The Lagos State Government has, Tuesday, appealed to Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir on a low-key in order to abide by the existing guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19 spread among residents.
The 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 on Friday July 31 this year.
He warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is still in an aggressive stage, hence, the need for caution in order to consolidate the gains so far achieved by the state government.
Elegushi, however, recommended that the celebration 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 religious centres are still on lockdown.
While reiterating the state government’s determination to flattening the curve of the ravaging pandemic, the commissioner noted that the religious rites of slaughtering of animals would be carried out through a live broadcast by the grand Chief Imam of the Staate, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla on Friday, July 31 at 9a.m. on LTV while all other Imams in the state are to follow suit thereafter.
He, however, assured all residents that the siege would 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 enjoined the public “to continue to adhere to the culture of maintaining physical distance, wearing of facemasks, constant hand washing with soap and water as well as the regular use of hand sanitiser to further prevent the spread of the virus”.
“I wish all Muslim faithful a blissful celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir. Remember Lagos state and Nigeria in your individual prayers to the Almighty Allah,” he tasked.
