President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has urged Muslims to use the occasion of the 2020 Ramadan fast to move closer to God and pray for the healing of their lands.
Buhari in his Ramadan message, however, warned Muslims to desist from activities that encourage grouping and congregating as they observe this year’s holy month of Ramadan due to the ravaging coronavirus.
The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, urged Muslims to make the best use of the period and also wished them well as they began this year’s 30-day fast, following the sighting of the moon. 
“I congratulate all Muslims as they commence this year’s Ramadan fast, which is depicted by self-denial, universal brotherhood, austerity and helping relatives and needy people.”
“These are also challenging times for us all. In this Ramadan period, the kind of socializing you are used to now risks spreading the Coronavirus.”
“Virtually all countries are advising citizens to avoid large gatherings and have their prayers and meals individually or with family at home. We must all refrain from usual Ramadan traditions such as group meals and congregational prayers, because of the Coronavirus.”
The President urged Muslims to endure and not to use the Coronavirus as an excuse not to participate in the Ramadan fast.
But the pandemic must also not be used as an excuse not to participate in the Ramadan fast, unless such abstention is warranted by the exemptions clearly laid out by health and religious authorities.
He wished Muslims in the country and the world the blessings of the holy month.
Recall as earlier reported by Naija News, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Saad III, announced the sighting of Ramadan crescent on Thursday.
Alhaji Abubakar noted that Friday will be the 1st day of Ramadan.
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