The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has called on the Nigerian government to strictly and drastically enforce compliance to COVID-19 protocols in the country.
The President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, made the call at a “Sensitization Meeting on COVID-19 Vaccine Introduction for Christian Leaders and Scholars”, in Abuja.
He said that CAN endorses the recently signed COVID-19 law signed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I am saying it with everything within me that enforcement is key. We need drastic and tough enforcement of the law,” Rev Ayokunle said.
The meeting organised by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, was aimed at sensitizing Christian leaders on the need to fully accept the COVID-19 vaccine expected in the country soon.
Rev Ayokunle said that it is the grace and mercy of God that has not allowed Nigeria to perish under COVID.
“We must not take the grace of God for granted. All protocos must be obeyed to protect us from COVID-19. It is not good to borrow reckless confidence that COVID-19 is not existing. We have seen Christians that have died,” Rev Ayokunle said.
He urged pastors and other congregational leaders to always do the right thing by encouraging their members to follow protocols.
“If you love your congregation, you must protect them from COVID-19.”
The CAN president also appealed to christians in Nigeria to cooperate with government to succeed in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
In his address at the meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, advised the Christian leaders to continue with the high level of compliance to COVID-19 protocols as observed in churches across the country.
“This virus is no respecter of persons. It has affected every group of persons in our society including the religious institution. This is why we must come together as one people with one voice to use our influence to promote both the non-pharmaceutical preventive measures and vaccination. Religious rulers are highly reverend in our society, it is important that we leverage on this divine influence to instill in our people the sense of taking responsibility for themselves and their loved ones by wearing facemasks, observing hand hygiene, physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings and unnecessary travels,” Mr Mustapha said.
He also said that as Christians prepare to be vaccinated, they should continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical measures.
“Be rest assured, the Nigerian Government seeks to protect all her citizens and would do her maximum best to ensure the vaccines provided are safe, verified and tested,” the SGF added.
On his part, the Nigerian minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said that the reality of covid-19 was indeed a trying times for mankind, and also for Christendom.
“The virus has affected every layer of our society and the church is no exception. It is no respecter of any kind of limits or boundaries. It discriminates according to age and state of health, but covid19 does not discriminated according to tribe or religion or place of origin. In the face of this threat to mankind, it is imperative that we gather as one people, with one voice to deliberate on how to save ourselves and use all means to survive,” Dr. Ehanire said
He urged the participant to use their office to pass the message the message to their congregation.
“The onerous task of using our office and influence to bring our people to the understanding of taking responsibility for protecting themselves, their loved ones and their community, by wearing facemasks, observing hand hygiene, physical distancing, avoiding large gatherings and unnecessary travels. This sounds simple enough, but in practice, it is an issue. As leaders and scholars, we must be the role models,” Ehanire said.
The religious leaders agreed to carry the message to their congregation.
