Sultan Declares Feb 18 First Day of Ramadan
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447AH. The declaration follows the sighting of the new moon on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in most parts of Nigeria, marking the 29th day of the Islamic month of Shaban. In a press statement, the Sultan urged all Muslims nationwide to begin fasting from Wednesday in accordance with Islamic teachings. He also called for prayers against insecurity and for national leaders during Ramadan.