The member representing Ibadan north-west/Ibadan south-west federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has extended warm greetings to muslim and christian faithful on the commencement of the Ramadan and Lenten fasting periods, urging them to embrace the seasons as moment of sacrifice and national rebirth.
In a statement issued on tuesday night by his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha, the federal lawmaker described the coincidence of the two sacred observances as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s shared values of faith, discipline and compassion.
According to the statement, Ramadan represents a period of spiritual purification, devotion and charity for muslim faithful, while the Lenten season calls christians to prayer, fasting, repentance and righteous living.
Olajide congratulated muslim faithful for witnessing the beginning of Ramadan, urging them to dedicate the holy month to prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole.
He noted that the essence of fasting extends beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that it embodies self control, empathy for the less privileged and total submission to the will of almighty Allah.
He equally acknowledged the solemnity of the lenten period in the christian calendar, describing it as a time for spiritual introspection, moral renewal and rededication to the teachings of Jesus christ.
“Both Ramadan and Lent teach the values of sacrifice, humility, forgiveness and love for humanity. These are virtues our nation urgently require at this critical time in our history,” Olajide stated.
The lawmaker urged religious leaders across the state to use the sacred seasons to promote peaceful co-existence, tolerance and unity among citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnic background.
He further encouraged Nigerians to extend acts of kindness to vulnerable members of society, further reiterating that charity and generosity remain central to both observances.
“As our Muslim brothers and sisters fast during Ramadan and our Christian brethren observe Lent, let us seize this opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us as one people. Through prayer, discipline and compassion, we can build a more harmonious and progressive society,” the statement added.
