By Temitope Akintoye,
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that he held a virtual meeting with religious leaders in the state over the prevention of possible spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic among congregations and devout residents of the region.
He said that the meeting had been necessitated by rising incidence of community transmission within the state as well as the regrettable events of notable Christian and Islamic holy months, Lenten and Ramadan, both being celebrated under coronavirus-induced restrictions.
Sanwo-Olu, who stated that his administration was committed to ensuring the well-being of all Lagosians irrespective of their religious beliefs, recalled that the decision to cancel social gatherings as well as uphold a “0-congregation” policy had been hinged on recent healthcare realities which discouraged large crowds.
The governor, through a statement released on Monday, revealed that the coronavirus crisis in the state had not abated, but had rather reached a community transmission level, thus necessitating a continuation of the ban on religious gatherings within Lagos.
He urged the religious leaders to comply with the “0-Congregation” policy and also to embark on sensitization programs to educate followers concerning the dreaded coronavirus disease and the medically advised measures for its prevention.
Sanwo-Olu said that it was pertinent that religious leaders support the state in its battle against the global pandemic by carrying out activities to complement government efforts and also through the offering of prayers for help to successfully overcome the national health threat.
