MUSLIM LEADERS IN ENUGU PLEDGE TO SENSITIZE THEIR FOLLOWERS TO CURB SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

The Leadership of Muslim Community in Enugu State says it will abide by government’s directive on religious gatherings and the World Health Organization’s guideline on social distancing protocol. 

The Council, which explained that the measures were taken to check the spread of Coronavirus pandemic, noted that the body would cooperate with the government on sensitisation of adherents and ensure that they avoided unnecessary crowd.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, after a meeting with Imams, the Chairman of the Enugu State Muslim Council and Vice President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Sheikh Adam Idoko, says adhering to public health directives is in line with one of the injunctions of Allah.

He emphasizes that the council will embark on massive sensitisation of its members about the basic precautionary measures, including frequent hand washing with soap and water, observing proper hygiene when coughing or sneezing, limiting physical contact by giving verbal salutations instead of shaking of hands and hugging.

Sheikh Idoko notes that it has become obligatory for all segments of the country, including religious and traditional bodies, to cooperate with the government and appropriate agencies to prevent further transmission of the virus and combat the disease.

Also, the Chief Imam, Enugu State, Alhaji saeedZurqalain, said it was important for everyone to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease, urging preachers, and organizations to sensitize their members to the basic precautionary steps.

The Muslim Youth Leader in Enugu State, Ibrahim Samaila, says he has mobilised Muslim youths in the State to adhere to government’s guidelines of personal hygiene and social gathering. 

The council equally urges Islamic centres to strongly discourage members, who are sick, from attending any mosque activities even if they only experience mild symptoms.

CHRISTIAN NWANGENE