More Churches in Uyo Senatorial District have impressively complied with the precautionary measures and guidelines set by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Akwa Ibom State chapter for reopening of churches in the State.
This was adjudged with three peremiters of provision of running water/hand sanitizer at the entrance of church auditorium, appropriate use of face masks by church leaders and members and observing of physical distancing during Church service.
COVID-19 Church Monitoring Team Tour Uyo Senatorial District
These were the observations of Uyo Senatorial District Joint Monitoring team – COVID-19, led by the Chairman, Hon. Eric Akpan during today, Sunday July 5, 2020 Church monitoring exercise of the committee in 8 out of 9 Local Government Areas of the District.
About 7:01 a.m the committee embarked on today’s monitoring routine in Ibiono Ibom, followed by Itu, Ibsekpo Asutan, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, Nsit Atai and Uruan Local Government Areas, respectively.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Eric Akpan who is equally the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area during the exercise noted that out of all the churches visited today a few number of them recorded 100 percent compliance with sets principles.
While level of compliance of some churches was between 65 to 90 percent, others adherence was below average, making such church members susceptible to health risk, the chairman of the Committee reasoned.
Hon. Akpan also observed that a few Pentecostal churches are operating within limited space which makes maintaining of physical distancing difficult.
He advised the affected churches on conducting an open space service where necessary and splitting of service into two or three sessions for easy implementation of guidelines.
The Uyo Senatorial District Joint Monitoring team monitored seven (7) churchs in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
They are: Church of Christ – Ikot Akpan Obong Ididep, The Presbyterian church of Nigeria – Ikot Obong Congregation, Methodist Church Nigeria-Ikpa Ikot Uneke, Living Faith Church a. K.a Winners Chapel – Ikpa Ikot Uneke, Winners Chapel Ikot Inyang, The Redeemed Christian church of God – Akwa Ibom Province 5 – Oko Ita Junction, and Church of Christ, Use Ndon.
The team observed an improved implementation by most of the churches visited in Ibiono Ibom Local Government although there is still room for improvement in the areas of physical distancing and accurate use of face masks.
Church of Chirst, Use Ndon In Uyo Senatorial District Flouts CAN Guidelines
Disappointedly, the Committee frowned at the leadership of Church of Christ, Use Ndon for treating CAN’s guidelines with levity. It was observed that the Church neither observed physical distancing nor make appropriate use of face masks.
The chairman of the committee expressed dissatisfaction with such nonchalant attitude by the church leader and members despite the committee’s earlier admonition few weeks ago on the need to adhere to principles.
He urged the church leader to ensure implementation of stipulated rules or stand the risk of closure on the committee’s next visit, adding that the State shall not condone any form of negligence from church at the expense of the wellbeing of the members.
Equally, the committee monitored five (5) churches in Itu Local Government Area. the churches are: St. Hillary’s Parish – Ekit Itam, The Apostolic Church – Hospital Road – Ekit Itam 11, Living Faith Church Ekit Itam 11, The Redeemed Christian church of God – AEC Works – Ekit Itam, and Christ City Church International, Ekit Itam 11.
The level of compliance by churches was commendable in Itu Local Government Area except at St. Hillary’s Parish where the Church fluated all the rules. However, the committee charged them on adhering to precautionary measures for the common good of the members.
Over 25 Churches Monitored By Uyo Senatorial District Church Monitoring Team
Similarly, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries – Aka road zonal Headquarters, Nung Oku, Foursquare Gospel church – Mbikpong, The Lutheran Church of Nigeria – Mbierebe Akpawat Parish and The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Three Towns Area Headquarters were the churches monitored in Ibesikpo Asutan local Government Area.
In all, the committee visited a total number of four (4) churches in Ibesikpo Asutan and most of the churches ranked 80 to 90 percent with compliance to the three (3) cardinal rules.
Churches visited at Nsit Ubium Local Government Area are: The Lord’s Chosen – Charismatic Rivival Ministries – Ikot Eyo, The Apostolic Church – Ikot Eyo Area Headquarters, Ever Grace Fire Ministry- Ikot Eyo. The Salvation Army – Ikot Eyo, The African Church – St. Matthew’s Parish – Ukat -Aran.
There was an improved adherence in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area but physical distancing still needs improvement by all of the churches visited.
Also in Nsit Ibom, two (2)Â churches were observed by the Committee, they are: Assemblies of God, Afaha Offiong, and The Apostolic Church Nigeria- Afaha Nsit 11 Area Headquarters.
All churches visited in Nsit Ibom complied accordingly.
At Etinan Local Government Area, the committee monitored two churches.
The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Etinan Filed Headquarters and Apostolic Lutheran church of Nigeria – Afaha Iman.
They also recorded high level of compliance.
The Committee equally monitored churches in Nsit Atai and Uruan Local Government Areas with high level of compliance by most of the churches.
Present during today’s monitoring exercise were members of the Committee; Ven. Ekere George, Rev. Father Emmanuel Effiong, Pastor Idorenyin Afangdide, Mr. Victor Akpan, five-men of the Nigeria Police Force and pressmen.
