Nigeria, March 1 -- The Islamic month of Ramadan will begin in Nigeria on Saturday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, has announced.

Mr Abubakar, who doubles as the president of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said this in a broadcast Friday night.

The announcement followed reports of sighting of the crescent moon on Friday in Maiduguri and Bama area of Borno State, the Sultan said.

The Muslim leader said he felicitates with the entire Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1446AH Ramadan Fast.

He prayed that Allah spares the lives of every Muslim to participate in the fasting exercise and to maximise the benefits therein.

Earlier, the Ramadan crescent (moon) was sighted in Saudi A...