BY JOHN EBIOFINI & IBRAHIM KILANI
Muslim faithful in Ondo state trooped to mosques to attend Jumat service following the lifting of the ban on religious activities by government two months ago due to the ravaging coronavirus.
At the Akure central mosque, the premises was devoid of the usual commercial activities usually noticed on Jumat days as only worshippers were allowed in.
Worshippers were also made to observe covid19 preventive measures such as washing of hands and wearing of facemasks before entering the mosque.
The physical distancing order was also observed even as faithful expressed happiness over the gradual easing of the covid-19 lockdown.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, some of the faithful described the lifting of the ban placed on worship centres as a welcome development.
In a message, the chief Iman of Akure land, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede called on Nigerians to adhere strictly to government’s directive to curtail covid-19 spread in the country.
The chief Imam commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for lifting the ban on worship places.
Alhaji Akorede urged Muslim faithful to continue to pray to Allah for an end to the pandemic which is currently wrecking havoc in the world.
The story was the same in Akoko Area of Ondo state as faithful in Oka, Isua, Afin and Okeagbe trooped to mosques with excitement wearing their facemasks.
The Acting Imam of the Ansar ud deen central mosque, Sheik Amidu Fasasi urged muslims to embrace all preventive measures against coronavirus as they were meant to safeguard their lives.
Governor Akeredolu had on Wednesday 27th of May 2020 relaxed the ban placed on friday and sunday congregational services for religious bodies in the state with conditions.