Ekiti: Churches, Mosques Without Preventive Facilities Won’t Reopen – Commissioner

The Ekiti State Government, on Thursday, noted that religious centres in the state without prevention facilities would not be allowed to reopen after three and half months of closure due to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

Governor Kayode Fayemi noted that religious centres must adhere to the guidelines put in place to curb the spread of the virus.

The State Governor had earlier stated that all churches and mosques in the state can commence operation on July 17 after the lockdown across the country.

The Commissioner for Environment in the state, Gbenga Agbeyo, while speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, noted that no religious centres would be permitted to resume without complying with the stipulated guidelines to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Agbeyo added that part of the prerequisites is that religious centres must fumigate their premises, and provide running water in front of their buildings to ensure regular hand washing.

“Others also include: use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, ensure they wear nose covers, make available infrared thermometers for body temperature measurements and maintain social distancing”.

Debunking the rumour of payment of ₦2,000 for issuance of certificate after fumigation, the commissioner said: “The ministry had met with the leadership of the religious bodies including CAN and they have agreed to bear the cost of fumigating their premises themselves as certificates will be issued to them at no cost”.

He further stated that the state government is committed to protecting the lives and properties of the people of Ekiti State.

Speaking on social distancing in marketplaces, Agbeyo said, “Government was working on Awedele, Agric Olope and Irona markets to accommodate more people to give room for social distancing.”

The Ministry’s boss, therefore, urged all stakeholders to follow the guidelines of COVID-19 so as to curb the spread of the pandemic.