Ramadan/Lent: Ogun Muslim Council felicitates Muslims, Christians

The President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, has felicitated Muslims in Ogun State, across Nigeria and around the world on the commencement of the glorious month of Ramadan. 

He also extended warm greetings to Christians as they begin the season of Lent.

Oba Matemilola, who is the Olowu of Owu, in a statement signed by the OMC Social/Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Adekunle, expressed joy over the coincidence of this year’s Ramadan with Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian faith. 

He described the rare convergence as a powerful reminder of our common values and the importance of strengthening interfaith harmony and mutual understanding among adherents of the two major religions.

According to the monarch, both Ramadan and Lent are periods devoted to deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, sacrifice, charity and renewed 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 world the true essence of faith through peaceful coexistence, compassion and collective responsibility towards nation-building.

Oba Matemilola therefore urged Muslims to take full advantage of the numerous spiritual, moral, health, economic and social benefits inherent in the Ramadan fast. 

He emphasised that beyond abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a period that calls for increased devotion, fervent prayers, acts of charity, support for the less privileged, strengthening of family and community bonds and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, humility and righteousness.

ALSO READ: Why Ogun is experiencing rapid economic growth — Commissioner

Similarly, the President-General called on Christians to use the Lenten season as a time of reflection and renewal, urging them to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ through acts of love, sacrifice, forgiveness and service to humanity, not only during Lent but also in their daily lives thereafter.

The traditional ruler appealed to Muslims and Christians in Ogun State and Nigeria at large to use this exceptional period to jointly promote activities and collaborations that foster peace, unity, tolerance and mutual respect. 

He stressed that religion should remain a force for harmony and national development rather than division.

Oba Matemilola cautioned adherents of both faiths to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be used by individuals or groups with selfish or destructive agendas capable of destabilising the peace and unity of the state and the country. 

He noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and urged citizens to continue to protect and preserve the long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence.

The OMC President-General also called on the faithful to use the sacred period to offer special prayers for leaders at the local, state and federal levels, seeking divine wisdom, guidance and strength for them to govern with justice, fairness and compassion. 

He added that prayers should also be offered for the peace, stability, unity and sustainable progress of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

While wishing Muslims a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Christians a meaningful Lenten season, Oba Matemilola prayed that Almighty God accepts their acts of worship, grants their supplications and blesses Ogun State and Nigeria with enduring peace, prosperity, and development.