By Akinwale Kasali
Following the footsteps of a number of Countries, including Britain, the United States of America, Italy and even Rome, the Lagos State Government is set to ban Religious gatherings in the State till further notice following the outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 which has become pandemic.
Making this disclosure, the State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, said at a briefing on Wednesday afternoon that he is certain that religious leaders will be advised to stop Friday and Sunday Services, irrespective of faith.
In his words, “We are all aware that the Federal Government asked the National Youth Service Corps to shut down Orientation camps, the Commissioner for Home Affairs said there will be a meeting with religious leaders to discuss the decision of the State Government to stop all religious gathering.
Omotosho stressed further that, “It is going to be suggested to them to maybe stop Friday and Sunday services – wherever we have large gatherings.
“Going by the new development, I am sure they will be advised to shut down the services in the interest of the public and all of us. I am sure they are going to comply,” he said.
Reacting to the decision of the Lagos State Government, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State Chapter, said that the country had not gotten to a level where religious gatherings should be banned over the deadly coronavirus.
CAN Chairman, Lagos State, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, while addressing the Media, urged religious organisations to take proactive measures to safeguard members from the deadly disease.
“The Federal Government must further secure our borders. Many nations are doing this very seriously now. We must also act now as a nation.
“Our nation cannot afford to welcome or accommodate coronavirus in our land. God forbid it in Jesus name.
“We have not gotten to the level where religious gatherings should be banned and I am of the utmost belief that Nigeria will not get there.
“We are watching the situation very closely to know what we must do. God has kept it away from us because we cannot contain the pandemic here,” Bamgbola said.
