An Islamic group, NASFAT at an Emergency Meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) convened to review the latest guidance available from State and National Government Authorities,has announced the suspension of its weekly Assalatu and Juma’at service across Nigeria.
In particular, the NEC’s attention was drawn to the recent directives of the Lagos and Ogun State Government and Federal House of Representatives announcing the banning of In-Person gatherings with more than 50 persons, shutdown of schools in Lagos state among other actions.
Read the statement in full:
After due consultation with the leadership of all our major organs (Board of Trustees, National Council of Elders, National Mission Board) and our Zonal Chairmen, the NEC has approved as follows:
General Principles:
-With effect from 19th of March, focus of the society will now be ONLY on Programs that can be done virtually (electronic/online) or with less than 50 persons
-ALL activities with the likelihood of attracting 50 or more people will be suspended till further notice.
All the programs of the 25th Anniversary celebrations are to be suspended immediately except tree planting at Port-Harcourt and Aseese which are to hold as scheduled with a caveat that the total attendance must be less than 50 persons and social distancing observed with spaces between attendees.
All electronic/online 25th anniversary programs will continue as scheduled i.e. daily ePoster, MyNASFAT Story, Essay Competition and NASFATBUILD.
Each NASFAT educational institution should follow the directives of the state government/education ministries to determine when to shut down. Each NASFAT school to name a competent staff as COVID-19 focus person with responsibility for monitoring Health and hygiene of pupils and staff till term examination is completed or school closure by government. Each school is to procure/provide infrared thermometers, hand sanitisers and encourage social distancing as appropriate.
All Jumuah service, tafsir session and Tahajudd program on Fridays at all our mosques/locations are hereby suspended immediately.
Asalatu service at all our branch/group locations is also suspended immediately.
The society and its officials will NOT be involved in any other gathering including training, conference, wedding, special prayers, birthday celebrations, funeral etc. that would involve more than 50 persons until this pandemic is brought under control.
Each zone, branch and group of NASFAT is to setup an Emergency Coordination Team – to include the Health Services Secretary, Welfare Secretary, Missionary, Security Secretary, Public Relations Secretary and Women Affairs Secretary – to be responsible for monitoring the situation, tracking the welfare of our members, ensuring compliance to all lawful directives of government authorities and recommending appropriate actions for the consideration of the executive.
With the quest not to leave our members in spiritual and educational void, we will provide information in the coming days about virtual/online Asalatu sessions in locations with required infrastructure and for members that are able to join.
We enjoin all our members to maintain all COVID-19 etiquettes such as social distancing and observe high standard of personal hygiene, including handwashing regularly with soap, use of sanitisers, cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick or with high fever, stay at home if you experience respiratory symptoms like dry cough, difficulty in breathing, running nose or fever, and seek professional medical help or contact NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) on:
080 097 000010 -Toll Free
SMS: 0809 955 5577
WhatsApp: 0708 711 0839
As recommended by the NCDC/Federal Health Authorities, any person traveling or returning to Nigeria from abroad is urged to strictly self-isolate for 14 days in their homes. In addition, all non-essential international travel – whether business or pleasure – especially to “high-risk countries” should either be cancelled or postponed.
The safety and well-being of our members is our main priority at this time. Every member of the society must continue to demonstrate duty of care, support, commitment and dedication to the NASFAT family. We must act based on facts and not fear, and with discipline and commitment required to effectively tackle this global pandemic and ensure all our members are safe and sound. Together, we will create the right environment to enable us to overcome this current crisis. Be assured that the Society stands ready to provide required support (spiritual, moral etc.) to help our members navigate this unprecedented situation. We would provide additional information in the days ahead.
The NASFAT Health Secretary is the COVID-19 focal person for the NEC and for the Society at large, and will be supported by the COVID-19 focal persons at each zone, branch and group.
The NEC remains available to provide any required support, feedback and clarification. Till then, We pray:
ALLAHUMMA INNI AUDHUBIKA MINAL BARSI, WAL JUNOONI, WALJUZAAMI, WA MIN SAYYIL ASQAAM
O Allah! I seek your refuge from leprosy, insanity, mutilation and from all serious diseases.
May Allah continue to protect each and everyone of us, and bring peace into our homes, society, nation and the world. Amen
Alh. Olaniyi Yusuf
NASFAT President
