Religion

Gov. Abiodun Receives Chief Imam of Egbaland, Calls for Observance of Eid Prayer at Home

By Web News 1682

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that there will not be Eid prayer or gathering in the state during the Eid-El Kabri celebration.

Governor Abiodun announced this while playing host to the newly installed Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Saadula Bamigbola in his Oke Mosan Abeokuta office.

Governor Abiodun urged Muslims to observe prayer at their various homes and maintained that there would not be any festivity or gathering that violates COVID-19 protocols of not more than twenty people at a time.

While congratulating the Newly Installed Chief Imam of Egbaland, Governor Abiodun urged him to use his office to unite Muslims and non Muslims towards sustaining religious harmony in the state.

The governor gave the assurance that his administration would continue to provide ambience for all the people in the state to practice their religious in a peaceful manner and urged religious leaders to continue to support his administration.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Bamgbola thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support to the Muslim community in Egbaland and gave the assurance that Muslims would continue to support his administration with prayer.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Àarẹ Mùsùlùmí gba àwọn eeyán nímọ̀ràn lórí ìlànà áàbò lásìkò ọdún iléyá

By Web News 1049

Sáàjú ọdún iláyá, áàrẹ mùsùlùmí fún gbogbo ilẹ̀ yorùbá, Ẹdó àti Dẹlta, Àlhájì Daud Akinsọla ti gba àwọn mùsùlùmí lámọ̀ràn láti tẹ̀lé gbogbo àwọn ìlànà áàbò láti dènà àrùn covid-19 láwọn ibùdó ìjọsìn.

Àarẹ fọ̀rọ̀ àmọ̀nràn yi síta nígbàtí ó ńgba àwọn ikọ̀ àjọ tó ńrísí ìtanijí ará ìlú sí ojúse wọn, NOA, ẹ̀ka ti ìpínlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ lálejò nílé rẹ̀ nílu ìbàdàn .

Àlhájì Akinsọla ẹnití bí ìsòro tán àrùn coronavirus nílẹ̀ yí se ǹka lóminú wá rọ àwọn mùsùlùmí láti kírun ọdún wọn láwọn mọ́sálásí jímọ̀h tó sún mọ́ wọn, kí wọ́n lo ìbòmú, fọ ọwọ́ wọn àti kí wọ́n yàgò fún ìfarakínra.

Sáàjú ni ọ̀gá àgbà àjọ NOA, nípinlẹ̀ ọ̀yọ́ Arábìnrin Dọlapọ Dosumu ti ní èrèdí àbẹ̀wò wọn ni láti fọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀ pẹ̀lú ilé isẹ́ àarẹ mùsùlùmí láti la àwọn mùsùlùmí lọ́yẹ̀ lórí pàtàkì tí tẹ̀lé ìlànà áàbò covid-19 lásìkò ọdún.

Arábìnrin Dosumu wá késí àwọn asájú ẹ̀sìn láti máà tẹ̀síwájú láti kọ́ àwọn ọmọ ìjọ wọn ní pàtàkì lílò ìbòmú àti títakété síra ẹni láti pinwọ́ àtànkálẹ̀ àrùn covid-19

Dada Yẹmisi

Religion

Hajj Forces Arrests 244 People for infiltrating Holy Sites

By Web News 721

Hajj security forces have arrested 244 people who were attempting to infiltrate into the holy sites to perform Hajj in contravention of the Coronavirus precautionary measures and preventive protocols.

A spokesman of the Public Security said Punitive measures have been taken against them after collecting evidence.

The spokesman called on all the Saudi citizens and expatriates to strictly abide by the regulations issued with regard to the performance of Hajj and not to attempt to enter the holy sites without a Hajj permit.

According to the spokesman, the security men have clamped a tight security cordon in and around the holy sites to enforce these regulations and catch the violators.

Nafiu Busari

Religion

Salah: Aare Musulumi Urges Muslims to Comply with Covid-19 Precautionary Measures

By Web News 1004

Ahead of tomorrow’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration across the world, the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Daud Akinola has advised Muslims faithful to adhere strictly to all Covid-19 protocols at worship centres. 

The Aare Musulumi gave the advice while receiving the Oyo state directorate of the National Orientation Agency, NOA in his house in Ibadan during an advocacy visit. 

