By Our Correspondent
Lagos, Feb. 21 ’26 (TNZ) The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) has felicitated with Muslims around the world on the commencement of the glorious month of Ramadan.
TheNewsZenith reports that the President-General of the Council, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, extended warm greetings to Christians as they begin the season of Lent.
The felicitation is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Hassan Adekunle, Social/Publicity Secretary of OMC. He emailed the statement to TheNewsZenith on Saturday.
Oba Matemilola, who is the Olowu of Owu, expressed
profound joy over the coincidence of this year’s Ramadan with Ash Wednesday. The day marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian faith.
He described the rare convergence as “a reminder of our common values and the importance of strengthening inter-faith harmony and mutual understanding among adherents of the two major religions”.
According to the royal father, both Ramadan and Lent are periods devoted to deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, sacrifice, charity, and commitment to the worship of Almighty God.
He noted that the simultaneous observance presents a unique opportunity for Muslims and Christians to demonstrate to the true essence of faith.
“This, they can exhibit through peaceful coexistence, compassion, and collective responsibility towards nation-building,” TheNewsZenith quotes the President-General as saying.
Oba Matemilola, therefore, urged Muslims to take full advantage of the spiritual, health, economic, and social benefits inherent in Ramadan.
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He emphasised that beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a period that calls for increased devotion, prayers, charity, and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, humility, and righteousness.
Similarly, he called on Christians to use the Lenten season as a time of reflection and faith renewal.
The royal father urged them to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ through acts of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and service to humanity in their daily lives.
He cautioned adherents of both faiths to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be used by individuals or groups with selfish or destructive agendas.
This is to prevent acts capable of destabilising the peace and unity of the state and the country.
He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, urging citizens to continue to protect and preserve the peaceful coexistence.
The royal father wishes Muslims a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Christians, a meaningful Lenten season.
He prayed that Almighty God accepts their acts of worship, grants their supplications, and blesses Nigeria. (TNZ)
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