Religion

Hajj 2020: NAHCON to Make Declaration in Two Weeks

By Web News 688

Amidst the anxiety and uncertainty over whether the 2020 Hajj will hold or not the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has declared that the commission would give a categorical statement at the end of Ramadan.

The Chairman who made this known during a Radio Nigeria network service programme, HAJJ: A Spiritual Journey”, on Friday, said it was impossible for the commission to make a definitive statement on whether or not the pilgrimage would take place this year.

He, however, expressed optimism that as soon as the coast is cleared from the Saudi end, the Commission would immediately announce its own decision.

” I can be able to give you a definite answer after the Ramadan which is in two weeks time when the Saudi Arabia authorities would have agreed on whether it would hold and if it would hold. Of course talk is ongoing. The modalities and everything about 2020 Hajj. I will tell Nigerians. “

According to Alhaji Zikrullah, the opening of the two Holy mosques in Makkah and Madina could be a pointer to the hope that Hajj 2020 may take place.

He emphasised that with the Covid-19 pandemic, the commission would not compromise the health and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

The Commission has embarked on an extensive collaborative effort with the Federal Ministry of Health on the sensitization of intending pilgrims to ensure they are acquainted with the basic rules of engagement like social distancing, use of face mask and personal hygiene so that they don’t contact the virus nor serve as a catalyst of it’s spread, the chairman added.

FRCN Abuja

Religion

Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan Congratulates Muslims on Ramadan

By Web News 695

As-salaamu ‘alaykum! Peace be upon you! 

On behalf of the Priests and all faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, I wish to express my best wishes to all Muslims in Ibadan and Oyo state as Ramadan fast begins. 

Ramadan is an important period for Muslims to fulfil their obligation to fast. Indeed, the Holy Quran enjoins the Muslims to fast when it states:

“Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183).

As you dedicate yourselves to Ramadan Fasting, I implore you to pray for our country and the world at large that God may save us from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. 

I wish you a fruitful celebration of Ramadan!

Ramadan Kareem!

Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin

Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan

Religion

Covid-19: Churches Keep off from Sunday Service, Some Flout Directive

By Web News 778

Some worship centers in Ibadan complied with the government directive banning gathering that is more than ten while others refused to comply.

Radio Nigeria who monitored the situation at Ojoo, Agbowo, Mokola and Molete reports that some churches closed their doors and entrance gate while others with more than ten members gathered for worship in the areas visited.

In an interview, a cleric in charge of Region Eleven of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Pastor Ademola Akangbe said leadership of GOFAMINT had recommended house fellowship system of worship with members not more than ten

He called on Christians in the country to intensify their prayers to god for an urgent end to Covid 19.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Ramadan: Cleric Tasks Faithful on Attitudinal Change

By Web News 615

Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Alhaji Bashir Olarenwaju has called for attitudinal change among Muslims during Ramadan.

Alhaji Olanrewaju stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria.

He noted that apart from refraining from foods and drinks from dawn till sunset, faithful should shun any immoral act that might jeopardize the benefits of the Ramadan fast.

Alhaji Olarenwaju stated further that Ramadan fast offers different benefits, handling physical, spiritual and social benefits, hence the need for the faithful to observe it diligently to achieve it purpose.

The cleric therefore called on Muslims to specially use the month to pray Allah to end the Coronavirus ravaging the world.

Rasheeda Makinde

Religion

It is Islamic to obey constituted authority – Chief Imam of Akure

By Web News 1802

As Muslims begin this year’s Ramadan, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Abdulakeem Yayi-Akorede has insisted that there would not be convergence of the faithful for any religious activity in line with the directive to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Alhaji Yayi-Akorede while speaking to Radio Nigeria in Akure explained that it was Islamic to respect constituted authority and desist from whatever that could cause harm to the society.

The cleric urged all Muslim faithful to observe their Ramadan at home with their families at this period that coronavirus was wreaking havoc across the globe.

Alhaji Yayi-Akorede also advised Muslims to give zakat during Ramadan and pray fervently for the well-being of the nation and its leader.

Adebukola Bardi

Religion

Bodija Muslim Community Donates Relief Packages to 500 Indigents

By Web News 1876

Not less than 500 less-privileged are to benefit from food items tagged “COVID19/ Ramadan Relief Package” sponsored by Bodija Estate and Environs Muslim Community.  

The food items include rice, beans, Semovita, garri, groundnut oil, and sugar.

