The Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Osun state, Chief Bisi Akande, has canceled celebration of his 82nd birthday coming January 16.
He appealed to friends and families to engage in fervent prayers for the quick end to the Covid-19 pandemic instead.
A statement by his spokesman, Adelani Baderinwa, made available to newsmen in Osogbo, Osun state Wednesday, said the Octogenarian man would prefer to have the prayers for Nigeria as birthday gift than visitations to him and merry making.
He urged Nigerians to ensure that they abide by all safety codes and procedures against Covid-19 at all times, saying the recent increase in the number of those who contracted it and death incidents from the pandemic should be sufficient to convince all hitherto doubting persons that the disease is real.
He sympathised with those who have lost their loved ones to the dreaded disease and prayed for quick recovery of those undergoing treatment.
The statement urged the Chief Imam of Ila-Orangun, Alhaji Salaudeen AbdulHameed to lead Muslims in a special prayer at the town’s central mosque on Friday while the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ila Local government branch, led by Rev. Father Joseph Oxhonogoh are to similarly act in churches on Sunday as may be convenient for them.
According to him, “it is wise to observe Covid-19 protocols and live than to celebrate in one day with dire consequences as repercussion.”
Akande said he would wish to have 200 million Nigerians hail and hearty at all times, if it’s possible.
