As part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) has directed that all Eid al-Adha prayers are to be held in open spaces at Jumaat Mosques as well as the National Eid Ground in Abuja.
This was a resolution reached during a meeting of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) on COVID-19, chaired by the Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello, to review the current situation of the pandemic especially as it relates to the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
The Minister noted that the directive became imperative based on medical advice which suggested that it is safer to hold large gatherings in open-air spaces than in enclosed structures
Bello further instructed that all open Eid grounds should have multiple entry and exit points with hand washing and temperature checking facilities.
He explained that after being guided by the advice of the health professionals, the following guidelines are hereby issued for the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations in the FCT.
” The holding capacity of Eid grounds should be reduced to 50% to ensure physical/social distancing; Imams should ensure that sermons are short so that the entire Eid prayers do not exceed one hour; Worshippers are enjoined to adhere to all prescribed non-pharmaceutical preventive measures of facial coverings, constant hand washing and physical distancing.”
The Minister also directed that all parks and recreational grounds and facilities in the FCT shall remain closed throughout the festive period.
Also In attendance at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Coordinator, WHO FCT Office, Dr Furera Zakari, the Ag Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Muhammed Kawu, the Chairman, FCT League of Imams Initiative, Dr Tajudeen M.B Adigun, the Head of Media and Publicity, FCT Enforcement Task Team, Mr Ikharo Attah and other relevant officials of the FCTA.
