The Lagos State Safety Commission has organised a training programme themed: “COVID-19: Health and Safety Protocols” for 50 religious leaders, in view of the recent reopening of religious centres in Lagos.
The Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, in his address to participants at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, venue of the event, stated that with the reopening of religious centres by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu there is a need for all religious leaders in Lagos to observe stipulated safety protocols to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic among their followers.
He added that the training programme is geared towards ensuring that the leaders are enlightened on basic hygiene management and fully understand all safety protocols and guidelines stipulated by the State and Federal governments.
While acknowledging that the level of compliance to safety guidelines in places of worship visited after the reopening was commendable, Mojola, however, cautioned that religious bodies must not rest on their oars until the pandemic is effectively contained in the State.
“The pandemic has unleashed social and economic hardship on every aspect of human lives across the world without sparing places of worship. Hence, you must always be on guard and comply with stipulated safety protocols in order to protect yourself and followers from the disease”, Mojola advised.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye urged participants to transfer the knowledge acquired at the programme to their colleagues and members of their various places of worship.
Responding, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik Sulaimon Abou-Nola represented by Alhaji Shakirudeen Abdul-Gafar, and Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Prof. Alexander Bamgbola represented by Reverend Father Mathew Ogunyase, promised their support to the State in ensuring strict compliance with the safety guidelines in all religious houses.
