By Akinwale Kasali
In a move to navigate the way forward through the lockdown, Social distancing and restriction of movement that have religious centers under lock for weeks , the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu held a virtual meeting with Religious Leaders, as part of efforts towards curbing the spread of Coronavirus in Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the pandemic as a global scourge, noting sadly that the Lenten and Ramadan periods fell within the lockdown phase, which had a toll on both religions.
Sanwo-Olu briefed the leaders on government efforts since the first index case in Lagos, stressing that the State was already on alert immediately the news about the virus broke in China in December 2019 based on experience during the Ebola virus.
He, however, disclosed that the infection and transmission of the virus is now spreading at the community level, hence the urgent need to sensitise religious leaders due to their followership in the State, either as Christians or Muslims.
The Governor reiterated that the “0 – Congregation” stance of Government for religious worship centres is still in force to ensure physical distancing, adding that all hands must be on deck to do more sensitisation and monitoring to complement government efforts.
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, called for continued support and prayers of the Religious Leaders to successfully navigate this perilous period.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State Branch, Apostle (Prof.) Alexander Bamgbola, thanked the Governor for being proactive, dogged and pragmatic in his approach to the situation which, he believes, has saved so many lives.
He promised that the Christian leaders in the State will continue to support the efforts of the State Government in sensitising and enlightening their followers on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on behalf of the Islamic leaders, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik (Engr.) Suleiman Abu-Nolla, described this period as a time of collective survival when the government and religious leaders must work hand-in-hand to ensure the survival of all.
Some of the notable religious leaders present during the virtual meeting with the Governor included Pastor W.F. Kumuyi (Deeper life), Pastor Joseph Obayemi (RCCG), Dr. D.K. Olukoya (MFM), Rev. Mrs. Mercy Ezekiel (CPM), Amb. Mrs. Elizabeth Onajobi of WOWICAN, His Eminence Samuel Kanu Uche and other leaders in the five Christian Bloc and CAN Executives.
Also present were Imam Dr. Abdulrahman Ahmad (Chief Missioner, Ansaru-deen), Sheik Abdulhakeem Lawal, Imam Abdul Akeem Lawal, Dr. (Mrs) Egberongbe of FOMWAN, Sheik Uwais, Chief Imams of the various Divisions of the State, MSSN and other top religious leaders in Lagos.