Alhaji Akinola who was disturbed by the spike in the cases of coronavirus in Nigeria in recent weeks appealed to Muslims in the state to observe their Eid at homes or central mosques close to them with proper adherence to the use of face mask, hand washing and physical distancing. 

He said the Federal government’s continuous appeal for Nigerians to observe all precautions against the spread of Covid-19 was to ensure the safety of every citizen which he said should be maintained by members of the public. 

Alhaji Akinola also called on the Federal and state governments to intensify efforts at increasing testing capacity, create more isolation centres and upgrade health facilities to cater for the treatment of the people. 

Earlier, Oyo state Director, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu said the purpose of the visit was to partner the office of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land to enlighten Muslims on the need to observe Covid-19 precautions during Salah. 

Mrs Dosunmu called on religious leaders to continue to teach their congregants the importance of wearing face mask and physical distancing to curb the spread of the virus. 

Mosope Kehinde

Religion

Examining the Effects of the Cancelled Hajj for 2020

By Web News 764

Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia known as Hajj, is one of the four pillars of Islam.

During this period, millions of Muslims all over the world converge on Mecca for the week of Hajj to perform a series of rituals in line with the teaching of the Quran.

However, this yearly routine was cancelled this year to non-Arabians due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in order to curb the wide spread of the virus.

In this special report, Radio Nigeria correspondent takes a look at the effects of the Hajj Cancellation on the economy, Islam and the Muslim Ummah.

The literal meaning of the word Hajj, is known to be “heading to a place for the sake of visiting”.

In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to Kaaba, the House of Allah in the sacred city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.

The Hajj is one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslims in the world yearly with about two point five million pilgrims from all over the world.

But due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the authorities of Saudi Arabia had placed a ban on non-residents of the country from participating in this year’s pilgrimage to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

According to Minister of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia, Dr Mohammad Saleh Baten, there are many preventive and precautionary measures as well as protocols put in place to ensure a safe Hajj exercise for the approved ten thousand residents that would perform this year’s Hajj.

Parts of the preventive measures included testing of the pilgrims before reaching the holy sites, acceptance of only people below the age of sixty-five years of age and monitoring of their health status daily.

Also, hospitals have been prepared for any emergency that occurs during the pilgrimage while social distancing measures would be enforced.

Upon all these, the questions on people’s tongues is that, has the Hajj ever been cancelled before?

The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, (Muslim Wing), Professor Saeed Malik said this year’s Hajj cancellation was not the first in the history of Islam.

Professor Malik noted that the board had provision for a refund for intending pilgrims that request for such since they could only perform Hajj next year.

Does the cancellation of Hajj for non-residents of Saudi Arabia due to the Covid-19 pandemic comply with the Islamic teachings?

Chief Imam, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Bashir Olanrewaju said Islam supports any system that guards against the spread of any pandemic which might pose a threat to the lives and property of the people.

Dr Olanrewaju, therefore, called on Muslims to always prioritize prayers that to put an end to the ravaging coronavirus pandemic. 

Some Muslims in Ibadan who had paid for this year’s Hajj said the cancellation came as a shock to them but had taken the development as the wish of Allah.

The respondents thereby prayed Allah to spare their lives to be part of the Hajj exercise next year.

Rasheedah Makinde

Religion

Eid al-Adha: Sultan Congratulates Muslims, Urges Adherence to Protocol

By Web News 855

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid al-Adha celebration.

This is contained in a Press Release signed by the Deputy Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu.

The statement also tasks the faithful on the need to adhere to the established protocol in view of coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.

                                      TEXT 

            

Religion

Be steadfast, diligent in faith – Rt Reverend Adekola

By Web News 1144

Weariness has been identified as part of devil’s strategies in drawing back the Christian in his race.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Igbomina, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Emmanuel Adekola gave the charge at the end of this year’s eighth Synod of the Diocese of Ibadan North Anglican Church.

Right Reverend Adekola who said God is the Rewarder of those that diligently seek him, urged Christians to serve God wholeheartedly.

A member of the church, Mr Olasumbo Morenikeji lauded the effort of Oyo State Government for the privilege to gather for this year’s celebration of synod.

Some of the delegates at the 8th Synod

Highlights of the event included congregational hymns, prayers, thanksgiving session and benediction by the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo.

Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo at the Synod.

Meanwhile, precautionary measures against Covid-19 were observed as running water and liquid soap were placed at strategic locations.

