The reality of the Corona Virus (Covid-19) is one that has shut down our world as we have seen and heard through the Media. Today, at 11.00pm, Ogun State will go on lockdown as instructed by both Federal and State government. We sympathize with all and sundry as our world is threatened by this virus.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, representing the Catholic Church all over the world, sympathizes with everyone. On Friday March 27, 2020, He impacted extraordinary URBI ET ORBI Blessing on the world for the stop of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Catholic Church in Nigeria, through the leadership of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has also expressed sympathy to all Nigerians at this time of trial. Similarly, today through this broadcast, the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, which I am privileged to be her Chief shepherd, express deep concern and solidarity with the plight of all Nigerians and all the people of Ogun state at this difficult time.

We commend the efforts of the Government at all levels, especially our state government led by his Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun and all the relentless health workers -Doctors, Nurses, Caregivers etc, who have and are still responding generously and positively to combating this pandemic.

We appreciate and support all the instructions given by the government and health practitioners set up at this time to fight against the pandemic. We encourage all citizens of our noble state to cooperate with the government at all levels, so that together, we can fight this pandemic and be victorious.

The Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode is not oblivious of the plight of the citizens of our state at the moment. We appreciate corporate bodies and individual persons who have shown their support to the state. The Diocese is also committed to supporting the government in our own capacity to bring an end to this pandemic by educating our people and giving assistance to needy members of our community during this difficult time.

Let us continue to take precautions, follow the instructions given by the government, desist
from spreading panic, stay safe and above all, pray to God for a quick end to the pandemic.

God bless you all!