As the holy month of Ramadan commences, coinciding with the Christian Lenten season, the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Temitope Kolapo Abideen, has extended warm felicitations to Muslims and Christians across the local government, calling for prayers, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
In a goodwill message released on Wednesday morning, Dr. Abideen congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of Ramadan, describing the period as a sacred time for reflection, self-discipline, spiritual renewal, and compassion. He noted that Ramadan offers an opportunity to strengthen faith, deepen patience, and recommit to service to humanity.
He also conveyed heartfelt greetings to Christian brothers and sisters as they observe the Lenten season, emphasizing that Lent similarly represents a period of sacrifice, repentance, prayer, and renewed devotion to God.
According to the Chairman, the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent is a powerful reminder of shared values across faiths, love, humility, sacrifice, and care for the less privileged.
“I pray that this sacred season brings abundant blessings, peace, and prosperity to every home in Ona Ara Local Government. May the fasting and prayers of our Muslim faithful be accepted, and may the spiritual sacrifices of our Christian brethren yield divine grace and renewal,” he said.
Dr. Abideen urged residents to use the period to pray for peace, progress, and sustainable development in Ona Ara Local Government, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large. He also called on citizens to strengthen communal bonds, support the vulnerable, and uphold the spirit of togetherness that defines the people of Ona Ara.
The statement concluded with prayers for continued harmony among religious communities and for divine guidance for leaders and citizens alike.
