The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Wednesday, February 18, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to a statement made available to journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaid, the crescent moon was sighted in various parts of the country.

The statement called on Muslim communities across the country to commence the Ramadan fast on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The council said it received reports of the moon sighting from Islamic leaders across the country, which signified the official commencement of the Ramadan fast.

The Sultan urged Muslims to use the holy month to pray for peace and stability, particularly in view of the insecurity affecting some parts of the country.

He further called on Muslims nationwide to dedicate the period to prayers for the nation’s leaders and for an end to the prevailing security challenges.