Chairman of the community, Alhaji Abidemi Siyanbade at the commencement of the distribution of the package at the Islamic Centre, Bodija Housing area, Ibadan said the gesture was to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on the people as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

He explained that the project which gulped about five Million naira was through the support of members as well as others and used the opportunity to call for more donation so as to cater for another set as “there are over one thousand people on the list”.

“So, we want to assist some members of our community and the less privileges, we have various relief materials here including face masks which are washable”.

Alhaji Siyanbade said the community used to organise daily breaking of fast annually but because of the current situation, they decided to assist the needy with the packages.

“People, should spend in the way of Allah. What we do here for 30 or 29 days during Ramadan is provision of breaking of fast for people. We also have Itikaf, but due to Coronavirus ravaging the world, we know that it is from Almighty Allah, the prophet told us that when there is an epidemic, people in a place should stay where they are.”

He said in line with the social distancing order, messages had been sent to beneficiaries on when to come to get their packages stressing that at no time would they be more than ten people for each batch.

“The plan is for 500 people, we have sent messages to them. People will come here and pick and go. We have suspended the weekly Jummat prayer here and we have suspended the five daily compulsory prayers here.”

“The package has cost us close to 5 million naira. We don’t want the less-privileged to know the impact of this Coronavirus. We have the list of those whom are beneficiaries already”.

Some of the beneficiaries appreciated the community and said the support had brought succour to their families.

Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that precautionary measures were put in place to prevent spread of COVID-19 at the mosque as soap and running water as well as hand sanitizers were provided at the gate while social distancing was also maintained.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Oyo PFN Shares Palliatives to Members

By Web News 1059

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Oyo State Chapter, shared palliatives with her pastor members all over the state on Thursday 23rd April, 2020.

The commodities comprising of Rice, Beans and other edibles were channelled through the Provincial Chairmen to their respective local governments for onward distribution to pastors during this National lockdown which came about as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chairman, PFN, Oyo State, Reverend Samson Ajetomobi said it was a gesture conceived through the leading of God and the leadership of PFN is very grateful to those that made it happen.

Reverend Ajetomobi encouraged other leaders to find a way of helping and sharing with their other pastors at all levels as God helps them.

It would be recalled that the Oyo State PFN had earlier donated Personal Protective Equipment, PPE and N95 respirators to the Oyo State Task Force on Covid-19 as her contribution to stem the spread of Coronavirus disease in the state.

Niyi Dahunsi

Religion

Ramadan: Ogundoyin Charges Muslims on Devotional Acts

By Web News 689

As Islamic faithful across the globe commence Ramadan, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin has congratulated Muslims on the beginning of the month of blessing and mercy.

The Speaker in his Ramadan message said Allah has provided yet another opportunity for the whole world to raise their voices in prayer to him in this sacred month of fasting especially on the deadly Coronavirus which has killed thousands of people across the globe.

Mr Ogundoyin said there was no doubting the fact that the first and most important prayer request of humanity to God at this critical moment is for Covid-19 to end or for it to get a cure hence Muslims must avail themselves of the divine opportunity by praying fervently.

He urged Islamic faithful not to be discouraged by the ban on all congregational activities including prayers at the mosques and Ramadan lectures in public, but observe their prayers regularly at home and also engage in devotional and meritorious activities like feeding the poor Muslims, reciting the Glorious Quran, giving out gifts among others to earn maximum rewards in the Holy month.

According to the Oyo State Speaker, the measures are aimed at controlling and containing the spread of the pandemic.

Mosope Kehinde

Religion

Ramadan: Makinde Felicitates with Oyo Muslims

By Web News 667

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated with Muslims in the state for witnessing the commencement of the Ramadan fast.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, he urges Islamic faithful to pray relentlessly during the fasting period and specifically ask the Almighty Allah to show mercy on the people.

Governor Makinde said Muslims must embrace the piety demanded of them during the Ramadan and ask Allah to put an end to Covid-19, which is ravaging the whole world. 

He also enjoined Muslims in the state to use the month-long fasting period to pray for the peace of the state and the country at large.

The statement reminds Muslim across the state not to gather for Tafsir, Iftar and Tarawih prayers during the Ramadan, due to the restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He enjoined Muslim to use the opportunity of this month of blessings to seek Allah’s forgiveness to make the pandemic a thing of the past.

