Oyo State
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the suspension of the 12am to 4am curfew earlier imposed on states by the Federal Government to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The suspension is to enable churches hold the traditional crossover service to usher in the New Year.
This was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa.
The statement indicated that the governor gave the directives in a brief endorsed by the chairman of the Technical Team of the COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Temitope Alonge.
The statement added that other advisories, including the directive of 50 per cent occupancy for worship and event centres, ban of street carnivals and others, remained in effect.
The statement reads partly, “Following a review of the pronouncement of the technical team of the Task Force on COVID-19 in Oyo State on December 29, 2020, the Governor, Seyi Makinde, FNSE, has magnanimously directed that the 12 midnight to 4am curfew be lifted.
“The governor has also warned citizens and residents of Oyo State to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines, protocols and advisories as laid down by the OYO State COVID-19 task force aimed at limiting the transmission of the disease in our communities.”
kogi State.
Churches in Kogi State have been told that they can observe the crossover services without any hindrance if they wish.
The state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop John Ibenu, stated this in Lokoja on Wednesday.
He said, “I have spoken with government officials, we shall observe our crossover service in our various churches on December 31 to January 1. “Let us keep the nation and Kogi State in prayers and have the trust that no plague will come near our state.
Recall that the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, had consistently maintained that the COVID-19, even though it exists, had been exaggerated for political and economic purpose.
Observe COVID-19 protocols – FCTA
Also, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has admonished churches in the nation’s capital to comply strictly with the COVID-19 protocols during the crossover service holding on Thursday to usher in the New Year.
It said errant worshippers would be sanctioned and churches found violating the guidelines would be shut.
The Head, Media and Public Enlightenment of FCT COVID-19 Task Force, Ikaro Attah, said worshippers and churches must support government decision to promote progress and development of the FCT.
He said, “We had discussions with religious leaders on the need to obey the COVID-19 protocols, so all those who will be attending the crossover service must adhere strictly to the guidelines. They should put on their face masks, wash hands, as well as keep physical distancing.”
“Those that failed to comply will be brought before the court for prosecution. Again, the centre where the protocol is flouted will be shut.”
Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday advised residents to comply with COVID-19 protocols, saying the cases were rising. The government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also commended religious organisations for the roles in fighting the pandemic.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria has issued a statement on how Churches should conduct their watchnight services.
“The Sanwo-Olu administration has maintained a harmonious relationship with religious organisations and has confidence in the ability of its leaders to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols amid the clamour for crossover services,” the statement reads partly.
Enugu bans night service.
The Enugu State Government banned the crossover service.
A public service announcement the state released on Wednesday, through the Office of the Chief Secretary to the Governor, said the ban became necessary following the second wave of the coronavirus disease.
It reads partly, “Due to the second wave of COVID-19, the conventional crossover activities on December 31, will not hold this year.”
Ban on crossover service not anti-Christian – Ondo
In a related development, the Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 said the decision of the government to ban crossover service is not targeted at Christianity.
The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, stated this during an interactive meeting with religious leaders and stakeholders in Akure on Wednesday.
Fatusi said there was the need for every stakeholder to key into the fight against COVID-19.“We are talking about a matter of life and death. People have talked about maintaining protocols in the markets and other places, but focus on churches and mosques is because by their designs they spread COVID-19 more than open places.
“It is an enclosed place and people are more active there. The likelihood of higher infection is very prominent. The decision to cancel crossover vigil is not about churches, you will recalled that the government cancelled Muslims gathering too; it is about subsisting order for prevention of outbreak of infection and reducing further spread of COVID-19”.
The Ondo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Rev. Ayo Oladapo called on the government to permit churches to celebrate the crossover service, stressing that churches had been educating the people on preventive measures against the pandemic.
