The Criterion, an Association of Muslim Women in Business and Professions has commend the laudable efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration on the proactive measures put in place in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus Pandemic in Lagos State.

The group also expressed grief over the gas explosion that rocked Abule Odo, a suburb in Lagos state. The Association commiserates with the affected victims, families and organizations.

National Amirah (President) Alhaja Fatymah Yewande Oyefeso, in a statement made available to The Guardian urged the believers engage in various adhkar prayers prescribed by the Holy Prophet to combat the spread of the virus.

She however, described loss of lives and properties to the tragic explosion in Lagos as painful and unprecedented.

Oyefeso prayed for quick recovery for those affected by the explosion, receiving treatment in hospitals. “May Allah give the families that lost their loved ones in the tragic incident the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss”, she said.

She also commended the swift emergency response to the incident by the Lagos State government and the floating of N2 Billion relief package for the victims of the explosion.

Oyesfeso called on the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to conduct an investigation to unravel the cause of the explosion in a bid to forestall a future occurrence.

She lauded the state government’s directive banning the gathering of more than 25 people in the state adding that the directive is aimed at curtailing the spread of the deadly coronavirus in the state.
According to her, “the Association has directed all her five districts to suspend all social engagement for now”.

In a memo issued to all district Amirahs, The Criterion president said: “In the light of the menacing threat of spread of the corona virus and the proactive measure taken by the Lagos State Government in conjunction with religious leaders, all Criterion districts are hereby directed to suspend all religious congregational activities including public lecture involving over 50 worshipers and participants.

“In usrahs where attendance is usually less than 25 members, the District Amirahs and Usrah coordinators should provide hand sanitizers at the entry points and ensure that it is used by all attendees as is being done in public places like banks, eateries.

“Other proactive measures to avoid and prevent the spread of the corona virus such as availability of sufficient water and soap, environmental hygiene and other measures should be put in place,” she said.

Oyefeso added: “ In addition, and as much as possible admonition in this uncommon period should focus on Islamic perspectives / rulings on personal hygiene, preservation of life, prevention of harm, proactive response to impending danger, steps advised by the prophet during epidemic.

“Also the various adhkar prescribed by the Prophet at times like this should be taught at the usrahs, if usrahs must hold. Other on line teaching method like use of social media platforms may be adopted to teach the adhkar. We pray Allah to shower His mercy on the Ummah and humanity as a whole. May He preserve us in good health to worship Him to earn His pleasure. Amin” she said.