Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
Sam Adeyemi, senior pastor of the Daystar Christian Centre, says his church will not reopen despite the directive by the Lagos state government on resumption of services at worship centres.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, had announced that religious centres will reopen from August 7.
However, the governor noted that the centres would only be allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity and all standard prevention and control measures must be adhered to.
In a statement signed by the senior pastor and Nike, his wife, Adeyemi said he will not reopen his church for physical gathering until it is safe to do so.
He said services will still be transmitted online and encouraged members to connect to the various platforms.
“The leadership of Daystar Christian Centre has resolved not to open her worship centres for physical gathering on the immediate,” the statement read.
“Daystar Christian Centre will continue to hold her services online exclusively pending further review. We look forward to the resumption of physical services in a safe environment.
“We urge our members and friends to join us on all our online platforms for life-transforming services.
“God’s mercy that has preserved us thus far will cause this plague to pass over our families, nations and planet in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
In a related development, Tunde Bakare, the serving overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, had kicked against the directive of the Lagos state government on the reopening of religious centres.
Also, Chris Okotie, senior pastor of the Household of God Church, said he would not reopen his church.
According to him the government’s directive on wearing a face mask or face shield in church goes against the basic tenets of the Christian faith.
