A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
Saraki urged them to deepen compassion, strengthen responsibility and renew their commitment to service to humanity.
In a Ramadan message made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described Ramadan as a season of reflection, self-discipline and renewed dedication to moral values.
Quoting the teaching of Prophet Muhammad, he said, “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.”
According to Saraki, the essence of fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that the holy month calls for deliberate efforts to uplift others and strengthen social bonds.
“Beyond abstaining from food and drink, this is a time to look out for one another a little more deliberately, to be patient in our words, fair in our dealings, and dependable in every responsibility entrusted to us,” he stated.
The former Kwara State governor added that the true spirit of Ramadan is reflected in everyday acts of kindness, noting that even small gestures often carry deep meaning for those in need.
As part of his annual Ramadan practice, Saraki has also commenced the distribution of food items across Kwara State to support Muslim faithful, religious and traditional leaders, party members, youth and women groups, professional associations, as well as less privileged and indigent families.
Saraki, who is also the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, also offered prayers for the country, asking Allah to accept the fasting and supplications of the faithful and bring relief to citizens facing hardship.
“May Allah accept our fasting and prayers, ease the difficulties many families are facing, comfort those in mourning, grant healing to the sick, and guide our leaders to act with wisdom and integrity,” he prayed.
He further expressed hope that the holy month would usher in peace, unity and spiritual renewal for Nigerians and Muslims across the world.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer and charity.
Similarly, the United States of America branch of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union on Tuesday commenced its 2026 annual Ramadan distribution of food items and cash support to Muslims across Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State.
Speaking at the event held in Ilorin, the National Vice President of IEDPU, Issa Abdulrauf, commended the USA branch for sustaining what he described as a humanitarian initiative designed to support Muslim families during the holy month of Ramadan.
He said beneficiaries were drawn from the five local government areas that make up the Ilorin Emirate: Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Moro and Asa.
“Today we are flagging off the annual distribution of Ramadan food items and cash to the Muslim Ummah, this food items and financial assistance would help cushion the economic hardship faced by many families during the fasting period,” he said.
He described the programme as a significant intervention that has continued to positively impact lives across the emirate over the years.
The IEDPU vice president called on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and other associations to emulate the gesture by extending similar support to vulnerable Muslims during Ramadan.
He also applauded the volunteers who facilitated the distribution, describing their efforts as selfless and worthy of commendation, and prayed that Allah would reward them abundantly.
Abdulrauf further expressed appreciation to the donors on behalf of the beneficiaries for their generosity and commitment to community development.
In their separate goodwill messages, Alaro Suleiman, Ajao Muhammed and Anafi Alabere described the initiative as commendable and urged other Muslims to imbibe the spirit of giving and compassion demonstrated by the IEDPU USA branch.
They prayed for continued blessings and rewards for the donors.
The annual Ramadan intervention is part of IEDPU’s broader efforts to promote social welfare and community support within the Ilorin Emirate.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III declared Wednesday, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Sultan announced that the crescent moon was sighted in several parts of the country on Tuesday, the 29th day of Sha’aban.
He said the moon sighting confirms that Wednesday, February 18.
This marks the commencement of Ramadan 1447AH for Muslims across Nigeria.
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