BENIN CITY – The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged religious leaders in the state to engage and educate their congregation on the severity of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking with a cross section of religious leaders during a virtual meeting, the governor said it was necessary to get the input and buy-in of relevant stakeholders as the state begins its campaign to halt the spread of coronavirus in the state.
The governor has stepped up engagement with stakeholders across the state as he fashions a coordinated response to coronavirus in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic.
According to him, “We are happy to be meeting you as I will not do anything as a governor without consulting relevant stakeholders in society. That is why we were re-elected into office, to serve the people. In serving you, we are going to carry everyone along.
“We have met with the press in the state and are now meeting with you, the religious leaders, as we are convinced that we need your input in our programmes to ensure that everyone takes responsibility for halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.”
On his part, Bishop of Akoko Edo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Bishop Jolly Oyekpen noted that it was imperative for religious leaders to take a front line role in pushing the message for people to be cautious and abide by regulations to prevent the spread of the virus.
According to him, “The onus lies on us to make our members know about the severity of the virus. They must know that the pandemic is real and they must take action. Church leaders must make their people know about it.”
