Apostle Suleiman Saved Me From Ritualist Who Beheaded My Co-Travellers- Edwin Alex

The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Apostle Johnson Suleiman has succesfull  secured the release of his kidnapped church member, Edwin Alex, by cursing the ritualist/kidnappers and declaring them impotent.

Edwin who took to his social media page to narate his ordeal in the hands of the deadly kidnappers revealed that

edwin stated that

“4th to 7th September were the worst days of my entire life. I was kidnapped and adopted by Fulani herdsmen on my way to Benin from Auchi on Friday.

“Join me to thank God for saving my life.

“I stayed 3 days with them. My car was scattered and destroyed by them, 13 persons killed right before my eyes even after collecting ransom from them.

“I stared at death in the face but God said it’s not yet my time. I just got released. Currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Join me and appreciate this God.

“The kidnappers got mad knowing Apostle Johnson Suleman’s number was the number I gave them to call, they refused to call him, they kept calling him names, later they summoned courage and they called him.

“However, instead of discussing ransom, dey were insulting him for always interfering in their business.

“Immediately My father told them that for this they have said, they will all be impotent for life, they all ended the call, later they started discussing within themselves to call him back after one of them said he tried testing his manhood but it was stiff but he wasn’t picking up their calls.

“They transferred the aggression to me, beat the day light out of me, all the people killed were all beheaded with a Cutlass, my life was preserved because of Grace.

“When they escorted me to the road to take a bus, the leader told me that “my juju dey work oh”

“I saw hell in these 3 days, stared at death in the face but still came out alive, all the time I was there, I didn’t pray for deliverance from the evil people, I was praying for God to accept my soul when I die because I was certain I would die.

“Glory to God. Hospital don Taya me already.”

Gunmen attack church, kill 4 in Bayelsa

Unidentified gunmen have invaded a Pentecostal church in Azikoro village, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and killed four worshippers.

The hoodlums, who stormed the Church at about 11 pm on Wednesday, also set a nearby house ablaze.

The spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, SP Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident, saying the command’s operatives have already launched a manhunt for the killers.

He said: “The Bayelsa State Police Command have launched a manhunt for the suspected cultists who murdered four victims and set a house ablaze.

“On 5th August 2020, at about 2300hours, armed suspected cultists stormed the ‘Lion of Judah Church’ Azikoro village, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, shot dead four church members namely; Alfred Marcus 30 years, Imomotimi surname unknown 25 years, Gabriel Ejimofor 45 years and Uchechukwu Ejimofor 38 years and set ablaze a nearby building, damaged a vehicle and the church property.

“Operatives of operation Puff Adder had earlier traced the hideouts of the cultists in the bush, dislodged them, and burnt their camp.

“It is believed that this is a reprisal attack by the suspected cultists.

“Meanwhile, two suspects have been arrested and are cooperating with the Police in their investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mike Okoli fsi, has visited the scene, reassured members of the community of adequate police protection and ordered for full Investigation to unravel the motive for this dastardly attack,” he said.

Ekiti schools resume August 10, churches, mosques, August 14

The Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday, announced that schools would resume on August 10 in the state for final year students in Senior Secondary School 3 private and public schools.

Fayemi also said religious centres would be reopened on August 14.

The Governor announced this in a statewide broadcast, according to a statement by his

Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode.

In the statement titled, Lessons from my COVID-19 Infection’, Fayemi expressed concern over an increase in the rate of infection in the last one month in the state with 109 fresh cases.

The governor said COVID-19 protocols would be strictly adhered to as schools open with only SSS 3 students on August 10 and religious centres from August 14, while resumption date for JSS 3 students and Primary 6 pupils would be communicated later.

Fayemi said, “The Task Force leadership have told me that many religious worship centres are now ready and should be able to reopen for service according to the established protocols from August 14, 2020.

