The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos state chapter has stated the level of coronavirus (Covid-19) infection in the nation does not yet warrant ban on religious gathering and activities.
It however said religious organisation, especially churches and mosques, must take proactive measures to safeguard members from infection.
It also urged governments to stop at nothing to secure the borders and contain the pandemic in the nation.
Chairman Lagos CAN, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, told reporters on Wednesday that Nigeria must do everything to win the war against the virus.
He said: “The Federal Government must further secure our borders. Many nations are doing this very seriously now. We must also act now as a nation.
“Our nation cannot afford to welcome or accommodate coronavirus in our land. God forbid it in Jesus name.”
On suggestions that religious gatherings should be banned like in some European nations, Bamgbola said: “We have not got to that point and we believe we won’t get there.
“We are watching the situation very closely to know what we must do. God has kept it away from us because we cannot contain the pandemic here.
“We believe we will never get to the point of having to ban all services and churches will be grounded.”
He called on churches to observe precautions and safety measures so that worshippers are not exposed to the virus.
On the gas explosion at Abule Ado on Sunday, Bamgbola sympathised with victims and affected.
He asked churches and good-spirited Christians to support the N2b Disaster Relief Fund initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“We strongly appeal to all the ministries and churches in Lagos state to contribute generously to this fund. No contribution will be too small.
“We encourage you to please send your cash contributions directly to the acoounts of the fund as indicated by our dear Governor.
“We have absolute confidence in our dearly beloved Governor that the funds will be judiciously utilised under his able watch.”
While calling for probe of the incident, Lagos CAN said this will inspire more confidence among residents and visitors to Lagos.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
