President Tinubu, Gov Abdulrazaq, Gov Adeleke, Saraki, Senator Sadiq, Bola Oyebamiji, Nurudeen Adeyemi, ILMF, Akinleye Release Ramadan, Lent Messages
Top political figures in the country have sent messages of goodwill as Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
They have also congratulated the Christians as the lent period and the month of Ramadan begin simultaneously today.
Muslims are ordered to fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan while Lent is a 40-day solemn Christian season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday offered his greetings and best wishes to Muslims and Christians in the country while noting that for the Lent and Ramadan to begin on the same day, it emphasizes the fact that as a people of faith, Christians and Muslims share a lot in common and are one people under God.
‘With profound reverence to God Almighty, I greet the Christian and Muslim faithful on the solemn occasions of Lent and Ramadan.
This year, Lent and Ramadan begin on the same day. This is not a common occurrence, and it reminds us that as a people of faith, we share a lot in common and are one people under God. For Christians, the Lenten season is a time for fasting, abstinence, and penitence, following Jesus Christ’s example in the wilderness before His crucifixion, which brought salvation to mankind.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a hallowed season that reflects total submission to God Almighty and His command of sacrifice, devotion, service, and communal love and giving.
It marks one of the five pillars of Islam. Beyond the obligatory fasting, Ramadan calls for deep spiritual reflection in obedience to Islam’s injunctions’ he submitted while urging citizens to pray for the progress of Nigeria and also pray for peace and security in the country.
‘As a nation and as a people, I urge us, as we embark on these important observances, to ensure good neighbourliness, promote peace, unity, and stability, and pray for the progress and security of our nation’ he added.
The nation’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu also in a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi on Wednesday urged prayers for peace and prosperity in the country.
‘As we begin this Lent period, I pray this time of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and drawing closer to God is committed to following Christ’s example of love. May our prayers and acts of compassion and kindness deepen our faith and reflect on our relationships with others. I urge us to remember to pray for the peace and prosperity of our dear nation Nigeria. I wish us all a blessed and fulfilled Lent season.
I felicitate the Muslim faithful as they commence this blessed month of Ramadan.
I pray this Holy month bring you and your family and the nation as a whole, peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment.
During this holy month of fasting and prayers, I urge us all to remember our beloved nation in prayers for greater peace and prosperity. May Almighty Allah accept all our supplications, forgive all our sins and answer all our prayers.
Ramadan Kareem’ she added.
Kwara State governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has also extended special greetings to the Muslim and Christian communities in the state and other parts of the country while noting that the two fasting seasons beginning on the same day again, signals ‘a need for all of mankind across creeds to work for harmony, peace, and unity’.
The governor in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye noted that it also acts as a united force against all forms of evil and things that can slow down the pace of development in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
‘Fasting opens a unique window for man to get closer to the Creator through abstention from sins, intentional giving of alms, and all forms of good deeds. It helps man to redefine his essence before the Creator’ the governor submitted.
He prayed that God will accept the devotion of the faithful in these holy months while urging the two faith communities to pray and work with the government to improve the wellbeing of the people.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has also described justice as the foundation for a safe and prosperous society while urging politicians in the state and beyond to eschew politics of bitterness and embrace acts that will serve the interest of the people and not punish them.
Governor Adeleke in a statement issued to congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the start of the holy month of Ramadan which was made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed noted that the fasting period is a sacred time for devotion and renewal of faith.
The governor who admonished Muslim Ummah to observe the Holy month of Ramadan according to the dictates of Allah subhanawatahallah, also reminded faithful of the message of personal self-discipline, communion, and tolerance that the fasting period embodies.
‘I congratulate Muslims in the state and beyond for witnessing yet another Ramadan period. Ramadan offers a message of self-discipline and spiritual renewal. It is a season that reminds us of the values of patience and the essence of cheerful giving.
For 29 or 30 days, we will have a remarkable opportunity to strengthen our faith and dedicate ourselves to impacting lives, such as feeding the poor and helping others in needs. Let us use this season to renew bonds and foster harmony in our communities by coming together during the breaking of fast’ he said.
Congratulating Muslims in the country on the start of the holy month of Ramadan, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has also urged them to use the sacred period to deepen compassion, strengthen responsibility, and renew their commitment to service to humanity.
In a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Tuesday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Dr Bukola Saraki described Ramadan as a season of reflection, self-discipline, and a renewed dedication to moral values.
Making reference to a hadith that says ‘The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people’, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki also noted that the essence of fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that the holy month calls for conscious efforts to uplift others and strengthen social bonds.
‘Beyond abstaining from food and drink, this is a time to look out for one another a little more deliberately, to be patient in our words, fair in our dealings, and dependable in every responsibility entrusted to us’ he said.
Dr Bukola Saraki added that the true spirit of Ramadan is best reflected in everyday acts of kindness, noting that even a small kind gesture often carries a deep meaning for those in need.
‘As part of his usual annual Ramadan practice, Dr Bukola Saraki has also commenced the distribution of food items across Kwara State to support Muslim faithful, religious and traditional leaders, party members, youth and women groups, professional associations, as well as less privileged and indigent families.
The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate also offers prayers for the nation, asking Allah to accept the fasting and supplications of the faithful and bring relief to citizens facing hardship.
May Allah accept our fasting and prayers, ease the difficulties many families are facing, comfort those in mourning, grant healing to the sick, and guide our leaders to act with wisdom and integrity.
Dr Saraki prays that the holy month will bring peace, unity, and spiritual renewal to Nigerians and Muslims across the world’ the statement added.
Osun State APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji has also expressed his warm and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims and Christians across the state and beyond on the commencement of the 1447 AH Ramadan and the 2026 Lent while urging renewed devotion and commitment to the teachings and learnings of the Holy Month.
In a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Wednesday, Asiwaju Bola Munirudeen Oyebamiji urged the Muslim Ummah and Christians to stick to boundless divine blessings embedded in the Holy Month and continue to extend hands of fellowship to one another while abstaining from forbidden acts in the holy month and beyond.
‘As Muslims and Christians across the globe commence fasting in the Holy Month today, I warmly congratulate and extend my heartfelt felicitations to our brothers and sisters in Islam and Christianity in Osun State and beyond. This is indeed a period of sober reflection, a period of genuine introspection on our deeds, and a period of rededication to the Will and Commandment of Almighty God.
As believers, here comes the period to double efforts in good deeds and refrain from all that is forbidden by God and things capable of undermining our prayers and supplications before Him. Let’s be our brother’s keepers; let’s increase in our devotion to serve Him and humanity, and let’s continue to preach peace, love, unity, stability and cohesion for prosperity. Islam is a religion of peace and it is incumbent on us as Muslims to reflect same in our conduct and act. To our Christian brothers and sisters, this is the time to further exhibit and demonstrate the spirit of religiosity and spirituality as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
This season goes beyond fasting and prayer: it is a period of self-assessment, evaluation and measurement on the past, present and future acts, hence the need to champion the virtues of selflessness, discipline, faithfulness, piousness, sacrifice, purity, patience, tolerance and nobility as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ.
As we begin divine journey into the Holy Month, I pray that Almighty God will continue to imbue us more wisdom, knowledge and intellect to serve Him better as desired. May we witness more Holy Months on the planet earth’ he said.
Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, who represents Kwara North in the state, has also warmly felicitated Christians across Kwara State, Nigeria and beyond on the observance of Ash Wednesday and the commencement of the sacred Lent.
‘Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent – a solemn period of forty days dedicated to prayer, fasting, repentance and acts of charity. It is a profound moment in the Christian calendar that calls for deep reflection, spiritual renewal, sacrifice and total dependence on God.
The federal lawmaker urges Christian faithful to embrace the spiritual significance of this season by promoting peace, unity, forgiveness and compassion within their communities. He notes that the lessons of Lent (humility, self-discipline and love for one another) are virtues that can greatly strengthen our society and foster harmonious coexistence among people of different faiths.
Senator Sadiq urges Christians to use this period to pray fervently for Kwara State and Nigeria at large for sustained peace, security, economic growth and purposeful leadership at all levels.
He wishes all Christians a spiritually fulfilling Lenten season and assures them of his continued commitment to inclusive representation and service to the people’ the senator submitted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his media office on Wednesday.
In separate statement, Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar also warmly felicitated Muslim Ummah across Kwara North, Kwara State, and Nigeria as a whole on the start of the sacred month of Ramadan while urging them to embrace the core values of the holy month.
‘Ramadan is not only a season of fasting, but a divine invitation to spiritual renewal, self-discipline, compassion, and deeper devotion to Almighty Allah. It is a period that reminds us of our shared humanity, our responsibility to one another, and the enduring power of faith in shaping a just and harmonious society.
Senator Sadiq calls on all Muslim faithful to use this blessed month to offer fervent prayers for enduring peace, unity, and sustainable development across Kwara North Senatorial District, Kwara State, and Nigeria at large. At a time when our nation seeks greater stability and progress, the power of collective supplication, sincere repentance, and a renewed commitment to righteousness cannot be overstated.
He urges the Ummah to embrace the core values of Ramadan — patience, generosity, forgiveness, and sacrifice and to extend kindness to the less privileged, support community-building efforts, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious lines.
