The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446AH.
The declaration follows the sighting of the crescent moon across various parts of the country on Friday, marking the 29th day of the Month of Shaban, thereby signifying the commencement of Ramadan on March 1.
“We got the information from Muslim leaders across the country and we accept the sighting of the moon accordingly,” the Sultan said.
Abubakar called on the entire Muslim community in the country to start the Ramadan fast on Monday following the teachings of Islam.
‘Renewed Devotion’
On his part, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the Muslim faithful on the commencement of the sacred month of Ramadan.
The President in a statement he signed on Friday expressed gratitude to the “Almighty Allah for granting us the grace to witness the commencement of this holy month, a cornerstone of the Islamic faith”.
“May this fasting and devotion period be marked by good health, spiritual fulfilment, and divine blessings. Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, renewed devotion to Allah, and acts of compassion and generosity toward humanity.”
Tinubu urged all Muslims observing the fast to embrace the profound lessons of piety, humility, and selflessness that this holy month embodies.
He also wants Muslims to use the period to strengthen our bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace in their various communities.
“This year’s Ramadan holds special significance as it coincides with a period of renewed hope and progress for our nation. Our administration’s bold and transformative policies are beginning to yield positive results, as evidenced by the gradual stabilisation of our economy. The Gross Domestic Product for the last quarter of 2024 showed a marked improvement over the same period in 2023.
“The once-soaring prices of essential food items are now downward, providing much-needed relief to our fasting population and all Nigerians. The exchange rate is stabilising, and fuel prices are declining, signalling a brighter future.
“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Muslims observing Ramadan for a month filled with joy, peace, and spiritual renewal. May the blessings of this holy month illuminate our hearts and homes, and may we emerge from it as better individuals and a stronger nation,” he added.
Katsina Shuts Schools
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Hisbah Board has directed all private schools across the state to shut down services for the month of Ramadan.
The Government-backed institution responsible for enforcing Sharia law by Islamic principles, however, warned that non-compliance will not be tolerated.
The commander-general of the board, Malam Aminu Usman who disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday 27 February 2025, stated that the decision was in line with the State Government directive.
Usman while urging school proprietors to strictly comply with the directive, maintained that the closure is to allow pupils to fully observe the Muslim fasting period.
“The directives include extra lessons please,” the statement added.