tribal Traditional Leaders’ Association of Nigeria (ITTLAN) , an umbrella platform of community leaders Associations dedicated to the advancement of local integration, unity, rights protection, conflict mediation and political education of local community residents in all the 36 states in Nigeria,

wishes to extend warm greetings to all Nigerians especially Muslim and Christian faithful as this year Ramadan and Lent get underway.

In a  press release issued to the media recently, His Highness, Ambassador Ndanusa Yunusa Yakubu (Sarkin Nupawan Katsina) the National Secretary of  ITTLAN, said “Ramadan is an important pillar in Islam which Almighty Allah Himself chose out as he commanded the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) just as the Lent is a major and sacred period in the Christian faith”. 

His Highness,  Ambassador Ndanua Yunusa Yakubu further explained that,  these two holy rituals signify sacrifice, love, peace and great discipline. 

They are periods of preaching and pursuing peace, forgiveness, making prayers and receiving answers to prayers, he stated.

It is no coincidence that the two religious observances are happening at the same time this year. This, for us in Nigeria, calls for deeper and greater reflections that should make all faithful pray for lasting peace, unity and security in our dear country, Yakubu stated.

While congratulating Nigerian Christians and Muslims on witnessing the holy month this year, ITTLAN urge everyone to use this sacred period to advance the virtues and values of patience, forgiveness, selflessness and compassion, he stated.

May this Ramadan and Lenten period bring abundant blessings, divine guidance, peace and joy to our dear country. May this period strengthen the bonds of love, unity and brotherliness in the midst of Nigerian people, Yakubu stated.