The Lagos State Government on Wednesday banned all Religious gathering of over 50 people within the Lagos Metropolis.
This was revealed via a communique released shortly after a meeting of the Lagos State Government with religious bodies in the state, because of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country.
The religious bodies include the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim leaders.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi who read out the communique stated that the groups agreed that all large religious gathering of over 50 people should be suspended immediately.
He said the suspension would last for four weeks, with a necessary review carried out if need be.
The 15-member committee comprises representatives of Muslims and Christians in the State.
Elegushi also said the meeting agreed that the state government should embark on massive sensitisation of people at the grassroots on the need to embrace proper hygiene.
Elegushi stated that it was 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 make use of sanitisers.
Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, 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.
The CAN Chairman, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola on the other hand, said the nation was at a critical point, stressing that since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Christians had been praying.
“We are at a critical moment in Nigeria, since we heard this, we have been praying. We have listened carefully to one another, particularly the government. The responsibility of every government is to protect the lives of the people,” he said.
“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”.
