The Oyo State Government on Thursday said Muslim Praying Grounds across the state will be opened for the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir prayers, warning, however, that Muslim faithful must ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols in the state.
The government said it was imperative for the sake of public health and wellbeing of all worshipers that the Eid prayers be conducted in strict compliance with the guidelines on prevention of COVID-19. The government urged the leadership of each praying ground in the state to ensure availability of hand wash points and compulsory use of nose masks.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that part of the protocols that must be observed during the Eid Adha festivity include observance of the social distancing rule by allowing only 25 per cent of worshippers at every instance.
The statement read: “As the Muslim Ummah prepare to undertake this year’s Eid-el-Kabir prayers, the Government of Oyo State wishes to advise Islamic clerics and leaders on the need to maintain strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols, especially the social distancing rule.
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“The Eid Praying Grounds across the state have, upon the directive of the Governor of Oyo State been opened to Muslims for the purpose of the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir prayers. His Excellency reckons that prayers are important to overcome the challenges that presently assail us, especially the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, just like many aspects of our lives that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be an adjustment to Eid prayer gatherings. There is the need to ensure that not more than 25 per cent of worshippers are allowed at every instance in order to ensure compliance with the social distancing rule.
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“Similarly, let it also be noted that no worshipper should be allowed into the praying ground without face masks and readiness to wash hands with soap and water in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
“To further ensure safety and ownership of the Covid-19 preventive measures, the Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, of the Oyo State Covid-19 Task Force, has sent advisories to major markets and shopping malls, on the need for strict compliance with Covid-19 preventive protocols during this festive period and beyond.”
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Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu while rejoicing with Muslims across the country, urged them to celebrate moderately in the wake of the rise in cases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor also advised Nigerians, especially Muslims, to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity and progress of the nation.
Sanwo-Olu, in his Eid-el-Kabir message released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, congratulated Muslims in Lagos and advised them to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.
He said Eid al-Adha became a symbolic event in the history of mankind, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in God despite being afflicted.
Sanwo-Olu therefore urged Lagosians to draw lessons from the prophet’s examples by eschewing tendencies that could severe the unity and stability in the country.
“Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-Kabir, which comes with significant lessons for mankind. For the Muslims, today’s celebration is very unique.
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“This symbolic Islamic festival is a reminder to us that, there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our belief.
“However, these activities, which are a reflection of joy and happiness of the season, cannot hold this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Let us reflect on the last four to five months of our lives as individuals, as a state and as a nation. We should also remember our health care workers, and thousands of COVID-19 patients who would have loved to be at home to celebrate with us at this moment.”
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