Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun has suspended congregational prayers and other religious gatherings during the Eid-el-fitr celebration in the state.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Saturday in Osogbo, said that the suspension became necessary in other to flatten the curve of COVID-19 and prevent community transmission.
The governor said that the lockdown directive imposed to check the spread of COVID-19 was still in force and warned against violation of the order.
According to the governor, anyone who violates the directive would not be spared by the state government.
He urged residents of the state to celebrate the Eid-el-fitr festival with moderation and in compliance with the subsisting COVID-19 rules and regulations of the state government.
Oyetola also urged Muslims and all Nigerians to take advantage of the celebration to pray against the current economic and security situation in the country as well as the pandemic ravaging the world.
According to Oyetola, considering the huge blessings that come with the holy month of Ramadan, Nigerians and the world would come out of ” this war stronger and better.”
“COVID-19 has no doubt caused us unprecedented economic and health woes.
” But I believe that with divine prayers and efforts put in place by government at various levels, Nigeria and the world will defeat the pandemic and come out of it stronger and better,” he added.
While felicitating with Muslims on the Eid-el-fitr celebration, the governor urged them to show love and support to the less privileged whose livelihood had been affected by the pandemic.
According to him, the current situation in the country has made it more compelling for people to reach out and show love to the vulnerable and the poor in the society.
“We must sustain the lessons the month had taught us and continue to replicate them in our daily lives and dealings with others.
*We must keep up with the good deeds we were known for during the month.
“Let us continue to exhibit the virtues of devotion, obedience, perseverance, love, tolerance, peace, sacrifice, forgiveness and generosity associated with the month of Ramadan.
“This way, we will become better Muslims and contribute to the betterment of the society we live in,” he said.
The governor said though Ramadan had ended, Muslims must continue to reflect on the lessons and virtues of the month and replicate same in their daily conducts and dealings.
“Although Ramadan has gone, we as Muslims must not depart from the lessons and virtues of the spiritually-rejuvenating month,” the governor said.
