The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has declared today, Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. Sultan Abubakar in a video released Friday and seen by Saturday Vanguard said the crescent moon was sighted on Friday, February 28, which is the 29th day of Shaban.
“According to him, “widespread reports of the moon sighting from different regions were verified and duly accepted by the council”, confirming the commencement of Ramadan 1446 A.H.“He urged all Muslims to dedicate the holy month to prayers, seeking Allah’s blessings and guidance for the nation and its leaders.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to foster unity and peace in their various communities. The President also said that as the wet season approaches, he remained steadfast in boosting agricultural productivity.
This was contained in his message to the Muslim community in the country as they begin the period of Ramadan.
The message partly read: “I congratulate the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and worldwide as we begin the sacred month of Ramadan.
“We are profoundly grateful to 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.
“It is a season of spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. I urge all Muslims observing the fast to embrace the profound lessons of piety, humility, and selflessness that this holy month embodies. Let us use this period to strengthen our bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace in our 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.
“As the wet season approaches, we remain steadfast in boosting agricultural productivity. We are determined to enhance food production and ensure self-sufficiency and food security for all Nigerians through targeted input support, mechanisation, and innovative farming initiatives. Our resolve to build a resilient and prosperous nation remains unwavering.
“In this sacred month, I call on all Nigerians to join hands in prayer and action for our beloved country’s continued growth and development. Let us fervently seek Allah’s guidance and protection for our nation, and let our words and deeds reflect our shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
“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.”