The Sultan made this known on Saturday in a statement signed by the Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council Sokoto State, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The statement stated that when the moon is sighted, the information should be reported to the nearest village or district head for onward communication to the Sultan of Sokoto.

The statement partly read: “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that, Sunday 18th June, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Dhul-Qadah shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH.

“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest District or village Head for onward communication to the Sultan.”

Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th and the last month in the Islamic calendar where the Holy Pilgrimage (Hajj) takes place as well as the Eid Kabir – a festival of sacrifice.

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Abubakar gave the directive on Sunday in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Monday, April 12, which is equivalent to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1442AH shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1442AH.

“Muslim are, therefore, requested to start looking for the crescent moon on Monday and report its sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ the statement read.

The Sultan prayed Allah to assist Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.

Junaidu gave telephone numbers that could be used directly to report the sighting of the new moon to the committee.

The numbers are 08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08036149757, 08035965322 and 08035945903.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month for fasting, prayer, reflection and assisting the needy.

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In a press statement signed by its director and founder, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group said the Nigerian Law School has succeeded in restoring the confidence of Nigerian Muslims in legal education by giving recognition to the identity of the Muslim person.

The Nigerian Law School called Amasa Firdaus to bar Tuesday, and was allowed to wear her hijab as she joined another 1,550 students with 11 others. Firdausa Amasa had earlier been denied entry into the hall for the ceremony in December 2017. The denial attracted a Tsunami of criticisms and the attempt by the House of Representatives to intervene via public hearing was truncated by a court injunction.

MURIC appealed to the authorities to allow other female Muslim students who elect to wear hijab below their wigs in future call to bar ceremonies. The organization argued that Muslims cannot be fully integrated into all aspects of Nigerian life unless authorities make inclusiveness a cardinal principle in their policies, rules and regulations.

MURIC also commended the House of Representatives for its quick intervention in the Law School hijab saga and also lauded all Islamic organisations which showed interest in the struggle to liberate the Nigerian Muslim woman from the shackles of neo-colonialism as epitomized by the Amasa Firdaus phenomenon.

“In particular, we treasure the advice, logistic and diplomatic support provided by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs under the able, visionary and dynamic leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. Equally praise-worthy are millions of Muslim youths who heeded our appeal for calm and therefore avoided public demonstrations over the Law School hijab imbroglio. This is indubitable evidence that MURIC’s efforts at re-engineering Muslim youths towards non-violence is yielding fruits.

“To cap the edifice, we salute Amasa Firdaus. This is our heroine and our ambassador extra-ordinary. She is the game changer who successfully challenged an unjust status quo. Her name must be written in letters of gold when the history of the liberation struggle of Nigerian Muslims in a heavily Christianised society is finally chronicled.

“We doff our hats for her father, Alhaji Abdullahi Amasa, for sacrificing so much for a cause in which he believes. His preference for obeying Almighty Allah instead of pleasing ordinary mortals and his choice of al-Akhirah (the Hereafter) over and above this ephemeral world gave birth to the resilience manifested by his daughter.

“We urge female Muslim law students who are already accustomed to using hijab to continuing wearing it without nursing any fear of persecution. Hijab is an Allah-given fundamental human right of every Muslim woman. Our hijab is our right and our right is our right. We assure Nigerian Muslim women of unflinching solidarity and full support of Nigerian Muslims.

“Nonetheless, we appeal to Muslims throughout the country to be humble in victory, to seek no vengeance, to avoid issuing provocative statements and to pray for a brilliant and successful law carreer for Amasa Firdaus”.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monarch spoke when he received a delegation of various states Zakkat and Endowment Board leaders in Sokoto.

He said Zakkat being an obligatory duty in Islam, always assist and strengthen a casual relationship between the wealthy individuals and the less privilege among the society.

“So we need to educate and encourage Muslims on the importance of Zakkat and endowment in order to achieve the required reward of the gesture.

“We believe our collective commitment and dedication would together be appreciated to successfully achieve our required target,” he said.

The Monarch further assured to sustain commitment in ensuring the success of Zakkat and Waqf in the society.

He commended the group for their dedication and commitment in strengthening of Zakkat and endowment in the country.

Abubakar urged wealthy individuals to always assist the less-privileged among the society in order to ease their sufferings.

