Coronavirus: Ban sallah festivities, FG tells state governors

The federal government has called on state governors to ban Sallah festivities in their domain ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The call was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, on Thursday, July 23.

Mustapha, however, noted that the government was encouraged that some state governments had already announced a ban in their domain.

The SGF, during the briefing of the PTF, said the federal government hoped that the ban would be upheld and replicated by other states.

He further urged Nigerians to continue to observe COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

“We urge all state governments to ensure that guidelines are adhered to and citizens should not indulge in activities that would allow for the spread of the virus and lives are endangered,” he said.

Recall that the Jigawa governor, Badaru Abubakar, cancelled all the Eid-il-Kabir celebration and traditional horse Durbar during the Sallah festival in the state.

The governor gave the order while speaking to journalists in Dutse the state capital, on Tuesday, July 21.

He said the initiative is in line with the state’s continued fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Similarly, all traditional Sallah festivities to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir has been cancelled in Kano by the state government.

Mallam Muhammad Garba, the state commissioner of information, disclosed this in a briefing on Wednesday, July 22.

The commissioner noted that the decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, July 21.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday, July 23 reported that there are 604 new cases of coronavirus in Nigeria.

This means there are now 38,948 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria. While 16,061 have been discharged, 833 people have died due to the viral disease.

• Legit.com