Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 to ensure that Nigerians continue to observe strict basic Covod-19 non-pharmaceutical protocols, rather than contemplating another lockdown in 2021.
Martins stated this in his New Year message to Nigerians, themed: ‘Be Courageous, Don’t Enter the New Year with Fear’ noting that lockdowns have always created other economic and social challenges.
According to Martins, the church has a huge role to play in the fight against Covid-19 especially in educating people on what needs to be done and how to stem the tide of the pandemic.
“I will suggest that the church should follow the Covid-19 protocols that have been laid down by the government, it might be uncomfortable, but it is a small price to pay for the safety of oneself and others. I hope there will not be another lockdown,” said Martins.
The clergyman tasked the government at all levels to be proactive in addressing the myriad of fears being expressed by the citizens.
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Martins expressed concerns with the rising insecurity issues from kidnappings, ritual killings, endemic rape; the ongoing health crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic; and the challenges from the current economic recession, the collapse of some industries, and worsening poverty.
“Government needs to urgently address the insecurity issues by putting in place appropriate measures and policies that would mitigate the projected renewed economic challenges that may come with the New Year.
“There is need for more pragmatic approach in tackling the health challenges occasioned by the new strain of the Covid-19 virus in order to guard against another round of total economic lockdown in view of the colossal losses it would cost the entire nation,” Martins said.
