Emir of Ilorin declares Wednesday start of Ramadan 1447AH

The Emir of Ilorin and the chairman of the Kwara State traditional rulers council, HRH. Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has announced the commencement of the 2026 Ramadan fasting, declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the first day of fasting for Muslims.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Emir’s Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona. The decision aligns with the position of the Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

According to the statement, the declaration followed a meeting of the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Kwara State Council of Ulama held at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin. During the meeting, the Emir held telephone conversations with the Sultan of Sokoto, who confirmed that the new moon had been sighted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in Nguru Emirate, Yobe State.

The meeting was attended by prominent Islamic leaders and traditional title holders, including the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid; the Imam Gambari of Ilorin; members of the Kwara State Council of Ulama; and other chiefs such as the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin, Baba Isale of Ilorin, Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, Magajin Ngeri of Ilorin, Galadima of Ilorin, Sarkin Malami of Ilorin, and the Makama of Ilorin.

In his remarks, the Emir congratulated the Muslim Ummah on witnessing the 2026 Ramadan and urged faithful to observe the fast in accordance with the commandments of Almighty Allah. He also encouraged Muslims to embrace the spirit of charity and extend support to the less privileged throughout the holy month.

He commended the government and people of Kwara State for sustaining peace across communities, noting that the peaceful atmosphere has enabled economic and social activities to thrive.

Special prayers were offered during the meeting for the repose of the souls of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, and former Dean of the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, Professor Yusuf Lanre Badmas, who passed away recently.