“I want to appeal to religious centres as moral agents and institutions reputed for discipline. They must ensure the jointly agreed protocols are adhered to, to protect lives of worshipers as they go about their activities from August 14, 2020.

“Key aspects of the protocols include but are not limited to the following: fumigation of the worship centres and their surroundings, maintenance of social distancing of six-feet apart during worship, provision of infrared thermometer, provision of hand sanitizers and ensuring the windows and doors are wide open.

“The protocols also implicate that there should be no multiple services, and services must be concluded within two hours while children below 12 years of age and elderly people above 65 are not allowed to attend services or Salat until further notice. An attendance register must be provided by each worship centre to record attendance.

“For the avoidance of doubt, only Friday Jumat for Muslims, Saturday Sabbath for Adventists and Sunday Services for other Christians denominations are allowed. Weekly and vigil services are not to hold in the meanwhile. Similarly, all traditional worships of festivals that demand large gathering of devotees are suspended until further notice.”

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS BLOCK 7, THE SECRETARIAT, ALAUSA-IKEJACOVID-19 PROTOCOL FOR WORSHIP CENTRES (CHRISTIANITY) FOR THE FIRST EIGHT (8) WEEKS AFTER RE-OPENING

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS BLOCK 7, THE SECRETARIAT, ALAUSA-IKEJA

COVID-19 PROTOCOL FOR WORSHIP CENTRES (CHRISTIANITY) FOR THE FIRST EIGHT (8) WEEKS AFTER RE-OPENING 

1. Churches should allow 40% of worshippers ONLY at a time and the total worshippers must not exceed 500, notwithstanding the size of the place of worship for the first eight (8) weeks after re-opening.

2. SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS services should be kept between 1 and 2 hours.

3. Daily services should not exceed ONE (1) HOUR.

4. Worshippers should exit Church premises not later than one (1) hour after service/mass.

5. Churches should be decontaminated twice daily before the first service of the day and after the last service for the day, while wiping of surfaces should be carried out after each service.

6. No Vigil is allowed in places of worship for now in the first eight weeks of re-opening.

7. Record of attendance should show name, age, sex, address and telephone/email at every service for contact tracing in case of any discovery of infected/affected people.

8. Washing of hands with soap and water is mandatory before entry into place of worship.

9. Use of face mask is compulsory in Church precincts.

10. Use of hand sanitizers is compulsory.

11. Physical and social distancing horizontally and vertically of two (2) meters should be ensured.

12. No use of air conditioners and all windows must be opened.

13. Worshippers above 65 years should be given special considerations on the front pews and positioning during worship activities.

14. Children from aged 12 and below should stay back to worship from home for the first eight (8) weeks of re-opening.

15. All removable carpets and rugs should be put aside and others (irremovable) are to be washed and disinfected regularly.

16. Sounds from the loud speakers should not be above the acceptable decibel.

17. All safety measures must be put in place (First Aid boxes, fire extinguishers, muster points, emergency exit points etc).

18. Digital thermometer must be available to check temperatures of all congregation members and ensure that it is not above 37.50C before allowing entry into place of worship.

19. Social gatherings such as marriages, naming ceremonies, birthdays, burials etc must not be more than 20 people including the couples and the Officiating Ministers - who must take cognizance of social distancing precaution and other related COVID-19 protocols.

20. Other educational programmes would still be on hold until after the first eight (8) weeks of re-opening. 

21. Rules of physical distancing should be taken into cognizance in all religious interactions while COVID-19 lasts.

22. Every Clergy should ensure compliance with above conditions irrespective of other activities carried out in their places of worship.

23. Every place of Christian worship should adhere strictly to the above conditions irrespective of their denominational practices e.g. Communion, Weddings and Burials, Thanksgiving and other forms of Celebrations in the Church.