Earlier the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Commission Chairman, Malam Lawal Maidoki, said that the delegates were in Sokoto for a two-day workshop on Zakkat and Waqf.

He said that the workshop which was organised by the state Commission, was aimed at finding out ways toward supporting the less-privileged persons in the society.

He appealed to various state governors to support the sustainability of Zakkat and endowment in the country.

The two-day workshop had its theme: “Revisiting Zakkat and Waqf Practice in Nigeria: The Way Forward.”

NAN reports that the delegates at the workshops include leaders from Zakkat agencies of Lagos, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto states as well as Ja’iz Bank Zakkat Foundation, among others

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Tambuwal gave the assurance when the President-General of Ohaneze Indigbo, John Nwodo, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Sokoto.

He said Nigeria’s peace and unity could be solutions to all challenges and advised that all agitations should be channeled through proper channels in the interest of the nation.

“Nigeria must remain as one entity and its existence should not be questioned as God made us one from various tribes and ethnic groups,” Tambuwal said.

Tambuwal said that every Nigerian could live in any part of the country of his choice without discrimination or harassment.

He commended the Ohaneze Indigbo delegation for the visit and stressed that Sokoto State would always be home for all Nigerians.

Earlier, Nwodo had commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Tambuwal for promoting peace and brotherhood among the people.

Nwodo said that the visit was to deliver the message of all South-East Indigbo, governors, traditional leaders and spiritual leaders in the zone.

“Nigeria should in no any other circumstance experience war the second time as it generates no good, but more harm to our country.

“We must remain partners in progress of our country as we have seen how our own fathers lived to make it grow and develop to its present stage,” he said.

Nwodo said that the unity and peaceful co-existence must be the responsibility of all citizens of this country.

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The Sultan said this in a statement issued by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto on Saturday.

“This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Tuesday August 22, which is equivalent to 29th day of Zulki’ida 1438AH, shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhulhajj.

“Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon on Tuesday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,’’ he said.

The Sultan prayed to Allah to help all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duty.

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An Amirul Hajj is a leader of Hajj pilgrims, appointed by the government body, Hajj commission or religious head to lead the Hajj pilgrimage and offer advice on appropriate rules and regulation for performing Hajj, leading prayers, and overseeing grievances.

Abubakar, who was Amirul Hajj of Nigerians performing Hajj in 2013, made the appeal at a two-day National Hajj and Umrah Stakeholders Conference to mark the 10th Anniversary of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is; “Hajj Management in Nigeria: Honouring the past, treasuring the present and shaping the future.’’

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Aug. 22, 2015, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, declared that there would be no Federal Government delegation for pilgrimage.

According to Shehu, the Federal Government by that decision is expected to save about $1 million and N30 million in local expenses.

Abubakar, who is also the President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said the role of the amirul hajj was very important in Islam because of the strategic role of leadership in the religion.

The monarch said wherever Muslims found themselves they should have a leadership that would guide their conduct and behaviour as clearly spelt out in the Holy Qur’an.

“Whenever Muslims are embarking on a journey within and outside their country, they must select a leader among themselves who will guide their dealings.

“We cannot allow close to 100,000 Muslims to embark on pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia annually without leadership because it is against the teachings of Islam.

“We are demanding for a special concession from the government and asking for our rights as Muslims and as citizens of our great country.

“I therefore, urge stakeholders in this conference to brainstorm and come up with workable solutions on how we can enhance hajj management and operations in the country,’’ Abubakar said.

He said the conference would enable hajj stakeholders to review the operation of NAHCON since its inception and chart a new course to improve hajj and umrah.

The Sultan, however, advised Muslims to always be sure of their facts before coming out to commend or condemn any person or institutions.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed disclosed that the commission would establish a standard Hajj Training Institute for the training of Hajj Managers and handlers in the country.

Mohammed also said that NAHCON was also planning to establish a Hajj Saving Scheme in order to boost the revenue profile of the Commission to attain financial autonomy.

According to him, the commission has recorded tremendous achievement in the last one decade, adding that since the inception of NAHCON Nigerian pilgrims no longer become stranded in Saudi Arabia during hajj.

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Sultan Abubakar announced the sighting of the new moon in Sokoto, on Friday, in a broadcast.

Abubakar said that the new moon was sighted in various states of the country including Kebbi, Lagos, Adamawa, Bauchi, Delta, Cross River and Benue.