He also admonished Muslims to tune their minds to the messages of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence inherent in the messages of the Holy Prophet, while also being their brothers’ keepers.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Ramadan: Islamic Clerics Dissect Impact of Coronavirus

By Web News 687

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims faithful are mandated by Allah to engage in thirty days of obligatory fasting.

Some public spiritual engagements which usually characterized the fasting period such as Tarawih, open lecture, Tafsir among others have however been confined to be held indoors due to the ravaging Coronavirus disease which has shut down social and religious activities in many countries across the world.

Correspondent, Quasim Yahaya in this report sought the view of some clerics on the implications of the lockdown on the spiritual exercise as this year’s Ramadan begins.

Quasim Yahaya

Religion

Coronavirus: Ramadan Preparations at Low Ebb in Akure

By Web News 683

Few days to this year Ramadan the usual preparation ahead of religious obligation such as renovation of mosques, electrical gadgets for call to prayers, pre and Ramadan lectures, stocking homes with food stuffs have been missing among Muslim folks in Ondo State.

This is due to the lockdown occasioned by Covid-19 which has affected prices of goods and services.

Though markets in Akure the state capital opened partially, markets in Akokoland had become shadow of what they used to be with scanty number of people.

Prices of grains such as maize, millet beans and rice have gone up.

A resident, Hajia Nimotalahi Sarumi said a bowl of garri earlier sold for 1500 naira was now 3000 naira, a kongo of guinea corn rose from 250 naira to 350 with rice selling between 20,000 naira and 30,000naira per bag.

The chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, Sheik Basiru Aminu reminded Muslims of the need to adhere strictly with the directive from Saudi Arabia and that of the Islamic leadership in Nigeria that faithful should stay at home for this year Ramadan prayers to check the spread of Covid-19.

Another Muslim cleric, the Chief Imam Zumurat Islamiyah Supare-Akoko, Sheik Amusa Lawal urged Muslims to abide by all the directives on personal hygiene before, during and after Ramadan.

He, however, asked the state government to grant Muslims the use of calls to prayers early in the mornings as reminder to the faithful otherwise many would sleep off.

The cleric called on all Muslims to dedicate the Ramadan to fervent prayers against coronavirus so that normalcy would return to the country.

Dupe Isename

Religion

Hold fast to your faith regardless of the crisis – Reverend Olubiyi

By Web News 907

Christians have been encouraged to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ during this challenging period and beyond.

A cleric, Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi of Assemblies of God Church, Apata Ibadan, made the call while speaking with radio Nigeria on the lockdown which has affected Sunday worship services.

Reverend Olubiyi who noted that coronavirus pandemic was a face in human history, said Christians should renew their faith in Christ believing that the present situation would soon be surmounted.

The cleric also implored Christians to be more fervent in their prayers and remain sources of encouragement to others during the challenging period.

Reverend Olubiyi, added that the outbreak of the disease was a signal that the end was close, hence the need for all to always reflect on their deeds.

Meanwhile, churches are still in compliance with government’s directive regarding ban on gatherings of more than ten people as most churches remain locked.

Adedayo Adelowo

Religion

Islamic Clerics Urge Muslims against Flouting Government’s Order

By Web News 752

Following multiple reports of some people particularly Muslims, who are flouting the government order against any religious gathering of more than ten people.

Two Islamic clerics, Director General, World Islamic Peace Foundation (WIPF), Ibadan, Nigeria, Sheikh Salahuddeen Busari and the Chief Imam of Emere Land and Mukadam of Egba Land, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeosun while speaking with Radio Nigeria have appealed to Muslims to desist from such.

Alhaji Tajudeen Adeosun, the Chief Imam of Imam of Emere Land and Mukadam of Egba Land.
Appealing to Muslim faithful to stay at home and not congregate to avoid the spread of #Covid19
#coronapatient #StaySafe #StayAtHome

COVID-19: An Appeal against Congregation in Mosques by the Director General, World Islamic Peace Foundation (WIPF), Ibadan, Nigeria, Sheikh Salahuddeen Busari Thursday, 02 April, 2020 (She’aban 09,1441).

Allah Helps (Allahu Al-Musta’an).

Allahumma Aleen!
#StayAtHome #StaySafe #Covid19

Tokunbo Dada

Religion

Easter Sunday: Churches Keep Doors Under Lock

By Web News 810 Post a comment

The morning services usually organised to commemorate Easter celebration were not held in Ibadan today following the government’s social distancing order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Churches visited in areas like Challenge, Apata, Dugbe, Eleyele, Agbowo, Ojoo and Iwo-Road were under lock.

