News
Christains Express Mixed Feelings Over Govt’s Restriction On Gatherings
Some Christian faithful in Lagos yesterday said that the restriction on all religious and social gatherings of over 20 people within the Lagos state was commendable.
While some residents applauded the move based on the effect of the fast-spreading virus, others expressed reservations on the religious implications on the faithful.
Abiola Famuyiwa, secretary, St. Luke’s Anglican parish, Amje, Alagbado, Lagos State, told newsmen that the measures became necessary to curb spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
Famuyiwa said that the state government meant well for the people as it did not want to record deaths because only the living that would worship and praise God.
“We can see how the mighty and powerful nations are falling into the hands of the pandemic, all because they thought it’s a minor thing which I think our governor is avoiding.
“The government meant well for us all, missing of church services will not bring heaven down and who knows if God is even happy with us for obeying those he put in authority,” she said.
Amusan Omotunde, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tripple A Logistics, described the Covid-19 outbreak as ‘beyond human understanding’, saying she’s never heard that church closed for any reason.
Omotunde said:, “this is the first of its kind ever happening that will stop service from holding, we should be more closer to God as end time is near.
“ In fact, we should repent from our evil deeds and tread the path of righteousness,” she said.
She added that government must close all loops as an intensive measure against the spread of Coronavirus, adding that airports, market places and social gatherings should be given priority.
Ochuko Ogbodo, a christian faithful, told our correspondent that he stayed home as directed by the Canon but still observed service with his family as it was necessary to comply with the authority’s directive.
Ogbodu said,: “Earlier yesterday, an information was passed across through the church platform that service will not hold in the church but that we should observe it in our homes which we did,”.
“But I have this to say, more important than just having a normal service is to carry a daily awareness of being at the secret place of prayer by all Christians to dethrone the enemy called COVID-19.”
The self-employed businessman added that the ‘No service in church’ had denied faithful the opportunity to mark the Mothering Sunday, where mother’s put up activities and appreciated by members.
A musical director and lecturer, Mr Uchenna Echie, said he was worried because everything was shutting down from schools, airports, economy and now to religion.
“I am most bothered not just because of the recent ban of government on religious and educational gathering, but I am bothered because of the market places, bus stops and commercial vehicles.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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