The Sultan stated that the reports of the sighting of the new moon were received from Muslim leaders and organizations across the nation.

Abubakar further said that the reports were duly verified and authenticated by the National Moon Sighting Committee.

He said that the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan also signified the end of Sha’aban, 1438AH.

The Sultan, therefore, called on the Muslim ummah to commence fasting accordingly.

Abubakar implored the Muslim Ummah to devote themselves fully to worship throughout the Holy month.

”We should also pray fervently for the blessings of Allah for President Muhammadu Buhari and others in leadership positions in Nigeria.

”This is to enable them to succeed in steering the affairs of our dear country, as well as sustenance of peace and stability in Nigeria and the world,” he urged.

He further called on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another, irrespective of religious and tribal differences.

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in which the Quran was revealed.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

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The acting Director-General of the agency, Yetunde Oni, who disclosed this in Sokoto on Wednesday, spoke at the flag-off of the agency’s National Education and Awareness Campaign, with the theme, “Drugs are Dangerous: Know The Facts”.

Oni also stated that 52 other drugs suspects were being prosecuted in various law courts across the country.

She averred that the Federal Ministry of Justice was taking the right steps to ensure the speedy prosecution of the suspects.

Oni appealed for more funds to make the agency more effective and efficient, saying that its staff were vibrant, robust and productive.

According to the NAFDAC boss: “We need more funds to provide more vehicles, equipment for our laboratories and other needed logistics.

“The Nigerian drugs manufacturing processes should be improved and encouraged to produce quality products, to reduce importation.

“Nigeria should be a producing nation, rather than being a heavily consuming nation.”

Oni further urged Nigerians to key into the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari, hence we need to always learn do the right things.

She lamented that drug abuse has become a common and very serious public health issue, especially among the youth.

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, stated that the state government had set up a high-powered, inter-agency taskforce to curb the menace of illicit drugs and other unwholesome substances.

“Drug abuse has now regrettably extended even to matrimonial homes, with some couples being drug abusers. The state government will support the agency and its sister agencies, to curb the menace.

“Gov. Tambuwal is equally concerned with the menace and is determined to do everything humanly possible to counter it,” he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the District Head of Hamma’ali, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, commended the agency for organising the event.

Abubakar pledged the support of the Sultanate Council to ensure that the menace was eradicated or drastically reduced.

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At a parley held at the Ewi’s palace in Ado Ekiti, the traditional
rulers emphasized that night grazing should be prohibited from 6pm to 6am, adding that committees made up of farmers, cattle rearers,
security agencies, representatives of traditional rulers and
representatives of Local Government Areas should also be established at community, Local Government Area (LGA) and State levels.

The parley which was organized to settle the persistent conflicts over alleged grazing rights and destruction of farms by cattle herds, was attended by representatives of the State Government led by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi and members of the Ewi in Council.

Others include representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto and National leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) led by its National President, Alhaji Muhammadu Kirwa Hardon Zuru; representatives of the Police and State Security Services (DSS) as well as various farmers’ groups and leaders of the cattle rearers in the State.

Commending the State Government for efforts at maintaining peace in the State, the stakeholders stressed the need to curb the ugly trend, noting that though Ekiti people are reputed to be hospitable, it would not only be uncharitable but also unwise to take them for granted.

Other recommendations made at the meeting include, establishing local vigilante groups comprising of natives and Fulani cattle rearers that would be closely monitored by the security agencies, generating a comprehensive census of cattle owners in the State and decentralization of the leadership of the cattle rearers in the State to comprise an Ardo/Seriki Fulani in each Senatorial district in the State with a new head at the State level that would be responsible to the national body.

The Stakeholders emphasized the need to reposition the leadership of Miyetti Allah Association for effective control of herdsmen in the State, stressing that grazing routes and reserves must however be developed to serve as a permanent solution to the problem in the long run.

Commending the Ewi and Sultan for their fatherly role on the issue, they noted that the patience, understanding and resilience of farmers’ groups in the State was laudable, adding that it was also noteworthy that the security agencies have been living up to their responsibilities.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon.
Kehinde Odebunmi expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and
other stakeholders for efforts at averting what may otherwise have
resulted in vast ethnic and religious crisis.

Hon. Odebunmi assured that the State Government would not relent
efforts at ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people without bias to their tribes and religion.

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