Few hours after confirming five new cases of coronavirus, the Lagos State Government yesterday banned all religious gatherings of over 50 people within the state as part of moves to curb the spread of the virus. The decision, which was arrived at after a meeting with some religious leaders will affect Sunday church services and Friday Juma’at prayers.
This is coming after House of Reps announced the ban of all forms of religious gatherings and visitors to the National Assembly.
Reading a communiqué after the meeting, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said the meeting agreed that all large religious gatherings of over 50 people should be suspended immediately. Anofiu Elegushi explained that globally observed trends of spread of the viral disease had shown that group gatherings and maintaining close proximity with others should be avoided until the threat subsides. He explained that the suspension would last for four weeks, while it would be reviewed in line with the state of the virus in the state. He added that a committee had been set up to monitor the enforcement of the suspension to ensure that both Muslims and Christians in the state abide by the decision. The meeting also agreed that the federal government should shut down borders, especially land borders to checkmate the influx of foreigners into Lagos in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Elegushi appealed to Lagosians to desist from handshaking and to always wash their hands with soap and water or made use of sanitizers.
And also the Chief Imam of the State, Oluwatoyin Abou-Nollah, said the action of the state government was commendable, urging all Muslim leaders to abide by the decision and to also make personal hygiene a priority. Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, said the association agreed with the action of the government.
“We must be proactive and take preventive measures. It is no longer the issue of religion but survival. We are going to accelerate the education of our people. We must listen to the instruction of the government and take the instruction seriously. We agree with the action of the government,” he said.
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