By Amaechi Agbo

Former President, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers as the country continues its war against coronavirus, also refereed to as COVID-19, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Alhaji Lulu who was the president of NFF between 2006 and 2010 with many success stories, gave the advice on Friday as the Muslim faithful began their Holy Month of Ramadan.

Alhaji Lulu who stated that the lockdown in the country occasioned by the ravaging coronavirus, calls for increased prayers and not fear.

He called on Nigerians, particularly the Muslims to remain steadfast in observing the tenets of the faith and remain patriotic as the country battles to curb the spread of the virus in the country.

“As we begin the Holy Month of Ramadan, it is imperative at this time to call on all Nigerians to intensify their prayers. We should pray and ask for God’s mercy upon us.

“This period requires that we do not lose sight of our faith, our belief and our obligations to the country to remain law abiding at all times.

“Leadership comes from God, therefore it is necessary that irrespective of the situation we are passing through now due to drastic measures by our leaders to curtail the spread of the virus, I appeal to all Nigerians to remain steadfast and also pray for God’s wisdom upon our leaders to lead us right.

“The season comes as a consolation to all of us who are Muslims to deepen our relationship with God, seek His mercies for our shortcomings and share love among our brothers and sister,“ he said.

Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs announced that Ramadan in the country will start on Friday , April 24.

The NSCIA President -General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa ’ad Abubakar , announced this on Thursday in a broadcast.
He confirmed that the new moon was sighted on Thursday in different parts of the country , meaning that Ramadan started on Friday in Nigeria

He said , “After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees ’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny , I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha ’aban 1441 AH

”In accordance with Islamic law , the Muslim faithful are to commence fasting on Friday accordingly,” the Sultan said

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

Ramadan 2020 began in the evening of 23 April and will end in the evening of 23 May