The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Friday 21st of April 2023 as the first day of Shawwal 1444AH and the day of Eid in Nigeria.

The Sultan made the announcement on Thursday in his palace in Sokoto after the National Moon Sighting Committee and the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs received several reports from different Moon Sighting committees across the nation.

He congratulated Nigerian Muslims and wished them God’s guidance and blessings, urging them to continue to pray for the country’s peace, progress, and development.

Also, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, rejoiced with Muslims of Ilorin Emirate and beyond over the successful completion of the 2023 Ramadan fasting.

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This is part of the monarch’s end of Ramadan message as contained in a statement issued on Thursday night by the Emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona.

The statement confirmed that the Eid-el-Fitr prayers will hold tomorrow (Friday) 20th May 2022, following consultation and confirmation from the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai Ibn El-Kanemi and Emir of Kano , Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero among traditional rulers across the country.

“Following these consultations, we have come to the conclusion at the end of the meeting held by members of the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Council of Ulamah, that the month of Ramadan has come to an end today and there shall be sallah celebration tomorrow “, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said.

The Eid-ul- Fitr prayer will hold at the Central Yidi praying ground by 10am, to be led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Imam-Soliu OON.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said: “May Almighty Allah make the spiritual exercise a rewarding act, forgive our shortcoming and accept our good deeds and bless us with the most suitable place in the hereafter which is Al-jannatul Fridous. ”

According to the statement, “Shortly after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, the Emir will host the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and other dignitaries who will pay him sallah homage at his palace immediately he returns from Yidi praying ground.”

The Emir thanked Islamic clerics for their fervent commitments of encouraging adherents to be dutiful and prayerful as encapsulated in the Holy Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) throughout the fasting period.

The Emir however appealed to the people of Ilorin Emirate and beyond to celebrate sallah with utmost decorum and imbibe the culture of discipline, charity and forgiveness during and after the feast.

He also enjoined youths to desist from any act that can truncate and pollute the peaceful atmosphere in the state and urged them to cooperate with security agents in discharging their constitutional duties diligently.