Taiwo Akinola

Religion

Sultan Announces Friday, July 31st as Eid el-Kabir Day

By Web News 808

The Sultan of Sokoto and president general, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic affairs, Alhaji Muhamad Sa’ad Abubakar has declared Friday, the 31st July 2020 as Eid-el Kabir day.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent in Sokoto, reports that the declaration which is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs at the council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, noted that the 31st of July, 2020, will also be equivalent to the tenth of Zul hijjah 1441.

The sultan according to the statement, advised all district heads and Imams in Sokoto state to observe the Eid prayers at Juma’at mosques rather than Eid praying grounds in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

He advised Muslim communities across the country to also observe the Eid prayers at their respective Juma’at mosques with a view to checking the spread of the pandemic.

While felicitating with the Nigeria Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir celebration, the sultan also admonished them to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country.

Yahaya Balarabe.

Religion

New Chief Imam of Egbaland to be Installed on Thursday

By Web News 2738

The new Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa’dallah Bamigbola, is to be inaugurated on Thursday, 23rd of July, 2020.

Baba’adeen of Egbaland, Retired Navy Captain Rasheed Raji made this known in Abeokuta at a news conference to herald the event.

Retired Navy Captain Raji said the former Olori Ratibi of Egbaland would be installed as the 19th Chief Imam of Egbaland after he was unanimously selected by the Ẹgba Muslim Council.

The former military administrator of Bauchi State said the installation programme would be guided by Covid-19 protocols.

He noted that only invited guests would be allowed into the Kobiti Central Mosque, which is venue of the installation, and urged Muslim Ummah of Egbaland to co-operate with the Installation Committee.

Retired Navy Captain Raji assured that arrangements had been concluded to ensure that the venue was secured in order not to violate the government’s rules on Covid-19.

The Baba Adeen of Egbaland stated that the Muslim community in Egbaland was also working to put in place arrangement for the selection of future imams.

Wale Oluokun

Religion

Nigerians are tired of waiting for the best time to come – Most Rev. Okubadejo

By Web News 692

Political office holders have been advised to leave good legacies for which to be remembered.

The Diocesan Bishop and the Synod President, Anglican Church, The Most Reverend, Segun Okubadejo stated this the launch of bishop’s charge of the first session of the eighth synod of Ibadan Anglican Diocese held at Saint Matthias Anglican Church, Orogun Ibadan.

The Most Reverend Okubadejo, who lamented the spate of insecurity and corruption bedeviling the nation, said many Nigerians have become tired of waiting for the best time to come.

The Most Reverend Okubadejo however urged Christians not to be tired of doing good works irrespective of the times they find themselves.

In a remark, a traditional ruler in Ibadan Balogun Olakuleyin appealed to all to continue to pray for an end to COVID-19

The first session of the eighth synod of Ibadan Anglican Diocese continues with a closing service at Saint Matthias Church, Orogun on Thursday.

Lilian ibomor

Religion

Anglican Synod: Clergy Calls for Judicious Use of COVID-19 Fund

By Web News 762

A bishop of the Diocese of Igbomina West of the Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Olajide Adebayo has called for judicious use of the fund donated for the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

He stated this during a lecture at the opening service of the first session of the 8th Synod held at Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo Ibadan.

Reverend Adebayo said considering the havoc that COVID-19 had caused, it would be unfair if the fund meant to fight the virus was not effectively managed.

Reverend Adebayo noted that Christians should not be wary or tired in calling on God for salvation from the calamity that has been troubling the country.

On his part, the Diocesan Bishop and the President of Synod, The Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo said Christians should always work in the Lord’s way and never be tired of turning to him when the need be.

 He said the purpose of the yearly synod was to check the progress of the Anglican Communion and the way forward in the Lord’s way.

The most Reverend Okubadejo said the programme was also targeted at some Christians who are becoming tired of the Lord due to one problem or the other.

Two of the diocese members, who were recognized and honoured for working for the Lord, Mr Segun Oladejo and Mrs Roseline Aborisade, said the award would go a long way in making them better Christians.

The first session of the eight synod which started on Sunday would come to an end on Thursday.

Rasheeda Makinde

Religion

Religious Centres to Re-Open in Ekiti August 4

By Web News 864

Ekiti state government has shifted the date for the reopening of worship centres from today July 17 to August 4.

