▪︎Plans modest Eid-el-Fitr celebrations amid COVID-19 pandemic
As Muslims in Nigeria join others globally in preparations towards Eid el-Fitr, a day that is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that all celebrations be limited due to the global Coronavirus crisis.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the President, first family, his personal aides, members of cabinet and Service Chiefs who choose to remain in Abuja would congregate in full compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa to observe the Eid prayers.
Time fixed for the prayer is 9:00am.
Shehu further stated that there would be no traditional Sallah homage to the President by religious, community and political leaders.
He said the President encouraged such leaders to be content with modest celebrations at home in view of the pandemic.
Shehu said President Buhari specially thanked the Ulama (Islamic Clerics) and all other religious (Muslim, Christian) leaders who continued to pray for the wellbeing of the nation and its people.
He said the President, in addition, “takes this opportunity to condole with all who lost family members due to what he described as the ‘madness’ going on in parts of the country.”
He said the President called on all local leaders to talk to their youths and warn them against being used to incite and foment violence.
“If we attack institutions guarding us,” the President wonders, “who will protect us in future emergencies?” Shehu quoted the President to have said.
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