There were notices at the gates of some churches informing the congregation that services had been postponed till further notice.

Some Christians interviewed said though painful, staying at home to celebrate this year’s Easter Sunday could not deny them of blessings as God is everywhere.

The minister in charge of Region Eleven of GOFAMINT, Pastor Ademola Akangbe, who congratulated Christians on the resurrection of Jesus Christ enjoined them to remain steadfast adding that the lockdown would soon be a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, cross section of Christians in Ibadan has appreciated God for making them witness the Easter celebration.

The respondents, who spoke with Radio Nigeria said though the prevailing coronavirus pandemic did not allow them to converge on worship centres, noted that they celebrated Easter in their homes.

They said Easter which is the celebration of resurrection of Christ should be celebrated by Christians daily and everywhere, adding that the lock down did not stop the spiritual exercise.

Meanwhile, in compliance with the lockdown directive, most churches did not open for services while some observed their services online.

Adelowo/Akinola/Famakin

Religion

Easter: Gov. Makinde Calls for Prayer

By Web News 756

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde wants Christians to use the opportunity of the Easter season to engage in more prayers for the state and Nigeria.

Governor Makinde, in an Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa says sacrifice, love and increased prayers are important at a critical time like this when the world is fighting the novel Covid-19 pandemic.

While regretting that they could not celebrate the Easter festivity due to the restrictions necessitated to control social gathering and movements as a result of moves to contain COVID -19, lauded the commitment, comportment and prayers of all residents of the state in the last few weeks.

The statement assures residents of the state that the government is doing everything possible to protect them and to ensure that the Easter festivity goes as seamless as possible.

Governor Makinde also encouraged the people to imbibe the lessons of sacrificial living and love, which he said are the hallmarks of Easter.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Palm Sunday: Give God Thanks in your Homes – Clergy

By Web News 782

Church rallies and holding of palm fronds by some church members marking Esther celebration did not hold in most of the churches identified with the day.

Radio Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the situation in Ibadan metropolis, reports that most of the churches had their gates locked while few members gathered holding the palm fronds.

At Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Oke Ado, Saint James Anglican Church Oke Bola as well as Saint Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, few palm fronds were seen on the floor around the church while scanty members going home held one or two leaves of palm fronds.

A member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Mr Sunday Sadiku said the rally could not hold due to the precautionary measures announced by the government to contain the spread of Covid 19.

Radio Nigeria also observed that popular churches such as Living Spring Chapel, Aduloju, Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Imole Agbowo and Agbala Daniel, Ojoo did not open for service.

Meanwhile, Christians have been advised to stay happy and glorify God for witnessing another Palm Sunday.

A clergy with Christ Apostolic Mission Church, Apata area, Ibadan, Pastor Raymond Aremu, stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria.

Pastor Raymond said despite the present challenge facing the country, it should not be an excuse for Christians not to worship God in their different homes.

He said the day marked the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of lent, hence the need to be thankful unto God.

Meanwhile, the government’s directives on avoiding any gathering of more than ten people still continue as a good number of churches in Ibadan metropolis complied.

   Rotimi Famakin/ Taiwo Akinola

Religion

Gathering Ban: Mosques in Ibadan Remain Compliant

By Web News 1293

Many mosques in Ibadan have continued to comply with Oyo state government’s ban on religious gatherings of more than ten people to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. 

All mosques at Aba-Panu and Kuola, Apata were not opened for Jumat services.

It was the same situation at Odua Central Mosque, Dugbe and Lebanon Street Mosque, Ogunpa as they were under lock.       

It was not a different story as mosques at Omilabu and Idi-Omo along Arulogun Road, off Ojoo were not open as well.      

At Oluyole Extension Central Mosque, a banner was placed outside which reads “No Jumat Service until further notice”.

Similarly, Police Command Central Mosque, Eleyele and Idi Ishin mosque, Jericho were devoid of human movement as everywhere was silent.

Some Muslims who spoke with Radio Nigeria said they observed 4 rakaat of Suhr prayer at home in place of the 2 Rakaat of Jumat prayer as directed by their leaders.

Ridwan Fasasi/Adedayo Adelowo/Taiwo Akinola/Rasheedah Makinde

Religion

MUSWEN Calls for Palliative Measures over Sit-At-Home Order

By Web News 782

Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN has joined in the call on governments to provide palliative measures to cushion the effects of stay-at-home order on the citizens.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya.

