Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has warned Nigerians that the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic is real, pleading against acts that can trigger it, as the nation has yet to recover from the first wave.
The Governor made the call at the state- organised Christmas Carol and service of nine lessons held at the June 12 Cultural centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, on Friday.
The governor described the out -going year as turbulent and full of uncertainty as the Covid-19 Pandemic had succeeded in dislocating the nation’s socio-economic activities this year.
Buttressing his point on the second wave of the pandemic, Governor Abiodun disclosed that more than 1,000 new cases had been recorded so far across the country in the last few days, stressing the need for the people not to loose guard, but continue in observing the laid down protocols to contain the pandemic.
He, however, noted that despite the pandemic, his administration was able “to implement its policies on infrastructure, social well-being, education, youth development and agriculture, attributing successes recorded so far to the unflinching support of the people.”
Abiodun also commended the youths in the state “for speaking out during the recent protest to end the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the country, stating that they went about their protest by not looting and turning to miscreants overnight.”
He assured of constant dialogue with them while equally commending the traditional rulers for the role they played during the protest.
Governor Abiodun while urging the people to be compassionate to one another during this Yuletide, advised them to celebrate with moderation and be responsible in their actions, as Christmas was all about love and sharing.
In his sermon titled, “Why did Jesus come?”, the South West Regional Co-ordinator of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Reuben Oke reading from the books of Luke, Chapter 2 verse 7 and John, chapter 1, verse 11 said that some people misconstrue Christmas as a season to merry and exchange gifts.
Bishop Oke noted that though the season meant different things to different people, the reason for the season was for Jesus Christ to give life by paying the debt for sinners.
The cleric blamed the nation’s leaders “for plunging the nation into its current socio-economic and political travails,” urging the people to always be reminded that they were alive because of God’s mercy and grace.
The wife of the Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, read the first lesson from the book of Genesis, chapter 1 vs 2 and chapter 30 vs 31, while Governor Abiodun, read the ninth lesson from the book of St. John 1 vs 1-14.
