The Ilorin Emirate Council has officially announced that Muslims in the emirate will commence Ramadan fasting on Wednesday, February 18.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued in Ilorin by the Emir’s Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, following consultations within the traditional and religious leadership of the emirate.
According to Arowona, the decision was reached in line with the position of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, after a joint meeting involving members of the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama at the palace.
He explained that during the meeting, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, held a telephone discussion with the Sultan, who confirmed the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia and in Nguru Emirate, Yobe State.
Present at the meeting were the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid, the Imam Gambari of Ilorin, and other members of the Kwara State Council of Ulama.
Also in attendance were traditional title holders, including the Balogun Fulani, Balogun Ajikobi, Baba Isale, Ajanasi Agba, Magajin Ngeri, Galadima, Sarkin Malami and the Makama of Ilorin.
Arowona noted that the Emir expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government and residents for maintaining peace and harmony across the state.
He further urged Muslims to show compassion and generosity by supporting the less privileged throughout the holy month.
Prayers were offered for divine guidance, spiritual fulfilment and abundant blessings for the Muslim community during Ramadan, as well as for the repose of the souls of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shaykh Muhammad Bashir, and Prof. Yusuf Badmas, former Dean of the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin.