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One prominent feature of the year 2020 is the pervasive appearance of the much dreaded Coronavirus, popularly known as Covid -19. It took more than half of the global time in the year as it put almost all countries of the world under lock and key.
While the accompanying lockdown came, it locked almost all businesses and governance down. Service to God even could not go beyond the four walls of the worshippers. Those were the experiences of 2020.
Even as many people are jubilating that the terrible experiences of the year was going with all its threats and nightmare, it’s like the fear would not leave the world in a hurry.
Months after the world thought Covid -19 was almost forgotten that we heard it resurfaced in some countries of the world like Britain and America, and Nigerians are equally scared that the terrible menace is still lurking around.
In effect, the federal government through the agency overseeing the impact of the pandemic, the National Centre for Disease Control NCDC has warned Nigerians to mind the way they do things in the year 2020, as Christmas beckons.
All over the world the yuletide is around the corner. It is a season that brings so much joy, interrelationship, excitement and funs. There are usually lots of travels, exchange of visits, joint feedings and wining. It is a moment one does not spend alone. One spends it with family members, young and old across geographical spread.
As things are now, echoes coming from NCDC have consistently warned Nigerians that as far as Coronavirus is concerned, it is not yet uhuru, the battle is not yet over.
Therefore the caution against what makes Christmas different seems to leave the festive season like others like it in the year.
It may refresh our memories that many historic landmarks, festivals and notable events were not celebrated in 2020 while the Covid -19 raged. Easter, the hallmark of the Christian faith was not celebrated with its usual pomp and pageantry, so also the celebrations of Muslim festivals, and many other local celebrations and festivities. They were all virtually celebrated. That was when the Christian world adopted online programmes, online Church, Virtual Convention and its like.
The government has reiterated the need to spend this year 2020 Christmas with utmost care. With all indications it’s like we have no options in Nigeria. In recent time Nigerians have been told of how Covid -19 claimed the life of a combatant general of the Nigerian Army, and Lagosians have just been told that its energetic and charming Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu has just tested positive to Covid -19. May God grant him a quick recovery. Therefore the fear is real.
In some breath some people have asked why the government is very particular about the people, Christmas Carol and celebration. It has also been asked why not, when the disease seems not to be ready to leave the scene.
We therefore wish to enjoin Nigerians to please take caution and act in the spirit and letter of the year. Thank God there are no lockdowns any more but there is the need for restraint.
We advise we take to the expected protocols guiding the spread of Covid-19; Nigerians abroad have been advised not to come home this Christmas and if they must come, they must follow all the Covid-19 international travels protocol.
Even in Nigeria, Nigerians have been discouraged against non-essential travelling within Nigeria, if it is not important, go nowhere.
We have been told to avoid large gatherings, and that we must compulsorily use face mask, wash our hands regularly, maintain social distancing, and obey all the Covid-19 rules. As we may not be able to completely do without Christmas carols, let us keep to the rules of the protocols as we meet.
It is our prayer that our God who kept us safe and sound during the ravaging reign of the pandemic will not remove His protection over us.
Even as the year is winding up, we join all the living to show our appreciation to God Who has always been there for us. He will surely see us through the year and take us to the New Year 2021 and beyond, in good and sound health.
Once again, thank you for your immeasurable supports and patronage. The good Lord we serve will continue to bless you and us all. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. To God alone be the glory. Praise The Lord.