Professor Yahya noted that it will be justified on the part of the governments to punish any violation of stay-at-home rules provided palliative measures were put in place for all citizens staying off their means of livelihood.

“The governments are implored to provide palliative measures to cushion the attendant economic hardships as a result of citizens staying off their works and means of livelihood. Only then may the governments be well advised to adequately punish any violation of “quarantine” or stay-at-home rules”.

He also called on the governments to provide adequate protection for healthcare and other service providers while on their duty of saving lives.

“The governments must also provide adequate protection for health care and other service providers while on their duties of saving lives”.

“We pray to Almighty Allah to save the world from the deadly virus that threatens our existence”.

The MUSWEN Executive Secretary said the sacrifice of suspending congregational prayers is inevitable and in line with Islamic ethics while such should not be allowed to, in any way cause any division within the Muslim community.

“The Muslim Ummah all over the world is particularly hard-hit by the social distancing measures necessitated by the pandemic because the congregation is a very important and highly rewarding aspect of the Islamic worship”. “Consequently, it is creating serious division within the Ummah. Understandably, some believers do not want to accept that anything, whatsoever, should hinder congregational prayers especially on Friday, the Eid days and the Tawaf and other pilgrimage related congregations”. “Unfortunately, the reality of the situation created by the presence of Coronavirus and its mode and rate of spreading in most parts of the world is such that the “sacrifice” of having to suspend large assemblies, for now, is, in most cases, inevitable.  Such suspension would fall squarely within the clear injunction of Allah in Surah al-Baqarah: …and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction… (Quran, 2:195) as well as highly popular guidelines given by the Prophet (SAW) for handling of epidemics or pandemic situations. Therefore, it is essential that the issue of suspending large congregational prayers is not allowed to, in any way cause any division within the Ummah. The Unity of the Ummah is always more important than any trivial points of differences of opinion, for Allah warns against consequences of disunity of the Ummah in, among others Surah al-Anfal, (Quran 8:46)”.

He emphasized that the current situation should be seen by Muslims as an opportunity to be closer to Allah by spending the stay-at-home times in engaging in spiritual activities like the recitation of Quran, supplications, fasting in this month of Shaban, which precedes Ramadan. 

“This current situation should be seen as an opportunity to be closer to our God by spending our isolation and stay-at-home times in engaging in spiritual activities like tilawatul Quran, adhkar, supplications, fasting, etc especially in this holy month of Shaban”.

Professor Yahya explained that MUSWEN, which is an umbrella for all Islamic communities and organisations in the Southwest region has as well aligned with the government’s directives in line with the current reality of COVID-19. 

“MUSWEN has taken steps along the line of social distancing by terminating or postponing parts of its scheduled important activities and suspending decision or further action on others while monitoring the situation”. 

“The Secretariat Staff have been compelled to work from home in observance of the stay-at-home measures”. “A MUSWENs Health NGO, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria Health Care Givers Society had, weeks ago released a statement, a leaflet on Covid-19 educating the populace about, and giving admonition on, the prevention of the deadly virus”.

He lauded the efforts of governments at both the federal and states at curbing the spread of the virus and enjoined to do more to halt the disease while imploring the people to support the governments to achieve the feat.

“MUSWEN commends the efforts of governments at all levels in the country at curtailing the spread of the virus. We declare our total support and pledge compliance with all measures recommended by experts and relevant authorities and directives of the governments aimed at stopping the spread”.

“Nigeria is not yet close enough to such an improving situation. This means there is still much more that needs to be done both by the Government and the populace. The spread of the virus can only be through human to human transmission. Therefore curtailing its spread can only be by avoiding close contacts with individuals who have it. We salute the citizens who diligently obeyed the authorities’ directives which include the maintenance of the rules of hygiene, social distancing and staying indoors. Others are further implored to comply with the directives though difficult in the face of economic hardship. The truth remains that the more strictly we adhere to the preventive measures the faster we go on the path of curtailing the spread and subsequently eradicating the virus and getting back to our normal healthy patterns of social, spiritual and economic life”. 