Governor Kayode Fayemi had during his recent broadcast announced that worship centres would be allowed to reopen as from today for Muslims, Saturday and Sunday for Christians.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Mojisola Yaya-Kolade made it clear that the shifting of the dates was to enable worship centres to meet the conditions set out by government.

She directed all the worship centres to fumigate their premises which would be ascertained by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Departments of various councils before they would be issued certificates of fumigation by the Ministry of Environment at no cost.

Dr Yaya-Kolade stated that worship centres would only be allowed to open once in a week for maximum of two hours while each place of worship must provide an infrared thermometer for the checking of the temperatures of members at the entrance.

The Commissioner for Health however said government had exempted children between one and twelve years as well as people above the age of sixty five from worship centres.

She noted that government took all these steps to prevent worshippers from contracting Coronavirus in Ekiti state.

Amos Ogunrinde

Religion

Keep Hope Alive Amidst Pandemic- Pastor Adeboye Tells Nigerians

By Web News 1328

The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has encouraged Christians to keep hope alive at this trying time, saying there is hope even amidst the toughest lockdown.

Pastor Adeboye gave the encouragement during a service in continuation of a series of messages titled ‘From Lockdown to Lifting Up’.

Taking the sermon from the Bible: Acts, Chapter 3:1-8, where he juxtaposed Apostle Peter’s healing ministry at the Beautiful Gate with his erstwhile fishing experience, the cleric told the people there was no limit to their lifting.

Pastor Adeboye, who further enumerated exploits of other Bible characters like David, Joseph and Joshua, said this was a period to surrender to God, look within and dream big.

The cleric, who noted that lockdown could be painful periods filled with fear, misery and tears, however explained that within such moments the amazing blessings of God abound for those who are determined and draw close to God.

Pastor Adeboye had earlier called on God to hearken unto the cry of the nations by clearing the ravaging corona virus.

Culled/Positive FM

Religion

Covid-19: Cleric Says the World Needs God’s Intervention

By Web News 663

Praying for God’s mercy to heal our land should be every man’s watchword as the world battles Covid-19.

Assistant Pastor, Foursquare Gospel Church, Bodija, Pastor Kayode Babatunde said this in Ibadan.

Pastor Babatunde explained that total submission unto God could help individual and the society in time like this, hence the need for Christians to seek the face of God to conquer the pandemic and other challenges.

Pastor Babatunde, however, urged Nigerians not to relent in prayer to recover losses the country had experienced so far.

The service had all precautionary measures in place for the congregants, from the entrance into the main auditorium, as well as physical distance.

Taiwo Akinola

Religion

Evangelist Morris Cerullo is Dead

By Web News 1089

American pentecostal evangelist, Dr. Morris Cerullo is dead, although no official reports from family yet about the nature of his death, it is believed to have been pneumonia, one of the beloved sons of Morris Cerullo, Bishop Charles Agyin asare broke the news through his verified twitter account, he said ;

My father Dr Morris Cerullo@morris_cerullo is gone to join the great cloud of witnesses after having fought a good fight and having run his course. His legacy lives on in us.

Evangelist Morris Cerullo has traveled extensively around the world for his ministry, he is a father of the faith to many of today’s renowned spiritual leaders, Morris’s life has been an inspiration to many. Affectionately known as ‘Papa, he is also a prophetic voice who has personally trained more than 5 million Christian leaders, otherwise known as Nationals, around the world to reach their own countries for Jesus Christ.

The great General of God passes on at 88, his legacy will surely live on

Positive FM

Religion

Covid-19: Ekiti Mosques won’t re-open for now – Islamic Clerics

By Web News 811

Muslims in Ekiti State have resolved not to re-open mosques for religious activities.

The decision was reached at a meeting convened by the League of Imams and Alfas and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ekiti State, held in Ado-Ekiti.

In a statement, the President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Sanni said the meeting was held to give the report of the conditions for re-opening of Mosques in the state as laid down by the state government.

According to Alhaji Sanni, it was agreed that mosques would not be opened as some of the conditions laid down by the state government could not be met within the stipulated time frame of July 17 pronounced by Governor Kayode Fayemi during his recent broadcast.

He explained that they resolved to hold on for a while in preparations to meet the conditions laid down.

The body however lauded the state government for the steps taken to safeguard the lives of worshippers in Ekiti State against the COVID-19.

