Sango, Ogun Worshippers Begin Service, As Governor Abiodun Opens Churches, Mosques

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Despite not being included in the committee set up to develop guidelines for reopening of the religious centres, the traditional worship centres will commence its services across Ogun State from today.
With this development, all Sango (the  god of thunder), Reformed Ogboni Fraternity, Ogun (the god of iron) and Oya (the goddess of rivers) and many others worshipers are anticipated to have their normal services just like their counterparts in Islam and Christianity.
Daily Dispatch exclusively noticed this in a statement by the Governor Of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun on update and efforts to combat COVID-19 pandemic on Friday 14th august, 2020.
The governor in his address mentioned to have set up committee that included Islamic and Christian leaders to discuss guidelines for reopening of worship centres across the state, but not disclosed ever meeting with the traditional leaders as well.
Governor Abiodun said: “Let me inform our people of the two major issues that have been in view for some months: reopening of worship centres and schools. After thorough deliberation, consideration and resolution, we decided to reopen the worship centres with effect from Friday 14th August, 2020 as indicated in my last address. 
“This decision was made in line with agreement reached by the committee set up to develop guidelines for reopening of the religious centres. The Committee includes the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); the League of Imams and Alfas and government representatives. 
“I am delighted to note that reports reaching us indicate varying but encouraging level of preparedness by the worship centres. Therefore, today, Friday, 14th August is hereby confirmed for the commencement of operations of the worship centres, subject to the guidelines.
“It is of great importance that all stakeholders fully comply with the agreed guidelines, so that, together, we can further flatten the curve of this pandemic. For the purpose of emphasis, let me restate some of the elements of the guidelines which are as follows: 
“All congregants must wear their face masks appropriately (that is, No facemask, No entry); adequate provision of running water; worship centres should be adequately cleaned and decontaminated before and after services; household bleach solution/equivalent should be adequately prepared for disinfectants.
Also, there should be adequate provision and supervision of multiple Veronica Buckets for hand washing (fully automated hand washing machines are preferable); there should be provision of alcohol-based sanitiser which must be used before and after service; worship centres should provide adequate toilet facilities with water.
“Muslims are advised to perform ablution at home and go to Mosque with their personal praying mats; qualified medical practitioners or trained personnel should check the temperature of worshippers with infrared thermometer before allowing them to enter worship centres; there should be adequate medical support for sick persons.
“All services on Friday/Sunday and other week days must adhere strictly to COVID-19 guidelines; there should be pre-designated standing position/sitting positions to ensure not less than 2 meter spacing; the duration of religious services should not be more than one and a half hours. In addition, same duration of one and a half hours must be observed as intervals, where there are multiple services.
“The use of air-conditioners should be discouraged while worship centres should be well ventilated with the use of fans; there should not be any handshakes/hugs by worshippers; proper awareness of the susceptibility of the aged and people with signs of ill-health should be adequately created among worshippers at all times.
“Constant sensitisation of COVID-19 and its dangers should be included in sermon and goodwill messages; Provision of isolation rooms is mandatory in all worship centres or facilities.
“Religious services and events should be recorded with digital camera for record purposes; worship centres and facilities with more than 200 worshippers in a given service must seek further clearance with the state government; at all times, there should be effective Entry and Exit Management Procedures in each of the worship centres; administration of Holy Communion should be devoid of sharing of any item and must follow COVID-19 protocols.”
Furthermore, he hinted: “We are therefore appealing to our people, particularly our religious leaders to ensure that they adhere strictly to the protocols as have been agreed upon. We all agreed on these protocols to open the worship centres for many reasons. 
“Let me say that our Task Force is already on ground and is moving about to ensure compliance. And, if perchance we discover that any of our religious centre is not complying or adhering to the laid down protocols, we will not hesitate to close down the centre. 
“I want to repeat just like I mentioned in the last COVID-19 update that the purpose is not to open for rowdy ceremonies which can promote community transmission of COVID-19 and or any other communicable diseases that could lead to avoidable death. 
“We will rather want our worship centres to be venues of solemnisation of matrimonies; christening of new-borns; venues of thanksgivings and praise-worship to the greatness of God. This explains our cautious, consultative, inclusive, and collaborative approach to reopening of our worship centres.”