COVID-19 Update: Oyo CAN Supports Closure of Church Caught Disobeying COVID-19 Safety Measures

The Oyo State Chapter of The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has said it is in full support of the State Government decision to shut down any church that disobeys the COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had stated that the Oyo State government in December 2020, preceding the Christian cross over service, threatened to lock down churches that don’t follow COVID-19 safety measures.

The Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, told newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday that church leaders must continue to advise their congregation to obey the government decisions, especially regarding this pandemic.

“The stand of the government is that any church that defaults will be closed down, and that’s where we are.

“The guidelines are clear, simple and we expect that by now everyone should be used to wearing face masks, washing hands, maintaining social distancing among other measures.

“Christians should ensure they remain alive at all costs, our God is a God of the living and He gave us a life free of charge; so if out of disobedience the life is lost, there will be a consequence.

“Church leaders should continue to admonish their members on the need to appreciate God’s love for giving us life by being obedient,” he said.

He also charged the government to increase the number of COVID-19 tests being administered as much as possible. Adding that there should be a record that reveals people that are tested daily and how many found positive, to help to keep people alert.

Appealing to the government, he said it should assist CAN with essential logistics to facilitate the job of its Compliance Monitoring Committee.

“The fear of the second wave of COVID-19 is the beginning of wisdom, the rate of infection across the country is very alarming

“The situation is almost beyond what isolation centres can handle, everyone needs to do everything necessary to stay away from getting infected,” he said.
According to him, Oyo CAN is constantly in touch with church leaders to ensure they keep sensitising their members on the increased rate of infection and the need to stay safe.

“Highest standard of personal discipline is expected of any child of God and that’s what it takes to obey the COVID-19 protocol.

“Oyo CAN have a Compliance Monitoring Committee to ensure that churches adhere to stipulated guidelines for safety.
“We should always remember that the face mask is better than ventilator.

“We shouldn’t disappoint our Creator by engaging in things that will cut our lives short. May God Almighty wipe out this noisome pestilence for us and heal our land in Jesus name,” he prayed.