The Muslims leaders urged the faithful to continue pray against the pandemic.

Amos Ogunrinde

Religion

Coronavirus: Expert Charges Clerics to Preach Hope-Filled Messages

By Web News 1252 2

Former Co-Chairman of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council,  NIREC, in Lagos State, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib has urged religious leaders to prioritize messages of hope in their preaching to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the people.

Dr Shuaib made the call at a virtual Faith Leaders’ Dialogue Forum organised by Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace in collaboration with Faith for Peace Initiative.

He said considering the devastating effects of COVID-19 on socio-economic activities of the people, there was the need for religious leaders to provide spiritual tonic that would rekindle the hope of their subjects in God that with strong faith and prayers their loss would be replenished. 

Dr Shuaib who lauded the initiative of faith based organisations by providing palliatives to less-privileged, said more would be necessary after coronavirus pandemic but in a more coordinated manner.

“They need not to duplicate their activities but complement one another. If one is addressing the economic aspects, others could look at the areas of human and health development”.

He called on religious leaders to see themselves as development partners in areas of provision of food to the people “as many are crying of hunger and the problem of hunger is deadlier than the coronavirus itself”.

Dr Shuaib called on NIREC to see to the establishment of an Inter-Faith COVID-19 Council that would coordinate the responses of the Faith and Inter-Faith Communities to the coronavirus crisis in Nigeria.

Contributing, National President, Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Nyeneime Andy said the number of individuals tagging COVID-19 as a scam would have been reduced if the government had carried religious leaders along from the beginning considering their influence and closeness to the people.

“Government should see religious leaders as partners in fighting the virus because of their influence on people. In fact, people would have taken the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 more serious and the idea of the virus being a scam would be minimal if some religious leaders have been part of the taskforce”.

Also speaking, National Amirah, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria, FOMWAN, Hajia Halimah Jibril noted that COVID-19 has made everyone to be vulnerable and called on religious leaders to use their resources to empower people.

“This is the time to use both Zakaat and Tithe to build individuals and to give hope to the hopeless people.”

In a remark, Executive Secretary, NIREC, Reverend-Father Cornelius Omonokhua noted that COVID-19 had challenged people’s faith and that was why the council took prayers as essential as it beat all imaginations how a virus could shut down the whole world.

The chief host of the programme and the Executive Director, Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, Reverend-Sister Agatha Chikelue emphasized that COVID-19 does not know colour, race or religion as it has wreaked havoc on people’s livelihood and there was the need for interfaith collaboration on how people could bounce back. 

The convener of the dialogue forum and Director, Faith for Peace Initiative, Mallam Tajudeen Alabede noted that the coronavirus pandemic has brought untold hardship on the masses and interfaith community being a critical stakeholder has a role to play in the economic recovery of the people.

Other speakers at the one-day dialogue forum, which included Director, Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan, Very-Reverend Kolade Fadahunsi, National President, National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations, NACOMYO, Mallam Sani Suleiman, Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre, Alhaji Kamor Disu, Mrs Mary Asibi- Gonsum of Jos Archdiocese, Catholic Church and Senior Project Coordinator, Search for Common Ground, Mrs Fatima Abubakar-Madaki called on interfaith community to team up and produce  policy recommendations to government that would better the economy after COVID-19.

The theme of the dialogue forum is “Roles of Faith and Inter-faith Communities in Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

COVID-19: CAN Declares 3 Days Fast in Ondo

By Web News 861

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has declared three days of fasting and prayers from Friday 3rd July to Sunday 5th July, 2020.

The prayers are specifically to seek divine intervention in respect of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

A statement by the Ondo State CAN Chairman, Reverend Ayo Oladapo, enjoins all Christians to actively participate in the spiritual exercise.

Dupe Isename

Religion

You Can Have Your Money Back, Oyo Hajj Commission Tells Intending Pilgrims

By Web News 977

The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Professor Sayed Malik, says the monies of all intending pilgrims with the board for this year’s hajj are intact.

Saudi Arabia authority recently announced the decision to allow only the local Pilgrims of different nationality to perform the Hajj 2020 and cancel the attendance of the international Pilgrims.

Prof. Malik made the disclosure while briefing journalists about the development at his office at Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.

He assured the intending pilgrims to be rest assured that their monies are intact and safe till 2021 Hajj, adding that those that wish to get their money back are permitted to request for the refund by writing to the board.

Prof. Malik also explained that the decision of the Saudi Arabia was to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus pandemic that is currently ravaging the whole world, considering the large number of people that would wish to perform the 2020 Hajj.

The Chairman, appreciated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, under the leadership of Alhaji Kunle Hassan for the unrelenting efforts put in place for the 2020 Hajj operation.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

See Period of COVID-19 as a Call to Assist the Needy – Cleric

By Web News 890

A cleric has emphasized the need for the people to see the covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to help those facing various life challenges.

The Pastor, Iwo Road Baptist Church, Monatan, Ibadan, Revd. Adeoba Kolawole, in a Sunday service sermon said many had found themselves in helpless situations on account of the negative effects of the pandemic.

 In the sermon entitled ‘ A Life that Blesses Others’ taken from Acts. 16:11-15 and verse 40, Revd. Kolawole noted that blessing others was a matter of choice.

He pointed out that blessing others was a mark of spiritual maturity, diligence and a heart that was open to God. The cleric said the hospitality of Lydia in the bible passage, was a worthy example for Christians to emulate.

The worship service witnessed the observance of safety protocols including taking people’s temperature with infra ray thermometer, hand washing, use of masks and physical distancing.

Olusegun Ayankoso.

Religion

Cleric Urges Government to Tackle Incessant Rape

By Web News 1368 Post a comment

Governments have been advised to intensify efforts toward putting an end to incessant rape in the country.

The cleric in charge of Region Eleven of the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, Pastor Ademola Akangbe gave the advice while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the reasons behind rape cases in the country.

Pastor Akangbe who bemoaned the recent incidents of rape in the country explained that perpetrators lacked the fear of God saying government must not allow the trend to drag longer before nipping it in the bud.

The cleric said perpetrators of rape would not escape the bitter consequence of their actions unless they have a change of heart without delay.

While calling on Christians not to be discouraged by the current health crises in the world, Pastor Akangbe stressed the need for them to continue to pray for the restoration of peace in the country.

He also enjoined Christians to adhere strictly to precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Ogun Suspends Reopening of Religious Centres

By Web News 734

Ogun State Government has suspended the planned reopening of religious centres in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made this known while briefing newsmen in his Okemosan Abeokuta office.

The governor, who explained  that the decision was taken after a robust dialogue with the religious leaders in the state, said the step became necessary as a result of rising cases of COVID 19 in the state.

While announcing  that his administration would not hesitate to ban operation of commercial motorcyclists in the state if the operators continue to flout COVID 19 preventive measures, Governor Abiodun maintained that the state government would impound the vehicle of any commercial driver that contravened inter-state ban.

He also said that all existing guidelines to flatten the curve of the pandemic, including total lockdown on weekends and night curfew between 10pm to 4am remained sacrosanct.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Religious Leaders disagree over opening of Worship Centres in Oyo

By Web News 2377

Religious leaders in Oyo State have expressed divergent opinions over lifting of suspension placed on religious gathering 3 months ago during the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. 

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni said he was not in support of reopening of mosques in the state due to the rising cases of COVID-19.

“As far as I’m concerned, the governor has not convinced us that the spike of the pandemic has subsided and therefore it would be extremely risky to tell the people to come to mosque and get infected”. 

He said the Muslim Community of Oyo State would soon take a stand on the state government’s decision, as he was personally not in support of reopening of mosques noting that the rate at which the virus was spreading in the state was alarming.

“In a few days’ time, the meeting of critical stakeholders will address the situation and come out with the position of Oyo State Muslim community”.

Alhaji Sanni wondered why the state government did not carry the community along compared to the past stressing that Chief Imam of Ibadanland was also not contacted as some members of the community had resolved not to open their mosques including Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaba.

“Government should have called for the meeting of religious bodies as done in the past to seek their opinion before taking the decision of opening religious centres. From the feelers we got even the Chief Imam of Ibadanland was not consulted and the Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaba will not be opened for Jumat service. The same thing for some prominent Islamic organisations like Ansarudeen that its national headquarters has directed that their mosques all over the country should be under lock”.

“Also, as Muslims, we have a leader, The Sultan is our leader in Nigeria. The federal government had said mosques can open but the national mosque in Abuja is under lock as it was not open for Jumat last week, which means the Sultan who is our spiritual leader has not directed us to open mosques”.

