•Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Wednesday 18th of February 2026, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447AH.

He declared that the crescent moon was sighted in almost every part of the country earlier on Tuesday which is the 29th day of the Month of Shaban and thereby signifies tomorrow 18 of February as the First day of Ramadan 1447.

Sultan Abubakar, in a press statement made available to newsmen in Sokoto and signed by the Chairman Advisory committee on religious affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, however calls on the entire Muslim communities in the country to start fast on Wednesday in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

He said the council got information of the moon sighting from many Islamic leaders cut across the country which he said signifies the start of Ramadan fast on Wednesday.

He urged Muslims to use this month of Ramadan to pray against the insecurity ravaging some part of the country.

He also called on the Muslims across the country to use the month of Ramadan to continue to pray for the leaders of the country and also to curb the insecurity situations in the country.

Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., the pioneering civil rights activist, Baptist minister, two-time Democratic presidential candidate, and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has died at the age of 84.

Jackson passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

A towering figure in American civil rights and politics for more than five decades, Jackson rose to national prominence as a close ally and protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.

He marched alongside King, continued the fight for racial equality after King’s assassination, and became a powerful voice for economic justice, voting rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

In the 1980s, Jackson made history with his groundbreaking presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, building a broad “Rainbow Coalition” of poor and working-class people across racial lines and galvanizing support for progressive causes.

His fiery oratory and moral vision reshaped the Democratic Party and inspired generations of activists.

Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advocate for social and economic justice, and he frequently served as a bridge between grassroots movements and political power negotiating with world leaders, challenging corporate practices, and championing the voiceless both in the U.S. and abroad.

In recent years, Jackson had battled progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative condition, which led to his hospitalization in late 2025 and his stepping down from leadership roles at Rainbow PUSH in 2023.

His family described him as a “servant leader” who left an indelible mark on history. “Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in their statement.

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy endures in the ongoing struggle for civil rights, equality, and justice.

Further details on memorial services and tributes are expected in the coming days.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured Nigerians that his administration will continue its economic reforms with a stronger emphasis on citizen inclusion and empowerment to deliver widespread prosperity.

Speaking during a one-day official visit to Adamawa State, where he commissioned several landmark projects, the President highlighted tangible gains from the reforms, including major advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure across the country.

President Tinubu praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his outstanding leadership and prudent use of increased federal allocations to execute people-centered projects. He specifically commended the governor’s investments in education—such as the construction of 21 model schools—and critical infrastructure, including an eight-lane road with an underpass to boost mobility and commerce, as well as a modernized state High Court complex to strengthen justice delivery.

“You’re reflecting the true commitment of a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Tinubu said. “Umaru Fintiri, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of renewal and commitment from you in investments in the education of our children, and I commend your vision and commitment to the development of Adamawa State.”

The President emphasized the importance of close federal-state collaboration, noting that sound policies have enabled larger allocations to states for impactful development. He urged all governors to channel more resources into poverty reduction, with particular focus on improving education quality for children.

Tinubu also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and title holders for promoting peace, harmony, and unity in the state amid economic adjustments.

In a strong endorsement, the President hailed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, an Adamawa native, for his exemplary leadership in the fight against insecurity. “National Security Adviser, the son of the soil, Nuhudeen Ribadu… you’re doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the result. With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists. You’re honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job,” Tinubu declared.

Governor Fintiri welcomed the President and thanked him for gracing the state with his first official visit to commission key projects. These included:

• One of 21 model schools built across the state’s local government areas (N24.8 billion)
• Expanded Galadima Aminu Road featuring an overhead bridge, underpass, and dualized Gimba Road with reinforced drainage (N15.6 billion)
• Remodelled State High Court Complex (N5.5 billion)
• New Government House office complex (N6.3 billion)

The governor reaffirmed Adamawa’s full support for President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

The event was attended by five fellow governors—Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe)—as well as several ministers and senior government officials.

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