As part of its efforts to stop the spread of corona virus, the virulent pandemic ravaging the world, the Lagos State Government took another major step, Wednesday, banning worship centres with more than 50 people at any event.
The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi, made the disclosure at a meeting with religious leaders in the state, explaining that though government was not insensitive to the issues of religion, but “Only the living can worship, (and) it is better to offend our people than to kill them.”
Elegushi further explained that the government pegged the figure at 50 because it would be easier to contact-trace them if the need arose.
“We hereby agree we should suspend all religious congregation that is over 50 within the state for four weeks. While the constitution allows for freedom of association and worship, we are of the opinion that we should exercise our rights with extreme caution so as to avoid contacting and spreading of this disease,” the commissioner said.
“We hereby appeal to you to please pay close attention to people coming into our places of worship, anyone found showing symptoms of this disease should immediate be isolated and reported to the appropriate authorities.
“We should put in place measures that will ensure cleanliness of our environment bearing in mind that, cleanliness is next to Godliness”. He also advised adherence with all hygiene recommendations.
“Aside our normal ablutions, our worshippers should be encouraged to make use of hand sanitizers, avoid bodily contacts as much as possible and ensure safety measures in and around their places of abode.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy , Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, had hinted that the government was going to advise religious leaders to suspend large gatherings.
“We are all aware that the federal government asked the National Youth Service Corps to shut down orientation camps; yesterday, the commissioner for home affairs said there will be a meeting with religious leaders today,” Omotoso had said.
“It is going to be suggested to them to maybe stop Friday and Sunday services – wherever we have large gatherings… 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.”
In imposing the ban, Lagos State, nay Nigeria, was copying countries like Saudi Arabia and Ghana which had earlier taken such step to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