24. Provision of more microphones for all officiating Ministers/ Priests.

25. Above protocols shall be reviewed at the end of the first eight (8) weeks after the re-opening of places of worship.

Governor Dapo Abiodun Reopens Religious Centres, Schools Aug 14 But No Hugging, Handshake

The state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced the reopening on Wednesday, when he addressed a press conference at his Oke-Mosan office.

Governor Abiodun said the school reopening, which takes effect on August 4 is for students in SSS3 classes.

Abiodun also announced automatic promotions for students in all classes.

He said worship centres will reopen on August 14, with strict adherence to specified guidelines.

The governor also reiterated that weekend lockdown will continue till August 14 when churches and mosques are expected to open for worshippers.

Meanwhile, congregational prayer will not be allowed during the Eid-el-Kabir, as the governor advised Muslim faithful to avoid large gatherings and observe social distancing while they celebrate Sallah

 

Friday 14th of August, tentative date for the opening of Religious Centers, Duration of 1hr:30mins

No form of Eid Prayer in Ogun, observe prayers at home.

Weekend lockdown continues till 14th of August.

Wearing Facemasks is now compulsory in public, offenders to be jailed 6months.

No gathering or partying of more than 20 People till 14th of August

All Students in Ogun Schools to enjoy automatic promotion to the next class, meaning no third term examination.

Ogun set to reopen churches, mosques

Church and Mosque

Ogun State Government on Wednesday set machinery in motion towards reopening of worship centres, barely four months after they were closed as part of moves to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections.

In March, following its ban on high density gathering, the state government banned congregational service at the worship centres, in furtherance to its effort at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

Daily Trust reports that early last month, the government met with religious leaders and tentatively fixed reopening of worship centres for June 19, but the planned was later suspended by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who cited rising number of cases for the decision.

However, a government delegation on Wednesday visited churches and mosques in Ijebu, Remo and Egba axis of the state, to ascertain the level of preparedness of worship centers towards reopening of congregational services.

The team comprising three Commissioners, Dr. Tomi Coker (Health); TPL Tunji Odunlami (Physical Planning and Urban Development) and Hon Abiodun Abudu-Balogun (Environment) met with religious leaders and inspected preventive measures put in place by the faith-based organizations.

Speaking on the inspection, the Commissioner for Health, noted that there was mixed reactions among the religious bodies on their level of preparedness.

Coker said:  “We observed mixed reaction from the religious leaders on their level of preparedness because some have shown that they cannot actually guarantee the safety of their congregants from the COVID-19 pandemic and there are some that have complied with the laid down protocols.”

On his part, Abudu-Balogun, commended some of the worship centres on their level of preparedness towards reopening, while expressing satisfaction on decontamination of the centres.

“We are here on the directive of Governor Dapo Abiodun to ascertain the level of compliance, as well as the preparedness of worship centre towards reopening. From the environmental point of view, we can see a high level of preparedness regarding decontamination of worship centres. What we noticed and needs to be addressed urgently is the ratio of chemical required to decontaminate the premises,” he said.

Responding, the Cathedral Administrator, St. Sebastian’s Cathedral, Odo-Egbo in Ijebu -Ode, Rev. Father Vincent Ajayi, said the visit by the government officials showed the commitment of Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration towards ensuring the safety of lives of the people.

On his part, Wakilu Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal, said the leadership of the Central Mosque, had regularly engaged the Muslim Faithful on COVID-19 safety guidelines, adding that the mosque has procured the needed safety kits, such as thermometers and hand washing materials, to contain the spread among the congregation.

PTF Asks Businesses, Schools, Worship Places Andothers, To Prepare For Reopening

The Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus response has asked businesses, offices, professional bodies, places of worship and educational institutions, awaiting reopening to use the additional two weeks to plan and adopt new strategies under a COVID-19 era in line with the guidelines, for the new life ahead.

