Religion
THE Oyo State Government has directed that Muslim praying grounds across the state be opened for the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
A statement to that effect was issued on Thursday in Ibadan by Mr Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Seyi Makinde.
Adisa said that the state government, however, warned that Muslim faithful must ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
“Upon the directive of the Gov Makinde, the Eid praying grounds across the state have 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.
“It has become imperative for the sake of public health and wellbeing of all worshipers that the Eid prayers are conducted with strict compliance with the guidelines on prevention of COVID-19.
“Leadership of each praying ground in the state must ensure that hand-wash points are made available and compulsory use of face masks.
“Other protocols that must be observed during the Eid El Kabir festivity includes: observance of the social distancing rule by allowing only 25 per cent of worshippers at every instance,” he said.
Adisa said that the Emergency Operations Centre, (EOC), of the Oyo State Covid-19 Task Force, had sent advisories to major markets and shopping malls on the need to strict comply with Covid-19 preventive protocols during this festive period and beyond.
“The EOC has also contacted all the health educators in the 33 Local Government Areas in the state with a mandate to reach out to possible places of gathering and advise on the need for responsible behaviour,
“In addition to these measures, however, all clerics and leaders are expected to take on the responsibility of guiding our people to pay attention to even the most minute details on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this festivity.
“Also the need to follow all laid down guidelines on COVID-19 prevention must be emphasised to every resident of the state at this period.
“The Oyo State Government wishes the Muslim Ummah a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir filled with the blessings and benevolence of Almighty Allah,” he said.(NAN)
– Jul. 30, 2020 @ 16:35 GMT |
Tags: Eid El Kabir: Oyo State opens praying grounds
