Umahi closes markets as Owerri Catholic Diocese cancels mothering Sunday

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has ordered the closure of all markets and shops that are not dealing on essential commodities, a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Keneth Ugbala has disclosed.

The directive, in which the state government ordered the shutdown of bars, sports and sporting activities, as well as other forms of public events, came immediately two cases of Coronavirus were reported in Enugu State,

“I am directed by the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi that with effect from Monday, March 30, 2020 (today) all markets and shops not dealing on essential commodities be shutdown.

“The markets that will remain open are those selling, vegetables, foodstuff and fruits, meat, building materials, medical shops, hotels, hospitals, pharmaceutical stores, spare parts dealers and other allied essential services,” the statement reads.

Government further urged farmers, especially rice millers and other food processing industries to expedite action on food production to ensure availability of food, in the event that there was the need for a total shutdown of the state.

However, Chairman, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions and Colleges, Anayo Edwin Nwonu, has directed the Nigerian Correctional Services to take urgent steps to protect inmates at the various correctional centres nationwide from Coronavirus.

In a statement, Nwonu, who represents Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, said it was imperative for the government to ensure that those in confinement were protected from the virus.

Meanwhile, in compliance with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma’s directive banning all public gatherings, including worship in Churches and Mosques, the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese yesterday cancelled the year 2020 Mothering Sunday celebration.

The Catholic Church celebrates Mothers’ Day once every year to bring to bear the relevance of mothers and their responsibilities in their families.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent directive by Governor Uzodinma in a statewide broadcast banning all forms of ceremonial gatherings including open religious worships, burials, weddings and closure of markets Auxiliary Archbishop of Ecclesiastic Catholic, Owerri Province, Moses Chikwe, announced the approval of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese, Dr. Anthony J. V. Obinna, cancelling Mothering Sunday on March 29, 2020.

Chikwe, made the disclosure at the weekend at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Egbuoma, Oguta Local Government Area of the state, but in defiance of the directive, some churches held services in Owerri and some towns and villages.