By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Friday, 20 March as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria.
The announcement followed the non-sighting of the new moon of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, which corresponded to the 29th day of Ramadan.
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, working in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee, confirmed that no credible reports of moon sighting were received from various committees nationwide.
Based on the development, Thursday, 19 March (today), has been declared the 30th and final day of Ramadan.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Sultan accepted the committee’s report and consequently approved Friday as Eid-el-Fitr day.
The Sultan congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged them to sustain the virtues of patience, sacrifice, and devotion imbibed during the holy month.
He also called on Muslims to continue offering prayers for peace, unity, and socio-economic development in the country, stressing the need for collective responsibility in nation-building.
The monarch further prayed for Allah’s acceptance of the acts of worship performed during Ramadan and wished all Muslims a joyful and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Sultan Abubakar.
