Churches in Oyo state reopen after three months Nigeria

Churches in Oyo State have reopened after three months of closure due to the ban placed on religious gatherings by the government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had in March, placed a ban on religious gathering as part of measures to curb the spreading of the novel coronavirus disease.

The government, however, announced recently that churches and mosques in the state could reopen with some guidelines.

It directed that religious centres must operate, at not more than 25 per cent capacity, while wearing facemasks throughout the service among other measures.

The NAN correspondent, who visited some churches including the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Winners Chapel among others on Sunday in Ibadan, observed that the churches maintained the guidelines set by the government.

It was observed that there were buckets of running water and liquid soaps placed at entry points for members to wash their hands before and after the service.

Some of the churches had earlier fumigated their environments while all members were sighted putting on face masks as sitting arrangements gave room for social distancing.

Some of the churches held multiple numbers of services so as to allow social distancing while thermometers were used to check members’ temperature before they entered the church.

Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in Oyo state, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, urged churches to maintain the guidelines set by the government.

“While appreciating the governor for allowing churches to worship, Christians must endeavour to abide by all the government’s guidelines to that effect.

We should remember that the Bible enjoins us in Hebrew 13:17, to obey those that have the rule over us.

“Now that government has lifted the ban on religious centres with conditions attached, it behoves us, as religious leaders, to ensure absolute compliance to protect the government from being blamed for its leniency,’’ Akinyemiju said.

Also, the Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Assembly Parish, Ibadan, Pastor Vincent Ajiboye, thanked God and the government for the opportunity to reopen churches.

“It’s good really to open in phases because of all we have gone through.

“Our church is open and to the glory of God we are fully prepared.

“May the Lord see us through in Jesus name, amen,’’ Ajiboye prayed.

A Christian faithful, Mr Ademola Ilori, expressed gratitude to God for giving him and family the grace and opportunity to worship again.

“We thank the government also for this, but we will appreciate them to increase the time/hours given for churches to operate, so as to enable us to express our profound gratitude and service to God,’’ he said.

NAN

Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike

National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike with immediate effect from Monday, June 22.

The organisation said it took the decision in order to enable the government time to fulfill outstanding demands following an appeal by the Speaker of the House of Representatives , Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors ’ Forum and other stakeholders.

NARD made the announcement in a communique read to journalists by its President, Dr. Aliyu Sokomba , on Sunday in Abuja after its National Executive Council meeting attended by over 300 members .

VIDEO: Are you APC or PDP chairman? Ondo Dep Gov asks CP

VIDEO: Are you APC or PDP chairman? Ondo Dep Gov asks CP

I’m not involved in my deputy, police saga – Akeredolu

Ondo Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has denied allegations that he was responsible for the action taken by the Police against his Deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi, on Saturday night.

Ajayi was held back at the Government House as Ondo Police Commissioner, Bolaji Salami, insisted that he would not leave with his official vehicles.

Akeredolu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, described the report as a complete falsehood intended to play victim by the principal actors involved.

Akeredolu said it was a concorted and devious lie meant to discredit him that he directed the Police Commissioner to restrain the Deputy Governor from leaving the Government House.

He explained it was a time-tested code in government’s business for officials to take inventory of offices and quarters before and after an official is moving in or out of offices or quarters.

The governor said the CP’s intervention, which was at the instance of an almost manipulated security apparatus at the Government House, was most desirable to restore law and order.

He stated that it became worrisome and suspicious when aides of the Deputy Governor insisted on leaving the premises with items wrapped in unclear ownership as late as 11 pm.

“Governor Akeredolu reiterates his commitment to the rights of all, including the Deputy Governor governor. But he has a duty to be firm and dispassionate in exercising the roles assigned to him,” he said. (The Nation)

Nigeria records 661 new coronavirus cases, total now 19,808

Nigeria has recorded 661 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 19,808.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known on Saturday.

It said, “On the 20th of June 2020, 661 new confirmed cases and 19 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

“No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.

“Till date, 19808 cases have been confirmed, 6718 cases have been discharged and 506 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The 661 new cases are reported from 14 states- Lagos(230), Rivers(127), Delta(83), FCT(60), Oyo(51), Edo(31),Bayelsa(27), Kaduna(25), Plateau(13), Ondo(6), Nasarawa(3), Ekiti(2), Kano(2), Borno(1).”

Fayose Lacks Morals To Criticise Our Government – APC

Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) has said the immediate past governor of the state, Mr Ayodele Fayose, lacks the moral rectitude to criticise the ruling party led by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a chameleon-like politician who is always ready to do or say anything just to attract attention.

The party alleged that Fayose was fond of engaging in dubious escapades, wining and dining with leaders of the APC across the country, while also turning back to make unfounded allegations against the party.

Such a politician, according to APC, will shout Hosanna today and crucify him tomorrow, as much as their daily bread is guaranteed.

APC, while reacting to some comments made by the immediate past governor about the party, noted that the same Fayose has been hobnobbing with leaders of the party across the country, seeking favours.

In a statement signed by its director of media and  publicity, Elder Sam Oluwalana, the party pointed out that during the four years administration of Fayose in the state, he was the executive, legislature and judiciary, as he crippled the other arms from performing their functions.

“It is on record that the mace of the assembly, which is the authority of the legislature, was kept at the government house, while the law makers would have to seek permission from Fayose before convening any sitting.”

Source: Leadership Newspaper