The Governor of Lagos State has asked all churches in the state to put on hold all-night services, vigils and crossover services inclusive, due to the growing number of COVID19 cases.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said this while speaking to newsmen at the State House in Marina, Lagos, on Thursday, December 24.
He reminded residents of the state that the curfew imposed by the Federal Government and the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control), from midnight through to 4am daily, remains in force.
Sanwo-0lu noted that the curfew does not tolerate churches conducting crossover services during the said time.
The Governor beckoned on all the churches in the state to observe the curfew.
He called on the churches to also instruct their members pray and worship in their respective homes.
“There are not meant to be any gathering. The curfew set by the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) and the PTF (Presidential Task Force on COVID-19) is still active. There is a national curfew from 12 midnight to 4am and that has to be respected. No night vigils in any form,” Sanwo-Olu warned.
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“The instructions are there and all of the restrictions are in place as set by the PTF and the Lagos State Safety Commission.
“So, there are no vigils anywhere. This is just one Christmas, we will have many Christmas. So, you can have your prayers at home,” he advised.
Traditionally, Christians all over the globe usually congregate in churches on the last day of the year, December 31, towards midnight, to pray and usher in the new year.
“All over the world, Christmas period is associated with gathering, merriment and travelling, which all, sadly, contribute to the spread of the virus. We must now seek to minimise as much of these activities as we can, at this time. Let this Christmas be a period of sober reflection.
“The quicker we are able to tame this raging virus, through responsible behaviour, the higher the likelihood that we will enjoy the year 2021 that is not as restrictive and challenging as 2020.
“By acting responsibly, we are not doing only ourselves a favour; we are doing other people a favour as well, especially those among us who are elderly or medically vulnerable,” Sanwo-Olu admonished.