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.”

Israel commences 3rd National Bible contest in Nigeria

The State of Israel says registration for participation in the 3rd National Bible Contest in Nigeria has commenced.

Chikadibia Kene-meenu, Mashav Coordinator of Israel Mission in Nigeria announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

“`Another chance to enter registration is open until Aug.12 on the website services.education.gov.il

“The online test will be held on Thursday Aug.13 across Nigeria.

“The link to the examination will be sent to email of the participants once they log-in, under 1 hour on completion of the test.

“Two participants from each state with the highest score will qualify for the second stage and the regional level,” she said.

She said past winners of the contest had won free trips to Israel, visited holy sites, and treated as guests at the Bible Contest in Jerusalem.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contest is often organised annually via internet across the country with grand finale in Abuja

President Buhari makes new appointment

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Rev Yakubu Pam as the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).

Until his appointment, Rev Pam was the Chairman of the Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Board.

Born on 20th February, 1960 in Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, Rev Pam holds a first degree in Christian Education.

As an ordained Minister, Rev Pam brings to the position more than 30 years of leadership experience in the Christian community, coupled with a deep understanding of promoting inter-religious harmony and conflict resolution in the northern parts of the country.

The cleric has held many leadership positions in the Church, including Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja) from 2016 to date, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, 2013 to date and District Superintendent, Jos mainland Assemblies of Nigeria, 2010 to date.

He also served as Chairman, Plateau State Inter-Religious Council; and Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Committee, Plateau State.

A statement was obtained on Saturday by Garba Shehu, the President’s Spokesman, said the appointment took effect from 26th June, 2020 for a period of five years.

It added that “President Buhari urges the Executive Secretary NCPC to sustain his reconciliatory pre-disposition in his new position.”

Credit to Dailytrust