Governor of The State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on Muslims in the country to rally support for the Federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination programme that is targeted at stemming the spread of the virus.
Oyetola made the call yesterday while speaking at the 26th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abuja Branch.
This is even as the Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, noted that there was nothing unIslamic about the vaccination, saying that Allah enjoins the Muslims to obey Him, the Prophet and those in authority.
The theme of the lecture is “Islamic Perspectives on Covid-19 Pandemic and Vaccination.”
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo, the governor stressed the need for religious leaders and informed followers to correct whatever misconceptions that surround vaccination against COVID-19 and complement government’s efforts at combating the virus.
“Vaccination sustains life while Coronavirus threatens it. Winning the war against Coronavirus is a collective responsibility. We must, as Nigerians, regardless of our religious and political affiliations, unite to fight the virus that is threatening our lives, our economy and all we labour and stand for as a people.
“We must see coronavirus as our common enemy; it poses a threat to our lives and livelihood. We put ourselves, our families and livelihood in jeopardy when we pander to ignorance and play politics with a life-snuffing virus,” the governor said.
Oyetola disclosed that his Administration is “doing everything possible to halt the spread of the virus through consistent advocacy on the need for our citizens to not only present themselves for vaccination but also to continue to follow all the safety protocols even after vaccination.”
The governor who was the first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Osun after the frontline workers, commended the people of the state for their response to the vaccination exercise since it began in the state.
Oyetola, who recalled that Muslims could not gather during last year’s Ramadan for any public lecture or observe prayers at mosques, thanked Allah for easing the situation this year. He however urged the Muslim faithful to always adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols while performing their religious obligations in public places.