Ansarudeen Central mosque leads others to flout Ogun Government order on coronavirus prevention

The Ansarudeen Central mosque located in Quarry-Pepsi area of Abeokuta on Friday led other sizeable number of mosques to flout Ogun State Government order banning prayer session as a result of the coronavirus.

Penpushing reports that, investigation conducted showed Muslim faithful trooping into the mosque at about 1.00pm for the service, contrary to the directive, and in  similar manner other identified mosques engaged in prayer session include; Government Reservation Area(GRA), Ibara  mosque and Oke-Ilewo mosque, beside Wema bank  in Abeokuta.

The investigation conducted revealed that, at the Ansarudeen Central mosque, a decoy was put in place, with the main gate put under lock and key, to deceive journalists, while the smaller gate leading into the mosque premises was opened half way for worshippers to gain access and attend the service.

Penpushing maneuvered way into the mosque premises alongside with other worshippers and authoritatively reports that, service took place, which include both male and female members of the mosque in attendance.

Similarly at Oke-Ilewo mosque and Government Reservation Area(GRA),Imams and worshippers were seen with their kettle of water entering the mosque having washed their feet, while at the Ansarudeen Central mosque, an Imam  seen leading the session and his sermon  to the congregation, briefly spoke on the ravaging coronavirus.

Penpushing also reports that, some of the muslim leaders when asked  during an interaction on why conducting service despite government directive,  said what happened was not a Jumat service but Suhr(afternoon prayer)

The Ogun State Government had on Thursday announced indefinite closure of schools, and also extend ban to worship centres, as result of threatening spread of coronavirus, which has now become worrisome across the globe

Penpushing reports that, the order which was update on the earlier ban on social centres of Wednesday was made available in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, adding the school closure take effect from Friday

“Due to the global spread of the Corona virus and the recent ban of all high-density gatherings in Ogun State, the State Government wishes to clarify that the ban on high-density gatherings affects all schools, whether they are public or private-owned, as well as all religious activities in the State”.

“Consequently, all schools in the State will remain closed indefinitely after school hours on Friday, March, 20th, 2020. Also, all religious centres and activities including regular and special services that bring together fifty (50) or more persons in the same place are banned with immediate effect”.

Penpushing further reports that, the statement added that, these measures will be reviewed at regular intervals in response to the development surrounding the Corona virus disease.

“The Government, therefore, enjoins all parents and guardians who have their children and wards in any boarding facility within the State to immediately evacuate them and return them to their respective homes at the close of schools on Friday, March 20th, 2020”, it reads.

The statement emphasised that Governor Abiodun thankfully acknowledges and appreciates religious leaders for their advice, understanding solidarity and support, “as we jointly search for solution to the pandemic and for their cooperation to observe all safety measures in the overall interest of our State and common humanity”.

The statement also said government emphasises the need to observe global best practice of social distancing as way of curtailing the spread of the pandemic and recommends that as much as possible, people should minimize contact with others and maintain a distance of at least five feet between one another in public places or in public transportation.

“In addition, nonessential travels should be limited whilst also avoiding high-density gatherings”, the statement said, adding that the governor pleads for the understanding of parents, school owners and the entire citizenry to comply fully with all laid down measures and for them to offer useful information for the state to respond appropriately to the COVID-19 challenge.

The Governor further encourages people to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and surveillance ,adding that suspected cases should be reported at the nearest Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCs) in all the 236 wards in the State or the Emergency Operations Centre on COVID-19 by telephone on 08188978393 or 08188978392