Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has announced that the state would allow gradual reopening of religious activities from June 19.
He made this known on Friday night while giving COVID-19 update in Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun revealed that the state has engaged both the Christian Association of Nigeria and the League of Imams and Alfas on how the restrictions on places of worship can be relaxed.
Read Also: COVID-19: Churches, Mosques To Reopen As FG Lifts Ban On Religious Gatherings
He said;
A sub- committee, including religious leaders, will review the submissions for reopening of places of worship as well as expert opinions of medical scientists to arrive at a composite framework for final adoption of the committee in the next few days, on or before Friday, 12th June, 2020.
Governor Abiodun stressed that;
The 12th June deadline for the completion of the guidelines, which will be unveiled to the public in my next address is to enable the gradual opening of religious activities to tentatively commence on Friday, 19th, June, 2020, subject to the review of preparedness by our churches and mosques to the new normal.
He stated that a task force comprising of religious leaders, government and security agencies will be established to monitor and ensure compliance with the agreed guidelines for religious activities.
The Governor said;
Any place of worship that violates the guidelines will be closed. The guidelines will be reviewed at regular intervals, based on developments, including expert opinions and data from the field.
He also expressed that his government will intensify enlightenment and education of the public on the various guidelines to combat the pandemic in the State.
Lagos state, which is a neighbouring state to Ogun also announced earlier this week that mosques and churches will be permitted to reopen from June 19th.
Read Also: Mosques, Churches To Reopen From June 19 – Lagos Govt.
The governor who made this known during a briefing at the Government House, Marina on Thursday however however said only 40 per cent of worship centres’ original crowd capacity is permitted.
