Africa Press-Nigeria:<\/p>\n
The Niger State government has ordered the cancellation of all festivities during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.<\/p>\n
Governor Abubakar Bello gave the directive in a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman, Niger State Task Force on COVID-19 Pandemic, Ahmed Matane on Friday in Minna.<\/p>\n
NAN reports that Abubakar granted permission for the conduct of Eid congregational prayers in Jumma\u2019at Mosques across the state, according to the statement.<\/p>\n
It said the prayers should be conducted under strict compliance to COVID-19 safety protocols.<\/p>\n
Matane explained that the decision to ban the festivities was part of Government\u2019s efforts to curtail the spread of Coronavirus as well as consolidate on the successes achieved in the fight against the pandemic.<\/p>\n
He urged Muslims to use the Eid-el- Kabir celebrations to increase supplications and prayers for Almighty Allah to bring an end to the coronavirus pandemic as well as the .security challenges bedevilling the state and the country.<\/p>\n
He said the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir had come at a trying moment occasioned by the debilitating effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the World.<\/p>\n
The SSG said in order to get rid of the virus completely, residents must adhere strictly to physical distancing, wearing of face masks, regular handwashing with soap and water and the application of hand sanitisers, among others.<\/p>\n
He stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic had necessitated unprecedented changes to the lives of people, thereby affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of humanity.<\/p>\n