A member of the National Assembly Service Commission representing the South-West, Hon. Taiwo Oluga, has extended warm felicitations to Muslims and Christians in Osun State as the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season commence, urging them to use the sacred periods to pray for peace, unity and political stability in Nigeria.

Oluga, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, made the call in separate messages issued to mark the beginning of Ramadan and Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of the 40-day Lenten season in the Christian calendar.

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She described both seasons as periods of deep spiritual reflection, sacrifice and renewed commitment to God, calling on the faithful to embrace values that promote peaceful coexistence and national development.

“As we enter the sacred month of Ramadan and the solemn season of Lent, I felicitate with our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters across Osun State. These are periods of fasting, prayer and sober reflection,” she said. “I urge all faithful to use these holy seasons to genuinely pray for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria and in Osun State.”

Speaking on Ramadan, Oluga described it as a time of discipline, compassion and total submission to the will of God.

“Ramadan calls us to uphold the teachings of the Holy Prophet — to live in righteousness, honesty and love for one another. It should not only be about abstaining from food and drink, but about purifying our hearts and strengthening our commitment to peaceful coexistence,” she stated.

On Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, she noted that the period is a call to repentance and spiritual renewal.

“Ash Wednesday reminds us of our humanity and our total dependence on God. It is a call to repentance, humility and renewed commitment to righteous living,” Oluga said, urging Christians to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting and acts of charity.

She emphasised the need for collective prayers for leaders at all levels, stressing that governance thrives in an atmosphere of peace and divine guidance.

“I appeal to our Muslim and Christian faithful to remember the leadership of our country and our state in their prayers, particularly the APC-led government, that God should grant them wisdom, strength and understanding to continue to serve the people diligently,” she added.

Oluga also called for prayers ahead of the forthcoming August governorship election in Osun State.

“Let us pray for peaceful and credible elections in our state and for divine guidance as we make decisions that will shape our future. May God grant us leaders who will serve with integrity and compassion,” she said.

She urged adherents of both faiths to ensure that the lessons of Ramadan and Lent translate into lasting moral transformation beyond the seasons.

“These spiritual exercises should transform our character. Let us show greater love, tolerance and unity, support the vulnerable and work together for the progress of our communities,” Oluga stated.

The former lawmaker wished Muslims a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan and Christians a meaningful Lenten season, praying that both sacred periods would usher in renewed hope, harmony and prosperity for Osun State and Nigeria at large.