The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Saturday, February 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria.

The announcement followed the sighting of the new crescent in various parts of the country, which was verified by the national and state moon sighting committees. Speaking at his palace in Sokoto, the Sultan urged Muslims to begin the Ramadan fast in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He called on the Muslim community to use the holy month for devotion, prayers, and supplications for Nigeria’s peace and progress. He also emphasized the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and extending support to the less privileged during Ramadan.

The Northern Online Reporters and Publishers (NORP), Kano State Chapter, has expressed gratitude to Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the lawmaker representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, for his generous donation of 25kg bags of rice to each of its members as a Ramadan gift.

In a statement signed by the Interim Chairman and national treasurer  of NORP, Comrade Abbas Yusha’u Yusuf, the association described the gesture as a reflection of Hon. Rurum’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This act of kindness demonstrates Hon. Rurum’s dedication to supporting journalists and media practitioners, especially during this sacred month of fasting and reflection. His generosity will go a long way in easing the burden on our members and reinforcing the spirit of community and solidarity,” the statement read.

NORP further reiterated its dedication to ethical journalism and objective reporting, acknowledging leaders like Hon. Rurum who recognize and support the role of the media in society.

“We remain committed to upholding the values of ethical journalism and objective reporting, and we appreciate leaders like Hon. Rurum who recognize the significance of the media in society,” Yusuf stated.

The association extended prayers for the lawmaker, asking Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly for his support.

President Bola Tinubu has signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 appropriation bill into law, marking a 99.96 percent increase from the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion.

The bill was approved by the national assembly on February 13, after revisions to Tinubu’s initial budget proposal of N49.7 trillion.

The key breakdown of the 2025 budget includes a total expenditure of N54.99 trillion, statutory transfers of N3.65 trillion, and a recurrent (non-debt) expenditure of N13.64 trillion.

Other components are capital expenditure: (N23.96 trillion), debt servicing (N14.32 trillion) and a deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of 1.52 percent.