President Goodluck Jonathan and Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Thursday urged Christians to pray for peace and progress in the country during the Lenten season.

In separate statements, they urged the Christian community to reflect deeply during the period on the virtues and ideals of human existence as exemplified by the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan said. "As the dominant feature of the 40-day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is constant prayers, penitence, fasting and self-denial, President Jonathan urges Christians in Nigeria to pray fervently this Lent for greater peace, security and progress in the country."

He called on Christians to and commit themselves to making those virtues including brotherly love, tolerance, humility, service to others, honesty, fairness and equity more manifest in their daily lives.

Ahmed advised all wealthy Christians to appreciate the pains of hunger by donating generously to the less privileged during the fasting period.

He urged Kwara residents to genuinely return to God in order for the nation to overcome its current socio-economic and security challenges.