Churches, Mosques in Ogun remain closed till June 19—Gov Abiodun

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has said  that churches and mosques in the state will remain close till June 19, 2020. The governor also said that a committee task force would determine the next line of action in reopening of religious centres.

Abiodun said this while addressing journalists  at the governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Friday.

All  days of the week-Monday to Friday- are still opened for businesses and other economic transactions with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days including strict observation of dusk-to-dawn curfew as directed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) between 10.00pm and 4.00am daily.”

The Governor however promised to prosecute any religious gathering that violates the guidelines of the state government.

Abiodun  explained that the committee which  comprises  religious leaders from Christian Association of Nigeria and the Leagues of Imams and Alfas has been given a deadline of June 12 to come up with the guidelines for the reopening.

He added that he will announce the guidelines for the reopening of religious centres in his next week briefing.

He noted that hotels, bars and other public places except markets would remain closed.

In his words , “A sub- committee, inclusive of the religious leaders, will review the submissions, the discussions as well as expert opinions of medical scientists to harmonise all the views to arrive at a composite framework for final adoption of the committee in the next few days, on or before Friday, 12th June, 2020.

“The 12th June deadline for the completion of the guidelines, which will be unveiled to the public in my next address is to enable the gradual opening of religious activities to tentatively commence on Friday, 19th, June, 2020, subject to the review of preparedness by our churches and mosques to the new normal.

“A taskforce comprising of the religious leaders, government and security agencies will be established to monitor and ensure compliance with the agreed guidelines for religious activities.

“Any place of worship that violates the guidelines will be closed.

“The guidelines will be reviewed at regular intervals, based on developments, including expert opinions and data from the field.
In the meantime, Government will continue the engagement, as well as intensify enlightenment and education of the public on the various guidelines to combat the pandemic in the State.

“Let me restate that all the existing guidelines to combat COVID-19 in the State remain in place. He maintained that the weekend remain lockdown.