“However, Alhamdulillah, there is good news: the pandemic, Coronavirus is, after all, not totally uncontrollable as some countries including China where it all began, is beginning to get out of the worst situations in which they had been. They are successfully curtailing the spread and they are sustaining the improved situation”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

FOMWAN Calls for More Prayers to End Coronavirus

By Web News 1148

Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN has called for intensified prayers to end the pandemic coronavirus. 

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by the Amirah of Oyo State Chapter of the Association, Alhaja Bushra Oloso.

Alhaja Oloso noted that everyone at this critical moment must return to Allah, the Creator, in devotion and genuine repentance for an end to the global scourge. 

“Whatever problem or issue a Muslim is facing, he returns to Allāh for respite and His Messenger for guidance.  There is nothing that happens in the life of a Muslim except that it has been decreed hence Allah is not unaware of the pandemic. Let us pray fervently for Him to save us from it”

The Amirah said it was disturbing and disheartening the way the virus was spreading like wildfire to a number of countries, causing nations to close their airports, schools, institutions of learning, companies, markets  and borders, imposing curfews and restricting movements ,fumigating their towns and cities as well as setting up of treatment and isolation centers to curtail the spread of the virus.

According to Alhaja Oloso, this is certainly a trial from Allah who said in the Holy Quran, “Do you think that you will enter Paradise without such [trials] as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When

[will]

the Help of Allāh [come]?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allāh is near!”.

“Even religious and worship centers are not spared as many have been shut while thousands have been told to reduce the number of their worshipers or attendees. “

She urged Nigerians to observe all preventive measures including regular hand washing, a practice which is in line with cleanliness already grounded in Islam towards preventing all forms of infectious diseases.

While also calling on the people to equally avoid touching their noses and eyes, use nose masks at all times and practice social distancing, Alhaja Oloso appealed to residents of the State to stay safely at home as directed by Government and other  health officials and practitioners.

She assured of the readiness of FOMWAN to work with other Faith based organizations in sensitizing members of the public on ways of preventing the spread of the virus.

“It is pertinent to console with nations and families that have lost their citizens and loved ones to the pandemic. May Allah put an end to the rampaging pestilence”.

“Let me also appreciate Governments at all levels for efforts taken so far to contain the virus. Residents of all nations must however do all that is right in fighting the virus and avoid embezzlement of funds donated or earmarked to manage the Covid-19 pandemic. “

“The Nigerian Government must also put measures in place to cushion the effects of “stay at home” on the citizens like it is being done in other countries.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Social Distancing: Most Mosques across Ibadan under Lock

By Web News 1220

Many mosques have complied with Oyo state government’s ban on religious gatherings to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

Our team of correspondents who visited different mosques in Ibadan metropolis where Jumat services were being held reports that the mosques were under lock.

At Aba-Pan, Ayedaade Central Mosque and Masjid Ibaadullahi Mosobalaje, Olose community, Kuola Area, Apata the mosques were not opened for Jumat Prayers.

The situation was the same at NASFAT Central Mosque, Samonda, Orogun Central Mosque and Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria Mosque, Agbowo.

 It was not different at Arulogun Road, off Ojoo as some of the mosques visited were not open for Jumat services.

The same story was observed at Odua Central Mosque, Dugbe and Lebanon Street Mosque, Ogunpa as the usual moving up and down of the faithful was absent.

Commenting, Imam Abdulah  Ishola of Masjid Ibaadullahi Mosobalaje, Olose Community said members of the congregation had been informed earlier of the suspension of Jumat service as part of precautionary measures against the spread of COVID 19.

However, it was noticed that some Islamic faithful observed their four Rakat of Suhr prayer in groups at homes in place of 2 Rakaat of Jumat prayer.

Some Muslim brethren who spoke with radio Nigeria noted that it was necessary to obey the government’s directives in ensuring that the virus did not spread beyond control.

Ridwan Fasasi/Adedayo Adelowo/Rotimi Famakin/Taiwo Akinola

Religion

CAC Orders Churches to Adhere to 50 Members Per Congregation

By Web News 1108

The Supreme Council of Christ Apostolic Church has ordered authorities in all its Districts and Assemblies with over fifty members to split their service to ensure safety and hygienic environment.  

This is made known in a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Mission, Pastor Emmanuel Aladesaye who said the measure was to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

The statement charges CAC Assemblies with more than fifty members to hold 2 or more services at the regulated time suggesting to those with large compound to make use of the opportunity by spreading their members across Church Compound if they could not split their service.

 Pastor Aladesaye said those with less than fifty members should hold their service. 

