Jare Babatunde
The Lagos State Government has appealed to Muslim faithful in the State to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir on a low-key and abide by the existing guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19 spread among residents.
The Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who disclosed this in his office on Monday, admonished Muslims to maintain moderation even as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir, which comes up on Friday, July 31st, 2020.
He warned that the coronavirus pandemic is still very much in an aggressive stage, hence the need to be more cautious in order to consolidate the gains so far achieved by the State Government.
Prince Elegushi prayed that the celebration should be done within families as earlier observed during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations three months ago, while the Eid-el-Kabir prayers should be observed at home as Mosques and Churches are still on lockdown in the State.
While reiterating the State government’s determination to flattening the curve of the ravaging pandemic, he noted that the religious rites of slaughtering of animals will be carried out through a live broadcast by the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla on Friday, July 31st, 2020 by 9:00 am on LTV while all other Imams in the State are to follow suit thereafter.
The Commissioner reassured all residents of the State that the siege will soon be over as government is leaving no stone unturned in containing the spread of the COVID-19, while anticipating the eventual reopening of businesses in the shortest time possible as will be advised by medical experts.
Elegushi, however, enjoined the general public to continue adherence to the culture of maintaining physical distance, wearing of facemasks, constant handwashing with soap and water as well as the regular use of hand sanitiser to further prevent the spread of the virus.
He wished all Muslim faithful a blissful celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir and enjoined them to remember Lagos State and Nigeria in their individual prayers to the Almighty Allah.
