A philanthropist, Mr. Olalekan Ayinla, has called on religious leaders, citizens and communities to promote unity, peace and integrity for Nigeria’s national development.
Ayinla made the appeal during his foundation’s annual Ramadan and Lent Public Lecture held in Agidingbin, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent this year carries a deeper spiritual message encouraging peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths.
“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,” he said.
Ayinla noted that the gathering of Christians and Muslims under one roof symbolised unity and shared values despite differences in religious 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,” he added.
He also commended the reforms of President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the lecture aligns with national aspirations for unity, integrity and development.
“This Ramadan lecture is particularly significant as it aligns with the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which calls on religious leaders, citizens and communities to work together in fostering unity, peace, integrity and national development,” Ayinla said.
The foundation reiterated its commitment to supporting the less privileged through education, empowerment and social intervention programmes.
Ayinla explained that the Olalekan Ayinla Foundation provides scholarships, mentoring initiatives, youth empowerment through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training, as well as welfare programmes such as food distribution 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 empowering women through vocational training and financial support initiatives.
Delivering a lecture titled “Ramadan and Nation Building: Strengthening Faith, Family and Community,” Islamic scholar Imam Hafees Hamzat-Borokini called for sacrifice, selflessness and responsible leadership, urging political office holders to prioritise the welfare of citizens.
In another presentation titled “Lent and Moral Leadership: Restoring Values in Challenging Times,” Christian cleric Archbishop Joseph Ehindero stressed the need to restore moral values to address rising social vices in society.
Ehindero urged Nigerians to embrace honesty, tolerance and hard work, noting that Ramadan and Lent emphasise similar virtues including discipline, sacrifice, compassion, humility and service to humanity.
“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 essential to national progress and stability,” he said.
He also called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enable him complete ongoing reforms.
The Ramadan/Lent lecture organised by the foundation attracted religious leaders, community stakeholders and members of the public who gathered to reflect on faith, unity and national development.
Prayers were also offered for President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the peace and progress of Nigeria.
Written by Yemisi Dada