Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Kano State Gov. Ganduje Approves Fridays Muslim Prayer

Kano State Gov. Umar Ganduje

In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has approved Fridays Muslim prayers as well as Eid prayers in the state, after meeting with selected 30 Islamic scholars.

This development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Salihu Tanko Yakasai who stated that the governor made the decision after a meeting with the religious leaders in the state.

The statement read: 

“Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has accepted and approved recommendations by a selection of 30 Islamic scholars in Kano for the Government to allow Friday Prayers to hold as well as Eid Prayers.

"The Governor gave this directive after a lengthy consultation with the Islamic Scholars and other government officials at Africa House, in the Government House.’’

Following the lockdown imposed by the Federal Government, which was extended on Monday by another two weeks, Yakasai said that the residents will adhere to the lockdown directive on Mondays to Thursdays, but will attend Friday's prayer as well as Eid prayers in the state.

“This means that the relaxation of the lockdown on the days of Monday and Thursday will continue, but Friday prayers will also be allowed as well as Eid Prayers, but traditional Eid celebrations in the State will not be allowed.

‘’The Imams have also been directed to ensure that everyone wears a face mask, as well as the use of sanitizers and washing of hands. They should also observe spacing as well as making brief sermon and observing social distancing.

‘’The State Government has also inaugurated a committee that will oversee the distribution of hand sanitizers, Sanitation equipment as well as face masks among others to Imams of Friday Mosques in the State,’’ he added.