Governor Umar Ganduje, of Kano State on Monday extended the lockdown imposed by the federal government on the State by another two weeks.
The state government also approved Friday Prayers to hold, as well as Eid Prayers at the end of Ramadan.
According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Tanko Yakasai, the development was the outcome of a meeting the governor had with religious leaders.
He noted that Ganduje “accepted and approved recommendations by a selection of 30 Islamic scholars in Kano for the Government to allow Friday Prayers to hold, as well as Eid Prayers”.
Yakasai said his principal gave the directive “after a lengthy consultation with the Islamic Scholars and other government officials at Africa House, in the Government House.
“This means that the relaxation of the lockdown on the days of Monday and Thursday will continue, but Friday prayers will also be allowed as well as Eid Prayers, but traditional Eid celebrations in the State will not be allowed.’’
He disclosed that the Imams were directed to ensure that everyone wears a face mask, as well as the use of sanitizers and washing of hands.
“They should also observe spacing as well as making brief sermon and observing social distancing,’’ he said.
The statement added that the government had also inaugurated a committee that will oversee the distribution of hand sanitizers, Sanitation equipment as well as face masks, among others to Imams of Friday Mosques.
