Lagos, March 7, 2026 The Olalekan Ayinla Foundation on Saturday called for unity, compassion and renewed commitment to moral values as Muslims and Christians observe the sacred seasons of Ramadan and Lent.
The call was made during a Ramadan/Lent lecture organised by the foundation in Lagos, bringing together religious leaders, community stakeholders and members of the public to reflect on faith, unity and national development.
The theme of the lecture was “Ramadan and Nation Building: Strengthening Faith, Family and Community” Islamic scholar
Mr Olalekan Ayinla said in his welcome remarks that the gathering was aimed at strengthening interfaith harmony and promoting shared values among Nigerians.
“It is my great privilege and honour to warmly welcome you all to this special Ramadan/Lent lecture.
“We are deeply grateful to God Almighty for granting us the opportunity to gather here today in reflection, prayer and dialogue during these seasons of Ramadan and Lent together,” the host said.
The host noted that the joint gathering of Christians and Muslims symbolised a strong message of unity despite differences in faith traditions.
“Today marks a remarkable moment as we have Christians and Muslims together under one roof to share common values and reflect on the same ideals.
” It is a powerful reminder that despite our different faith traditions, we are united by our shared commitment to peace, compassion, love for humanity and service to our communities,” the host said.
Ayinla said that the lecture also aligned with national aspirations for unity and development, encouraging citizens and religious leaders to work together to build a more peaceful society.
“This Ramadan lecture is particularly significant as it aligns with the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which calls on us religious leaders, citizens and communities to work together in fostering unity, peace, integrity and national development,” he said.
According to the host, gatherings of this nature offer an opportunity for spiritual reflection as well as discussions on how faith-based values can contribute meaningfully to national progress.
“Our gathering here today provides us with an opportunity not only to reflect spiritually but also to discuss how faith-based values can contribute meaningfully to national progress and social harmony,” Ayinla said.
The foundation also reiterated its commitment to supporting the less privileged through education, empowerment and social support programmes.
“At Olalekan Ayinla Foundation, we are committed to supporting the less privileged and bridging the gap of inequality in our communities through education, empowerment and social support programmes,” he said.
The foundation explained that its initiatives include scholarships, mentoring programmes, youth empowerment through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training, as well as welfare projects such as food drives and healthcare outreach.
“Our mission is driven by providing essential education support such as scholarships, school supplies and mentoring, alongside youth empowerment including skills training and entrepreneurship programmes,” he said.
The foundation also emphasised its focus on women empowerment through vocational training and financial support initiatives.
The host expressed appreciation to distinguished speakers and scholars present at the event, saying their contributions would inspire participants during the sacred seasons.
“We are honoured to have distinguished speakers and scholars with us who will share valuable insights that will guide and inspire us during these sacred seasons,” the host said.
One of the guest speakers at the event, he Imam of Omole Central Mosque Alhaji Hafees Borokini tasked residents on the act of giving and tolerance beyond the holy month.
“Ramadan is a time to remind us of what it means to be hungry so we can give back to those in need, it shouldn’t just be during Ramadan and Lent.
” It should be continuous; also we need to be tolerance of one another to maintain peace and unity.
“If we remain tolerance of each other war, chaos will be far away from our land,” he said.
Similarly, a Christian cleric, Joseph Ehindero, he noted that it was profoundly instructive and richly symbolic that Ramadan and Lent were beginning on the same day, describing the rare convergence as a powerful message to the country.
“It is a divine reminder that Nigerians are one people, brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny, regardless of religious affiliation, and that peaceful coexistence is not optional but essential to national progress and stability,” Ehindero said.
He said that both Ramadan and Lent emphasises common values such as discipline, compassion, humility, love for one another, and service to humanity.
Ehindero urged Nigerians to allow these shared virtues to shape their daily interactions and strengthen the bonds between Muslims and Christians, leaving no room for suspicion, hatred or division.
