Sanwo-Olu Virtual Meeting With Religious Leaders ,Insists Churches, Mosques Remain Closed

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has held a virtual meeting with religious leaders, as part of efforts towards curbing the spread of Coronavirus in Lagos , even as he insisted that churches and mosques are to remain closed amidst the COVID19 pandemic.

Welcoming the religious leaders to the meeting, the Governor described the pandemic as a global scourge, noting sadly that the Lenten and Ramadan periods fell within the lockdown phase.

Sanwo-Olu noted the leaders on government efforts since the first index case in Lagos, stressing that the State was already on alert immediately the news about the virus broke in China in December 2019 based on experience during the Ebola virus.

He, however, disclosed that the infection and transmission of the virus is now spreading at the community level, hence the urgent need to sensitise religious leaders due to their followership in the State, either as Christians or Muslims.

The Governor reiterated that the “0 – Congregation” stance of Government for religious worship centres is still in force to ensure physical distancing, adding that all hands must be on deck to do more sensitisation and monitoring to complement government efforts.

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, called for continued support and prayers of the Religious Leaders to successfully navigate this perilous period.

In his contribution, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State Branch, Apostle (Prof.) Alexander Bamgbola, thanked the Governor for being proactive, dogged and pragmatic in his approach to the situation which, he believes, has saved so many lives.

He promised that the Christian leaders in the State will continue to support the efforts of the State Government in sensitising and enlightening their followers on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on behalf of the Islamic and Muslim leaders, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik (Engr.) Suleiman Abu-Nolla, described this period as a time of collective survival when the government and religious leaders must work hand-in-hand to ensure the survival of all.

Some of the notable religious leaders present during the virtual meeting with the Governor included Pastor W.F. Kumuyi (Deeper life), Pastor Joseph Obayemi (RCCG), Dr. D.K. Olukoya (MFM), Rev. Mrs. Mercy Ezekiel (CPM), Amb. Mrs. Elizabeth Onajobi of WOWICAN, His Eminence Samuel Kanu Uche and other leaders in the five Christian Bloc and CAN Executives.

Also present were Imam Dr. Abdulrahman Ahmad (Chief Missioner, Ansaru-deen), Sheik Abdulhakeem Lawal, Imam Abdul Akeem Lawal, Dr. (Mrs) Egberongbe of FOMWAN, Sheik Uwais, Chief Imams of the various Divisions of the State, MSSN and other top religious leaders in Lagos.

However , as the State government joined others across the globe to commemorate the World Hypertension Day on Sunday, the Medical Director, Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Dr. Madewa Adebajo has asserted, at a virtual session, that the celebration was targeted at raising awareness on the silent killer amongst the citizenry and promoting effective medical management.

He said “hypertension is an elevated blood flow in the artery; 45% -50% of patients that come into the facility are sufferers. Hence, the need for more sensitisation of the disease and its management. As an ailment that could be genetic, it is imperative for all sufferers to observe constant blood pressure checks with Clinicians for the purpose of monitoring its levels, even as dietary habits are being imbibed to regulate possible escalation”.

Adebajo further stressed that dietary habits could increase or aggravate the medical condition of a patient, as such there is a need for professional consultation with Dieticians and Nutritionists for effective management of the disease.

Speaking of the adverse effects of potential COVID-19 carriers regarding the malady, the Medical Director informed that people living with comorbidity are more susceptible to its adverse reaction, hence a clarion call is imperative for preventive standard precautions, as well as constant monitoring of the blood volume in the artery by the citizenry.

In his remarks at the virtual forum, the Consultant Cardiologist with the Hospital, Dr. Adedeji Akinbo, said hypertension is a long-term medical condition, which could be genetically induced, or one with an underlying indication of a chronic disorder in the body system.

He stated that “this indication has forceful persistence of the artery, even at an elevated rate. This could be 95% primary and 5% secondary. The primary range is concurrently induced by genetic factors, with the secondary basically from a chronic disorder, disease, or even some birth control measures”.

Speaking further, Akinbo disclosed that patients living with Coronavirus disease could have adverse reactions following routine medications prescribed, especially if they are known to be hypertensive.

While reiterating that research is required to establish its inhibitions for established potent administration and curbing the prevalence of the disease, the Consultant Cardiologist urged citizens to cultivate daily exercise as the Body Mass Index (BMI) is a determinant ratio of recuperation.

“We must maintain a body weight, with absolute regard of the BMI, through daily wholesome grains consumption and nuts intake, lipid-free diets, alongside drinking fresh water and regular exercises. This will curb about 25% rate of sufferers in the populace from increasing further, even as those living with the disease are being effectively managed” he said.