The Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo state has directed Churches and its members in the state to hold and end at 10:00pm their cross over night services across the state as ordered by the state and federal governments.
The Association had earlier ordered Christians to ignore the recent directive by the state government that the crossover vigil should not be held beyond 10pm to fight against the spread of second wave of COVID19.
The State Government had last Wednesday cancelled Cross Over Vigil across the State as part of measures to control the second wave of COVID19.
The state government also postponed the resumption of pupils and students in primary and secondary schools to Monday, 18th January, 2020.
The Chairman, Ondo State Interministerial Committee on Coronavirus and Vice Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi said the Committee has had extensive interaction with various stakeholders, physically and virtually, on the need to take proactive measures against the second wave of COVID-19.
According to him, the State is working to ensure it recorded no substantial case during the second wave of the pandemic, while imploring people to pay due attention and observance to the precautionary measures put in place to safeguard them.
Prof. Fatusi pointed out that no church service organised in respect of the new year celebration must exceed 10p.m until further notice, in line with federal government directive on curfew.
But in a statement issued today thursday 31 December, 2020, the Chairman of CAN in Ondo state, Reverend John Oladapo, “in view of the present circumstances around us and all issues surrounding the cross over service, we hereby direct all our Churches and Christians to please abide by the directives of the Federal and State Government that all services should close by 10pm or even earlier so that people can get to their different homes early enough.”
Below is the full text of the press release by the CAN Chairman;
RE- CROSS OVER SERVICE
Peace of God Almighty to you all and compliment of the season.
In view of the present circumstances around us and all issues surrounding the cross over service, we hereby direct all our Churches and Christians to please abide by the directives of the Federal and State Government that all services should close by 10 pm or even earlier so that people can get to their different homes early enough.
Those who can totally put the service on hold can as well do that and meet on January 1, for new year service.
We also encourage you all to respect the Covid-19 protocols as you worship in all your services.
May the good Lord keep each and every one of us as we celebrate the goodness of God in the new year.
