Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended all-night services, including vigils and crossover events in Lagos State.
This comes amidst reports of a possible second wave of the deadly COVID-19as well as an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
Speaking on Thursday while briefing reporters at the State House in Marina, Lagos, the governor said the emergency required to tame the second wave of COVID-19 would not permit public gatherings and crowding, especially in yuletide when religious centres would be holding services and vigils.
As such, Sanwo-Olu stated that the curfew imposed by the Federal Government between midnight and 4am daily would be enforced.
“There are not meant to be any gathering. The curfew set by the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) and the PTF (Presidential Task Force on COVID-19) is still active. There is a national curfew from 12 midnight to 4am and that has to be respected. No night vigils in any form.
“The instructions are there and all of the restrictions are in place as set by the PTF and the Lagos State Safety Commission.
“So, there are no vigils anywhere. This is just one Christmas, we will have many Christmas. So, you can have your prayers at home.”
“All over the world, Christmas period is associated with gathering, merriment and travelling, which all, sadly, contribute to the spread of the virus. We must now seek to minimise as much of these activities as we can, at this time. Let this Christmas be a period of sober reflection.”
The quicker we are able to tame this raging virus, through responsible behaviour, the higher the likelihood that we will enjoy the year 2021 that is not as restrictive and challenging as 2020.
By acting responsibly, we are not doing only ourselves a favour; we are doing other people a favour as well, especially those among us who are elderly or medically vulnerable”
