Ebonyi State Governor Lifts Ban on Religious Worship Centres

The Executive Governor of Ebonyi state , his excellency, David Nweze Umahi has lifted the ban on religious worship across the state with effect from May 15 as part of efforts to relax the COVID-19 lockdown.

This decision by the state government was made known by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation,  Mr Uchenna Orji , He said that the decision was in response to passionate appeals made by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state. “The re-opening of the worship centres must however, be under strict observance of the state laws and must be once a week.

“All churches are to observe their services only on Sundays from 9 am to 11 am.

“Seventh Day Adventists and Muslim faithful are to observe their services on Saturdays and Fridays, respectively and also from 9 am to 11 am.

“No religious centre shall permit more than 50 people and worshippers must observe a minimum of two metres social distancing from one another,” he said.

Orji said that wearing of face masks, washing of hands with running water and use of sanitisers must be strictly observed in all religious centres.

“No religious service is allowed to hold any other day than the days specified herein and which must be in strict observance of all COVID-19 laws and regulations.

“The CAN has a duty to shut any religious gathering and arrest the principal of the worship centre, which violates this order.

“The government requests all religious bodies in the state to use this window to create awareness among members on the protocols, policies, laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 as well as pray for the state and Nigeria,” he said.