The Governor of Niger, Mohammed Bago, has urged Christians to sustain prayers for enduring peace and prosperity in the state and the country at large.

Governor Bago made the call in a goodwill message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday in Minna to mark the commencement of Lent, a 40-day fasting period observed by Christians.

The governor described it as both divine and strategic that Muslims and Christians began their 2026 fasting on the same day, stressing that the development underscored the need for unity and collective supplication for the nation.

He also stated that the prevailing insecurity in parts of the country required sustained prayers from citizens, alongside ongoing government efforts to address the challenges.

Bago further urged Christians to reflect the true essence of Lent in their daily lives beyond the season, emphasising values of sacrifice, self-discipline, love and compassion.

He therefore congratulated Christians in the state and across the world on the commencement of the spiritual exercise and wished them a rewarding and successful observance.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, devoid of ethnic or religious sentiment.

Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving observed by Christians in preparation for Easter, as the season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and excludes Sundays, commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness, and calls believers to repentance, spiritual renewal and deeper devotion.