The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, officially declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan, following the sightings of the crescent moon reported from various parts of Nigeria. These sightings mark the end of Sha’aban and the onset of the holy month, which is significant for Muslims throughout the nation. The announcement was made through a press statement by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, urging Muslims to observe the fast starting on Wednesday.

In his statement, Sultan Abubakar emphasized the importance of this holy month, calling on the Muslim community to use the time for prayer and reflection, particularly in light of the ongoing insecurity issues affecting various regions of Nigeria. He expressed hope that the sacred month would bring peace and stability to the country, encouraging unity and collective prayer among the followers of Islam.

Sultan Abubakar’s declaration comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing religious observances and community efforts to address security challenges. His call for prayer against insecurity highlights the intersection between faith and the pressing socio-political issues facing Nigeria, as many Muslims prepare to partake in the spiritual journey of Ramadan with a sense of urgency for peace and resolution in their communities.