Chairman of the PTF COVID-19 and Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, speaking at the daily briefing on Tuesday, also urged Nigerians to prepare for “behavioral change” which he said ” is a must for every citizen because COVID-19 has changed the world completely”

Mustapha who assured that the PTF COVID-19 is committed and determined to continue to provide the required leadership for this national response, added that in the coming days, intense consultations will be deepened with different segments of the society including the state governments, security agencies, religious and community leaders to ensure a coordinated implementation of the measures.

He reiterated that specific directives have been issued to security agencies to strictly enforce the measures, and admonish Nigerians to please observe the restrictions in full.

He also assured essential workers such as the frontline medical personnel, the media, the environmental health workers, farmers and agro-related service providers, oil and gas services, aviation, the power sector, amongst others that they will be adequately protected.

“Your obligation is to always carry a valid means of identification.

“I am happy to inform you that our risk communication strategy has been enhanced by the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN).

“The professional body has offered the services of its members pro bono to the PTF, in order to strategically and effectively communicate with more Nigerians on the pandemic.

Mustapha said the PTF will leverage on existing community structures and assets right down to the ward level to push through a massive public awareness campaign aimed at ensuring voluntary community engagement and ownership of the fight, consistent with its community engagement strategy,

He reminded all Nigerians that the ravaging force of the virus does not discriminate on the basis of status, creed, political persuasion, profession or where you come from.

“Now is the time to avoid any distraction from whatever quarters and all hands must be and remain on deck. On our part, we assure Nigerians of our commitment to accountability, diligence and probity.”

Lagos State Governor List Conditions Churches And Mosques Must Meet To Reopen

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State government has revealed that businesses and worship centres will soon reopen if they meet certain conditions.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, raised the hope on Sunday. Sanwo-Olu said pending when those conditions are met, “the status quo will remain.”

The state, which is the epicenter of the virus in the country, has been under lockdown and lately restrictions and curfew, to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

The governor spoke at the Government House in Marina during an update on the state of affairs with the management of COVID-19.

He said: “We are reviewing and considering how the phased unlocking will happen. If we see huge level of compliance, then it can happen in the next two to three weeks. If not, it could take a month or two months. It is until we are sure all of these players are ready to conform to our guidelines,” the governor said

From this week, he added, work would proceed fast towards reopening of the state’s economy adding that the government would embark on what he described as “Register to open.”

As the government is weighing the options, on the next line of action, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, (LCCI), unveiled the report of a survey it conducted on the effect of the lockdown on the economy of the state.

The report indicates that 81per cent of businesses have been “severely affected” by the COVID-19 lockdown with a mere 17 per cent indicating moderate impact on their business.

Sanwo-Olu, who announced that the 10 Government House workers who tested positive for Coronavirus had all been discharged and back at their duty posts, further explained how the reopening process would be.

“We are at a level where we are reviewing the other arms of the economy. In the coming days, we will be starting what we call Register-to-Open, which means all players in the restaurant business, event centres, entertaiment, malls and cinemas will go through a form of re-registration and space management.

“There is a regulation that will be introduced to supervise this move. We will be coming to their facilities to assess their level of readiness for a future opening. I don’t know when that opening will happen in the weeks ahead, but we want these businesses to begin to tune themselves to the reality of COVID-19 with respect to how their work spaces need to look like.

“For us, it is not to say they should re-open fully tomorrow or any time; there has been a process guiding the re-opening. We will be mandating Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to begin the enumeration process and the agencies will be communicating with all relevant businesses and houses in the days ahead. I must, however, caution that this should not be misinterpreted as a licence for full opening; it is certainly not. The State’s economy is not ready for that now.

“Similarly, places of worship we would be going and working with them as much as possible to see their level of preparedness ensuring that we keep as much space, in the event that we will be unlocking them in future”

Although the governor did not give specific time for the lifting of the lockdown, he however said it could be two, three weeks to one month time.

He said there would be a gradual phasing off of the lockdown because the economy of the state cannot be shut down for too long; but that “there has to be a process towards unlocking the whole place.”

