…as Sultan directs Muslims to look for new moon on Monday
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 9th April, and Wednesday, 10th April 2024, as public holidays to mark this year’s Muslim Eid El-Fitr celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako.
The minister also congratulated all Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and urged Nigerians to continue in the spirit of unity in order to improve and achieve peace and oneness in the country.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement said.
“Dr Tunji-Ojo calls on Muslim Ummah to imbibe and practice the virtues that entail kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).
“He urged Nigerians to continue in the spirit of unity in order to improve and achieve peace and oneness in the country.
“The Minister wishes all Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and prays that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with everyone and our Great Nation,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims faithful in the country to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1445 AH on Monday.
The Sultan gave the directive in a statement issued on Sunday through the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu.
“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday 8th April, 2024 which is equivalent to 29th day of Ramadan 1445AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH,” the statement said.
“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon of Shawwal 1445AH on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto,” it said.
When sighted on Monday, that would bring to an end the month long Ramadan fast by Muslim faithful in the country which commenced on 11th March 2024.
