Kunle Adelabu
The representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson, has extended felicitations to the Christian and Muslim faithful on the historic Holy month of fasting and praying for both religions, commencing today.
The third – term lawmaker described the coincidence of the two religion bodies starting their fastings – Lent and Ramadan, at the same time, as profound and symbolic. While the Muslim faithful commenced Ramadan today, the Christendom holds its Ash Wednesday service today which signal the commencement of their fasting tomorrow.
”My dear Christian and Muslim brethren, today, 18th February 2026, we witness a profound and symbolic moment – the convergence of the sacred season of Lent and the holy month of Ramadan.
”This rare alignment is more than a coincidence of calendars; it is a divine reminder that beyond doctrine and tradition, we are united in reverence for God, and in our shared longing for righteousness, peace, and renewal”.
He urged Christians to move closer to God by expressing love to others, and repent from their old habits. On the other hand, Benson also urged Muslim faithful to show discipline and submit themselves to God’s will during the period.
”For our Christian faithful, Lent is a solemn journey of sacrifice, repentance, and spiritual rebirth – an invitation to draw closer to Christ through love, humility, and service.
”For our Muslim faithful, Ramadan is a sacred month of disciplined devotion, reflection, charity, and submission to the will of Allah – a period to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and embody compassion.
“Though, expressed differently, both seasons call us to self-restraint, generosity, forgiveness, and a deeper commitment to living out our faith through our action”.
Rep. Benson also charged both religion faithful to use the sacred month to engage in serious prayers for Ikorodu, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, and their leaders.
”I urge us all to seize this sacred opportunity to pray fervently for Nigeria and its leadership, for Lagos State, and for our dear Ikorodu Division.
”Let our fasting strengthen our unity, let our prayers inspire peace, and let our words and actions during and beyond this season, reflect understanding, tolerance, and genuine love for one another.
”May God Almighty accept our fasting and supplications. May He heal our land, grant wisdom to our leaders, prosper our communities, and bind us together in enduring peace and harmony. May we emerge from this holy season spiritually renewed and steadfast in our commitment to unity and righteousness”.
