Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Osun, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has intensified campaign against the pandemic by visiting religious places.
This is even as the governor acknowledged the level of compliance with the government guidelines in most religious places.
At the campaign which took place in some churches within Osogbo metropolis, the governor emphasised the need for religious places to serve as an exemplary figure in the efforts to contain the pandemic in the state by not only preaching for absolute compliance but also compel the congregations to always observe the guidelines.
The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, charged the congregations and the ministers of God not to lose their guards on the dangerous pandemic called coronavirus, urging them to take responsibility in its containment.
“There is no such time than now, everyone must observe the government guidelines such as wearing of face mask, regular hand washing and maintain social distance, among others.
“Religious places being a gathering of umpteenth number of people are bound to have the fastest pace of spread. This alone behoves on everyone to observe protocols as well as indulge in fervent prayers so as to save our land.
“The level of compliance with the Covid-19 protocol we have met at the churches so far is highly impressive and this has shown that the revered men of God and their congregations are already complementing the efforts of the government in the containment of the pandemic. You’re then encouraged to sustain the compliance level for the general wellbeing of the people”, he added.
While Speaking, the President Christian Association of Nigeria in the state of Osun, Bishop Amos Ogunrinde of Methodist Church in Isale Aro area of Osogbo appreciated the state government for proactively engaging the churches on the fight against the pandemic.
The President, who was represented by Rev. Canon Clement Fayemi, the assistant secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria said the church will do everything possible in their capacity to support the government in the fight against the virus.
He, however, promised that the church leaders would always do the needful by educating the congregation on the use of nose mask, sanitiser, and regular hand washing.
Also speaking, the District Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church at Latona area of Osogbo, Pastor Gideon Obiwale appreciated the state government of Osun for extending their hands of fellowship in the fight against coronavirus.
The cleric said that Church as a body will not relent in passing the message of the government to their congregations, saying the guidelines for curbing the spread of coronavirus will be strictly followed by the church.
Other churches visited in Osogbo are The Cathedral of All Saint Diocese of Osun, Church of Nigeria Balogun Agoro, African Church Osun Central Missionary Diocese, Life transforming Evangelical Church, just to mention a few.