The federal lawmaker prays that Almighty Allah will grant all faithful the strength to observe the fast with sincerity, accept our prayers and good deeds, and shower His mercy and protection upon our communities.
Ramadan Mubarak’ the statement added.
Chief Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun, an aerospace engineer, who is a member of the Board of TETFUND where he represents the North Central geopolitical zone, has also extended his heartfelt greetings to both the Christian and Muslim faithful as they begin their respective fasting seasons.
While congratulating Muslims in the country on the start of holy month of Ramadan and the Christians as they begin the Lent period, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his media office emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to building a society where every individual is valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
‘This period of reflection, prayer, and sacrifice holds great significance in the spiritual journey of both faiths. Engr. Adeyemi acknowledges the profound impact these seasons have on personal growth, moral refinement, and strengthening the bonds of faith.
As the fasting season unfolds, Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi encourages everyone to embrace the values of empathy, compassion, and self-discipline. These virtues are essential not only in our personal lives but also in shaping the future of our communities. He calls on all citizens to reflect on how they can contribute positively to society, fostering an environment of peace and understanding that transcends religious differences.
In the spirit of unity, Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi urges both Christians and Muslims to come together in the pursuit of common goals: the prosperity, progress, and well-being of the nation. This season is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to collective growth, whether through supporting those in need or contributing to community development. Let us use this time to strengthen the social fabric that binds us all.
Moreover, Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi reminds political leaders and citizens alike to remain dedicated to the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity. As we fast and pray, let us also renew our commitment to building a society where every individual is valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Let these sacred seasons inspire us to work together for a better, more united future.
May this fasting season bring abundant blessings to all, and may we emerge from it with renewed purposes’ the statement added.
In his message to the Muslims on the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye described it as a sacred season dedicated to spiritual renewal, devotion, and self-restraint.
He urged Muslims to reflect on the deeper meaning of fasting and prayer, noting that the holy month presents an opportunity for believers to strengthen their faith, cultivate compassion, and promote unity within their communities.
He urged Muslims to embrace the virtues of patience, generosity, and gratitude in the holy month.
Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye also offered heartfelt prayers for Governor Ademola Adeleke, asking Almighty Allah to grant him continued success in leadership and to bless his efforts with greater accomplishments.
He prayed for divine favor and guidance in respect of the governor’s re-election bid while expressing hope for sustained progress and development of Osun State.
‘As we welcome the blessed month of Ramadan 1447 AH, I extend my sincere greetings to Muslims across the globe. This sacred period of fasting, reflection, and devotion reminds us of the importance of humility, compassion, and gratitude. May this holy month bring peace, abundant blessings, and spiritual growth to you and your families.
Let us use this opportunity to deepen our faith, seek forgiveness, and support those in need. May our acts of worship be accepted, our hearts purified, and our prayers answered. May Allah (SWT) grant us sound health, prosperity, and success in all that we do.
Let us also hold firmly to His promise in the Holy Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186):
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ
‘And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I answer the call of the supplicant when he calls upon Me…’
I specially pray for my boss and principal, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, that Almighty Allah will continue to grant him wisdom, strength, and remarkable success in the discharge of his duties. May his administration achieve even greater milestones, and may he be granted the grace and favor of getting re-elected to continue to serve the good people of our dear state.
May this Ramadan illuminate our hearts and homes with peace, harmony, and divine mercy. Ramadan Kareem’ he added.
A group, the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation ( ILMF) has also urged Muslims to ensure absolute adherence to the regulations guiding the observance of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan in order to earn full blessings and rewards of the spiritual endeavors.
The group, in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by its president, Alhaji Lukman Abdullah Atanda and the Director of Publicity, Mr Mohammad Abdulkadri felicitated Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world, especially the people of Ilorin Emirate, Kwarans, and Nigerians at large while urging them to pray for divine intervention and ask Almighty Allah to deliver the nation from the hands of bandits, kidnappers and terrorists.
The group specially congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Baloguns, Council of Ulamas and the leadership of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, (IEDPU) on the start of the holy month of Ramadan while praying fervently that this year’s Ramadan Fasting will attract maximum mercies, forgiveness and blessings.
ILMF urged Muslims to observe the fasting genuinely for spiritual rejuvenations deeply rooted in the fear of God and driven by the acts of compassion, self-denials of foods, drinks, smoking and intimate relationships from dawn to sunset.
While wishing the Muslim Ummah Ramadan Kareem, Alhaji Atanda thanked Almighty Allah for sparing the lives of the faithful to embark on the spiritual journey that will foster greater brotherhood, promote empathy for the poor and increase devotion to the reading of Al- Quran, Tafsir and observance of prayers- Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
