The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims to use the month of Ramadan for extra prayers for leaders and the country at large.

The Sultan had, on Sunday, confirmed the sighting of the moon marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan 1445AH.

In a post shared by the National Moonsighting Committee Nigeria on its X handle on Sunday, the Sultan called on Muslims across the country to commence fasting on Monday, March 11, 2024.

“Consequently, Monday the 11th day of March 2024 will count as the first day of Ramadan 1445 AH. We, therefore, call on Muslims across the country to commence fast accordingly. We call on all Muslims to use the glorious month of Ramadan for extra prayers for our leaders and country, Nigeria.

“We appeal to the well-meaning individuals amongst us to assist the vulnerable and poor with food and other items during this glorious month to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced in the country. May Allah SWT reward our Ibadat with Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims in Nigeria and the world over,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the world on the commencement of the month of Ramadan 1445.

The governor, who described the holy month as a blessed month in which Allah rewards the worship of the Muslim Ummah, charged Muslims to increase their prayers for the country and the state.

Governor Makinde called for increased prayers for the country amid the economic hardship facing the people, noting that though leaders have been doing everything to turn the situation around, prayers are of greater essence at this time.

He said: “I charge the Muslim Ummah to, as they have always done, pray for our dear State and Nigeria, as we have all come to realise that prayer remains the greatest key for believers to make things happen,” he said according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media Olanrewaju Sulaimon.

“We do know that our country is in a bit of economic hardship, but while we continue to look up to the leaders to do the needful, we must also support our hopes with prayers to God. I also want to charge my Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those who have in abundance, to remember their neighbours and show kindness”.

Also speaking, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has called on the Muslim faithful to foster good neighbourliness and kindness during the Ramadan season.

In a statement to mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the governor said the fasting period should serve as a time for soulful reflection, devotion, prayers, and care for one another.

“As the Muslim faithful embark on Ramadan, I implore you to uphold the virtues of Islam by showing love and compassion to all. It is a time to show good neighbourliness and extend a helping hand to the needy in society, especially in these trying times,” he said.

“The Ramadan season is coming at a time when many people are faced with dire economic challenges. It is best to show love during this period as we approach the period solemnly.

“Ramadan provides us an opportunity to bond and show love to our friends and acquaintances and the current season calls for such.”