Muslims in Nigeria, on Monday, joined their counterparts across the globe to commence the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Leader of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, made the announcement on Sunday following the sighting of the crescent moon in various places in the country.

He congratulated the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and urged them to use the holy period as a time of prayer to God for the peace and progress of the nation.

The Sultan also called on Muslims to live in harmony with people of other faiths, as well as offer supplications for the success of the country’s leadership.

Also, in a message to Muslims, President Muhammadu Buhari advised Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan as a great opportunity for seeking forgiveness and getting closer to Allah.

Speaking through his Special Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, the President said the month of Ramadan was a time of spiritual reawakening which demands not only abstaining from food and drinks, but also avoiding all negative styles of living.

The President also advised all Muslim faithful not to see the month of Ramadan as a time for making excessive personal gains at the expense of others.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto state government has promised to provide free feeding and other assistance to the less privileged persons during the fasting period.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal made the pledge through a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Imam Imam.

The governor said the gesture was in view of the prevailing economic situation in the country and urged members of the public to increase almsgiving and assistance to those in need.