Date: 2020-08-22

The Kwara State Government has intensified its campaign against the spread of Corona Virus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in the State.

In furtherance of the campaign, Special Assistant to the Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Religious Affairs (Islam), Ustaz Zubair Ibrahim Dan-maigoro joined the Muslim Ummah at Offa Central Juma'at Mosque to deliver Governor's message with a view to enlightening the people on the impact of Covid-19.

Dan-maigoro said Covid-19 is real, hence the need for all and sundry to embrace the safety protocols which includes use of face masks, regular hand washing, physical distancing and use of hand sanitizers put in place by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in order to guard against loss of more lives to the pandemic.

"Covid-19 is not a scam, it's a serious disease that should not be toiled with," Dan-maigoro said while delivering Governor Abdulrazaq's message to the congregation at the Central Mosque, Offa.

He afterwards handed over face masks and a carton of hand sanitizers to the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Hussain, for use at the Mosque.

In his Khutba, the Chief Imam of Offa Sheikh Muyideen Hussain had earlier charged Muslims to desist from acts that are capable of making them incur the wrath of Almighty Allah.

He recalled Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers, the Muhajirun from Mecca to Medina as a turning point for Muslims and Islam as a religion, urging the congregation to be guided by the spirit of brotherhood and perseverance embedded in the migration.

He called on the ummah to be of good conduct and cautioned against backbiting and other divisive tendencies for the progress of Islam.

The Imam, who later led the Ummah to observe the two rakat suprerogatory prayers, stressed the importance of unity among Muslims across the globe.

Some leaders of the Offa Community, who spoke with newsmen, described the message as inspiring.

"We thank Governor Abdulrazaq for his show of love and rare commitment to safeguarding public health. We are indeed elated and happy for this visit," said Sheikh Hussein.

The Juma'at prayer is the first of its kind in the 1442 AH Islamic Lunar Calendar.