He noted that the idea of allowing 25 percent worshippers in the mosque was not feasible as such would bring about discrimination and misunderstanding. 

“Part of the protocols according to the state government is that only 25 percent should come to mosques, how do we discriminate between one person or the other from entering the mosque on Friday?  You will come to the mosque and we will say you cannot enter, then you will see other Muslims entering, it will create a lot of confusion and anarchy if I can put it that way”.  

Alhaji Sanni noted that praying at home during pandemic was Islamic as this would prevent either contracting or spreading the coronavirus. 

“As Muslims, we believe that you don’t have to go to mosques before you can pray and that is why during the period of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be onto Him and there was a pandemic, the prophet instructed that people should pray in their homes. Every space on surface of the earth is a mosque, you can pray there”. 

In a contrary opinion, Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria Oyo state, Reverend Stephen Adekunle said the churches were pleased with the reopening stressing that there had been meetings of leaders under the State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to finetune on making churches model by putting measures in place to prevent spread of COVID-19. 

“Churches are ready to become standards as they used to be. As we resume by opening churches, social distancing and other regulations should be strictly adhered to and people should face the reality of the challenges of COVID-19”.

Reverend Adekunle who is also the President, Ibadan Baptist Conference said the closure of worship centres had opened the minds of church leaders to look inward to explore other ways of preaching the words of God. 

“During the closing of churches in the first place, we had not closed down the daily programmes like reading of the scriptures and other activities. However, it has opened our eyes and our minds to other ways by which we can disseminate the gospel”.

He said the leadership of CAN had been meeting the state government on the development urging Christians to be law abiding and avoid acts that can lead to the spread of coronavirus.

“We have been meeting with the government. The CAN executives have been meeting with the government for sometimes and the head of churches had met at CAN Secretariat to discuss on modalities of opening of churches”.

Reverend Adekunle called on the state government to support churches to manage the challenges of COVID-19.

“People should pray to God that we will adjust to the aftermath of COVID-19. I want to challenge the government to help us to manage COVID-19 by supporting Christendom in order to make progress and we will be praying for the government”.

Governor Seyi Makinde had early this week approved the resumption of religious activities in the state, with the directive that mosques and churches should operate at twenty- five percent capacity.

According to the data from Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Oyo state is number four on the table after Lagos, Abuja and Kano with 764 positive cases.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Akure FOMWAN Protest Incessant Rape of Women

By Web News 1155

Members of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria, FOMWAN, Akure chapter, have staged a peaceful protest while carrying different placards with inscriptions such as, “No to rape”, “No justification for rape”, “Government save our women and daughters” at the entrance of the Central Mosques in Akure.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, representative of the national Amirah of FOMWAN, who is the Assistant Zonal Coordinator, Southwest 2, Alhaja Idayat Jimoh said the peaceful protest by the women was to show their displeasure with the raping and killing of girls, children and women in the country.

Alhaja Jimoh said there was need for government to step up security measures to save the lives of its citizens.

Also speaking, representative of the Ondo state Amirah and Chairman, Humanitarian and Community Development Activities of FOMWAN in Ondo State, Mrs. Rafat Momoh said women would not rest until government takes proactive steps to end gender-based violence in the country and also ensure that justice is served on behalf of the abused.

The Ondo State Secretary of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Alhaja Kadijat Mufutau blamed incessant cases of rape to drug abuse and pornography that most youths watched.

Also the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque Akure, Alhaji Abdul Hakeem Akorede said marriage should be done legally and not eloping or raping women which is forbidden and offenders should be severally punished for it.

He emphasised on adequate parenting to make a child responsible and life worth living for all.

Alhaji Akorede said people convicted for a crime should be made to face the wrath of the law which will serve as deterrent to majority of others.

Olufisoye Adenitan

Religion

Gold FM Celebrates New GM Appointment

By Web News 927

Staff of Radio Nigeria Gold FM, Ilesa, put on their dance shoes as the new General manager, Mr. Adedamola tinubu led them to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mercy Chapel, to sing praises unto God for his benevolence.

Our correspondent, Isaac Haastrup reports that guest gospel artistes including Deaconess Wemimo Adewale, Pastor Dele Oluwadare, and Evangelist Falore charged up the spirit of the worshipers during praise sessions.