By Mujidat Oyewole
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has confirmed that Ramadan fasting will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ilorin by the Emir’s Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona.
Arowona said the Emir’s decision aligned with the position of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
He said the development followed a meeting of the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama at the Emir’s palace.
“During the meeting, the Emir held a telephone conversation with the Sultan,” Arowona said.
He said the Sultan confirmed that the new moon was sighted in the Saudi Arabia and Nguru Emirate in Yobe.
Arowona said the meeting was attended by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid, and the Imam Gambari of Ilorin.
He added that other members of the Kwara Council of Ulama were also present.
“Others included the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Balogun Ajikobi, Baba Isale and Ajanasi Agba,” he said.
He also listed the Magajin Ngeri, Galadima, Sarkin Malami and Makama of Ilorin among attendees.
Arowona said the Emir thanked the Kwara government and residents for sustaining peace across the state.
The Emir also urged Muslims to extend charity to the less privileged throughout the glorious month.
The Imam Imale prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the Muslim Ummah the benefits of Ramadan fasting.
He also prayed for the fulfilment of Allah’s promises to the faithful.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir.
Prayers were also said for Prof. Yusuf Badmas, former Dean of the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, who died recently.
