The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has confirmed Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the commencement of the 2026 Ramadan fasting.

The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by the Emir's media officer, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, noting that the decision aligns with that of the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar.

According to the statement, the declaration followed a meeting of the Ilorin Emirate Council and the Council of Ulama at the Emir's palace.

During the meeting, the Emir held telephone conversations with the Sultan, 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 titleholders, including the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid; the Imam Gambari of Ilorin; and members of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, among others.

In his remarks, the Imam Imale prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the Muslim Ummah the blessings and rewards associated with Ramadan.

The Emir congratulated Muslims on witnessing the holy month and urged them to observe the fast in accordance with Islamic injunctions. He also encouraged acts of charity and compassion toward the less privileged throughout the period.

He further appreciated the government and people of Kwara State for maintaining peace and stability across communities.

Special prayers were offered 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, OON, and the former Dean of the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, Professor Yusuf Lanre Badmas.