Business hitherto excluded from the easing of the lockdown in the past one week, like hospitality, events, entertainment, malls etc, will re-register to open, a process that will enable the government to ascertain their level of preparedness for reopening in a few weeks.

The government, he said, will visit religious houses to determine their level of preparedness and compliance with social distancing regulation and use of facemask and other precautionary measures as the lockdown is being gradually phased out.

Sanwo-Olu said officials from the LSSCLASEPA will be visiting restaurants, companies, religious houses to assess their level of readiness.

“There is a regulation that will be introduced to supervise this move. We will be coming to their facilities to assess their level of readiness for a future opening. I don’t know when that opening will happen in the weeks ahead, but we want these businesses to begin to tune themselves to the reality of COVID-19 with respect to how their work spaces need to look like. “For us, it is not to say they should re-open fully tomorrow or any time; there has been a process guiding the re-opening.

According to him, the government had seen some encouraging levels of compliance at the open and food markets which needs to be improved upon while the contrary is the case with the yellow buses and interstate movements which he said the government would be looking into.

Sanwo-Olu said his government has approved special preference for the elderly of 60 years and above, beginning from this week, to be attended to in the banking halls, shopping malls and open shop between the hours of 9am to 10.30am before others will be allowed in to transact their businesses.

Businesses and worship centres must:

• A register to open must be filled
• Inspection of business facilities
• Visitation to religious centres to determine compliance
• Hospitality, Events, Entertainment, Malls to re-register
• LASEPA and LSSC to communicate with all businesses

Despite Rising Covid-19 Cases 5 States Announcedthe Opening of Mosques And Churches For Prayers

In spite of the rising number of people infected with Covid-19 daily in Nigeria, five states have opened mosques for prayers.

The decision was in line with repeated calls by the governments of the states, especially in the northern part of Nigeria to ask for mosques to be opened for prayersl.

Some Clerics see the benefits of opening up markets, where tens of thousands of people are gathering together, but also failing to open places of worship that do not bring together people in the markets?

The five northern states that allow citizens to continue their prayers despite the Coronavirus crisis are:

Kogi: Kogi Governor John Bello has ordered the opening of mosques in the state after lock down for fear of the spread of Coronavirus.

The governor through the commissioner of informatio, Kingsley Fanwo called on religious leaders to take precautions and prevent the spread of the disease in their places of worship.

He then called on religious leaders to continue to pray for the disease to be eradicated worldwide.

Borno: Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum announced the lifting of the lockdown after spending three weeks in it.

Deputy governor of the state, and chairman of the campaign on COVID-19 in the state, Usman Kadafur announced the withdraw of the law, said the state has chieve the goal for the lock down.

He said "The lockdown has been lifted, but if there is a recurrence of the spread of the virus, we will go back, sanctions must be imposed, Friday prayers and other prayers will continue as usual in the mosques with a view 'to stand at a distance.'

Gombe: Governor of Gombe State has announced the lifting of the lockdown on mosques for the fight against the spread of COVID-19 after a meeting with religious leaders.

The governor said the cleric has assured him of their commitment to ensure their follower adhere to government-imposed rules to prevent the spread of the disease and prevent its spread.

But he warned them that if they refuse to abide by the rules imposed, he would repeal the law.

Adamawa State Governor Omar Umar Fintiri has granted Muslims the right to resume their religious services in the mosques as usual.

The governor's spokesperson made the announcement on Thursday, saying the governor had asked the clerics to establish a disease control system at the place of worship.

"Mosques, Churches and the Market can be opened." He says.

Zamfara: Governor Bello Matawalle has ordered the continuation of prayers at mosques across the state after withdrawing a curfew for fear of spreading COVID-19.

Matawalle disclosed this in a statement issued on state radio on Thursday and thanked the public for their adherence to the rules.

He said “So we have revoked the ban on opening mosques and churches, but we urge the community not to hold several meetings at the same time. Then sanctions are put in place. ”