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Lagos Bans Religious Gatherings Over CoronaVirus
The Lagos State Government has banned all religious gatherings expected to consist of over 50 people within the state, saying that the move had become imperative in order to mitigate spread of coronavirus amongst its people.
It explained that globally observed trends of spread of the novel viral disease had shown that group gatherings and maintaining close proximity with others till the threat of the global pandemic was taken under control, was best dissauded and refrained from.
The ban came few hours after the state had confirmed four new cases of the corona virus, in its largest case report as yet, and as a result of which total cases recorded in Lagos was increased to seven.
According to the government, decision to ban religious gathering was reached on Wednesday after a meeting between Lagos State Government officials and religious bodies including Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), held at the Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
Reading a communique after the meeting, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, said the meeting agreed that all large religious gathering of over 50 people should be suspended with immediately.
Elegushi hinted that the suspension would last for four weeks, with a necessary review expected to be carried out considering state of the virus in the state.
He added that a committee had been set up to monitor the enforcement of the suspension to ensure that both Muslims and Christians in the state abide by the decision.
To ensure compliance, the commissioner disclosed that a 15-member committee comprises representatives of Muslims and Christians, would be deployed to ensure none of the religious organisations violates the law.
Elegushi also said the meeting agreed that the state government should embark on massive sensitisation of people at the grassroots on the need to embrace proper hygiene, adding, that the meeting agreed that all health workers in the state should up their games in the battle against Coronavirus.
Elegushi stated that it was agreed that the Federal Government should shutdown borders, especially land borders to checkmate the influx of foreigners into Lagos in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
The commissioner said the state government would immediately embarked on massive sensitisation of residents to be more aware of the danger posed by Coronavirus.
Elegushi appealed to Lagosians to desist from handshaking and to always wash their hands with soap and water or made use of sanitisers.
Responding, Chief Imam of Lagos State, Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, said the action of the state government was commendable, urging all Muslim leaders to abide by the decision and to also make personal hygiene a priority.
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola said the nation was at a critical point, stressing that since the outbreak of Coronavirus, Christians had been praying.
“We are at a critical moment in Nigeria, since we heard this, we have been praying. We have listened carefully to one another, particularly the government. The responsibility of every government is to protect the lives of the people.
“We must be proactive and take preventive measures. It is no longer the issue of religion but survival. We are going to accelerate the education of our people. We must listen to the instruction of the government and take the instruction seriously. We agree with the action of the government,” he said.
Source: The Guild
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was on Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over criminal charges including assault and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development to our correspondent, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said Portable was arrested and arraigned in Ota on Monday.
“Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday,” Babaseyi said on Tuesday.
Portable’s arraignment followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday showing him in handcuffs, shirtless and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appeared to be a police holding area.
His arrest reportedly followed allegations of assault against actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, better known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of the musician’s baby mamas and the mother of one of his children.
In court, Vanguard reported that the prosecution alleged that the Zazu crooner attacked Ashabi, alongside some police officers and other individuals, at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day.
Other alleged victims named in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi and Ebuka Odah.
The prosecution further alleged that Portable stole a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and associated with car dealer Wally Dex Auto.
During the proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, although Ashabi herself was absent from court.
Police also alleged that the singer obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing her official duties.
The presiding judge declined to grant the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.
The judge ruled that the officer must be present before a decision on the bail application could be made and consequently remanded Portable in custody, adjourning the bail hearing to January 19.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a separate viral video allegedly showing the singer being assaulted while in custody.
The United States has delivered military supplies to Nigerian security agencies in support of ongoing operations in the country.
The United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, announced the delivery in a post on X on Tuesday.
“US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said on X.
Nigeria in recent times has faced an upsurge of insecurity, with hundreds being kidnapped.
US forces launched airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria on Christmas Day.
Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the widow of Ogun State’s first civilian governor, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, has passed away at the age of 100.
Her passing was announced by her daughter, Ms Olubukunola Onabanjo, on Tuesday.
According to Ms Onabanjo, the matriarch of the Onabanjo dynasty died at the age of 100.
She said in a statement: “The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
“Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11.
“We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength and faith she leaves behind.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
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