Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, dear Christian faithful,
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh to all commencing the holy month of Ramadan today, February 18, 2026. Ramadan Mubarak! May this sacred period of fasting, prayer, Qur’an recitation, and charity draw you closer to Allah (SWT), strengthen your faith, purify your hearts, and bring endless barakah to you and your families.
To our Christian brothers and sisters marking Ash Wednesday and entering the solemn season of Lent: May the Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you during these 40 days of reflection, repentance, prayer, and sacrifice. May this journey prepare your hearts for the joy of Easter and fill you with renewed hope, peace, and divine grace.
Today, February 18, 2026, we witness a beautiful and rare spiritual convergence: the commencement of Ramadan and Lent coinciding in this way.
In our beloved Nigeria especially here in Osun State and across the nation, this shared moment of devotion, self-discipline, and seeking God’s face is profoundly significant. Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk in obedience to Allah, while Christians embrace fasting, almsgiving, and prayer in imitation of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. Both traditions call us to humility, compassion, forgiveness, generosity toward the needy, and a deeper relationship with the Divine.
In a time when our society faces many challenges, this overlap reminds us of our shared values: love for God, care for one another, justice, and peace. It is an invitation to Muslims and Christians alike to stand together as one people under God, fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and unity.
Let us use this holy season to build bridges, extend kindness, and work for the common good of our communities.
My earnest prayer to the Almighty God whom we all worship in sincerity is that He hears and answers every secret prayer in our hearts during these blessed periods. May He grant us the strength to fulfill our devotions faithfully, the mercy to forgive and be forgiven, the wisdom to love our neighbors more deeply, and the grace to emerge from these fasts renewed in spirit and purpose.
As we embark on this dual journey of faith, I also lift a special prayer for our dear Osun State and its leadership. Ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for August 8, 2026, I pray that the Lord will go before His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, clearing every path, granting him divine favor, protection, wisdom, and unprecedented support. May obstacles be removed, may truth and fairness prevail in the process, and may the will of the people be reflected peacefully. By this time next year, may Osun State overflow with testimonies of progress, development, unity, and fulfilled promises under godly and effective leadership.
Let this Ramadan and Lent inspire us all to greater heights of spirituality, service, and solidarity. May God bless Nigeria, bless Osun State, bless every home, and bless every heart that seeks Him earnestly.
Ramadan Kareem once again, and a deeply blessed Lenten season to all!
E-Signed Hon Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
