The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter has decided to cancel the usual church procession and services to mark Easter celebration due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Christian body’s Chairman, Rev. Father Peter Olowolafe in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
Father Olowolafe revealed that the decision was reached after wide consultation with critical stakeholders and the state government.
Olowolafe said the decision was taken as part of efforts to stem the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, saying there would be no religious gathering during this year’s Easter celebration in the state.
He urged members of the Christian body to adhere strictly to government’s directive prohibiting religious gathering, saying CAN would not in any way be responsible for any individual or group of people who flagrantly disobeyed the government’s directives in this regards.
“The fight against COVID- 19 needed a collective efforts. And this can only be won in the state if the people adhere strictly with the government directives.
“We hereby urged all Christians living in the state to complement government efforts by observing personal hygiene aimed at curtailing the spread of virus in Ekiti.
“We should shun any religious gathering and this year’s Easter service as we would surely live beyond this present situation to freely and joyously gather together again to celebrate more Easter sessions in the land of the living”, he said.
While greeting Christians on Easter celebration, Olowolafe advised them to allow humility, sacrifice, self-denial and total submission to the will of God, which were the lesson of the season to reflect in their day-to-day activities.
He also urged them to continue to pray for the country to overcome the current pandemic, adding that COVID-19 can only be defeated with prayers and God’s interventions.