He enjoined members of Christ Apostolic Church to follow all precautionary measure put in place to contain the spread of the virus. 

He also stressed the need for Christians to pray for the healing of those infected with the disease

Sunday Ogunyemi

Religion

Covid-19: Few Churches in Orita Aperin Comply with 50 Per Auditorium

By Web News 650

Most Churches at Aremo – Orita Aperin areas of Ibadan today ignored the fifty people per auditorium as advised by the Federal Government to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

In a chat with Radio Nigeria reporter, leaders in most of the churches visited expressed belief that God was capable of arresting the pandemic. 

At Cathedral of Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Aremo, services were held unhindered, the same thing happened at Christ Apostolic Church Aremo Ibadan where members were sensitized on coronavirus and ways to prevent themselves from contracting the disease.

At Abundant Life Baptist Church Ile Aperin, the church was almost empty as at past nine when Radio Nigeria reporter got there.

However, nobody was allowed to enter all the churches visited without washing their hands while some even used sanitizer. 

In an interview, District Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church Aremo District, Pastor Joseph Oladejo urged Church leaders to follow the government’ advice to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

Pastor Oladejo also urged people not to entertain fear and have faith in God

Religion

COVID-19: Churches Record Low Turnout

By Web News 625

Most of the worship centres in Agbowo and Orogun recorded low turnout of worshippers. At the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT Agbowo, about one hundred members out of over two hundred members turned up for service.

The worshippers led by the resident pastor of the church, Akin Aro embarked on intensive prayers against the spread of coronavirus as well as divine protection of members.

Pastor Aro, who said the prevention of the spread of coronavirus requires prayers, urged the government to intensify efforts to urgently put the spread of the disease under control.

In an interview, the pastor in charge, Christ Apostolic Church, Power of the Cross, Parish, Joshua Agene said two members turned up for service attributing it to the current health crises in the country.

Radio Nigeria observed that hand washing basins and sanitizers were provided for members.

Rotimi Famakin

Health Religion

Covid-19: Jumat Suspended in Some Mosques in Ibadan

By Web News 1627

The weekly Jumat services were not held today in some mosques in Ibadan in compliance with the guidelines of avoiding gathering of more than fifty people to prevent spread of coronavirus.

The mosques included those at University of Ibadan and Ansarudeen Society, Oke-Ado.

At the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, some worshippers who were not pre-informed of the situation turned back after reading notice of suspension of Jumat service pasted at strategic places.

According to the statement by the chief Imam, Professor Abdurahman Oloyede, the decision was reached after considering the recent global occurrences around Coronavirus especially the fact that the Ekiti State index stayed in Ibadan for 14 days.

However, Jumat services were held at other areas like Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaba, Aliwo Central Mosque, Agodi-Gate and Lebanon Central Mosque, Ogunpa.

The central theme of the sermons at the various mosques was the need for hygienic living stressing that  cleanliness and purification were essential part before worshipping in Islam.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Conference Speakers Hinge Church Ineffectiveness on Indiscipline

By Web News 904

When church leaders live like Jesus Christ and encourage their followers to do the same, the church, society, and the nation would be a lot better.

This was the submission of speakers at the OIKOS International Discipleship Conference organized by Every Home for Christ at Molete Baptist Church, Molete, Ibadan.

Speaking on methods of discipleship, Regional Director, Every Home for Christ, Reverend Lanre Dasilva said in three and half years Jesus transferred everything in himself to his disciples and their lives completely changed.

They also transformed the world around them.

The same principle, when imbibed by leaders would produce genuine Christians who would shun corruption, immorality and other vices prevalent in the church today.

Reverend Dasilva said the best way to become a disciple was to be selfless and be willing to work for God without material expectations.

On his part, African Continental Director of Every Home for Christ International, Dr Cleopas Chitapa explained that the purpose of the conference was to teach the importance of Discipleship.

He stressed the need for discipline among church leaders for them to carry out their assignment effectively.

The third speaker, Reverend Albert Aina identified problems bedevilling the church to include pastors that were never born again, baby-Christians-made pastors, laying emphasis on attendance, building, and cash rather than soul-winning, and carnality on the altar.

Earlier in a welcome address, the convener of the program, Dr Peter Akanji noted that OIKOS is a Greek word which means family, home or household and that the essence of the conference was to ensure that every home was reached with the gospel of Christ.

The program had participants from across the Southwest.

Rasheedah Makinde