To disabuse the minds of some Christians on some misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to go out and receive vaccination against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic when the general exercise begins in the country.
The clergy was speaking at the February 2021 Standing Committee meeting of the Church at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State held between February 8 and 14.
Reverend Ndukuba said many Nigerians had become complacent about the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of unfounded and deceptive campaigns against the vaccines, particularly among Christians.
“COVID-19 is already in our villages and communities. We have lost some members of our various congregations to COVID-19 infections. Many people are very ignorant, complacent and careless about the disease because of the belief that it is a rich people’s disease or it is not real.
“COVID-19 is real and it kills. Some people are peddling unfounded campaigns against the COVID-19 vaccines suggesting that anyone receiving the vaccine will receive the anti-Christ mark ‘666’.
“This is not true. Let it be clear that COVID-19 is a virus that is ravaging the world and killing people. We give glory to God that we have higher survival rate in Nigeria,” the Clergy said.
“This disease is like Polio, Yellow Fever and other virus diseases that we receive vaccines to prevent. Those who are infected are being treated and many have recovered.
“The medical personnel administer drugs to cure them which does not initiate them with the ‘666’ anti-Christ mark. This vaccine is like any other that we have received to prevent diseases caused by virus.
“The end time signs are here as the Bible said. But the severe persecutions and tribulations have yet to come fully. We should be careful not to propagate stories that are not true and which can only be destructive to the lives of our people,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to live in faith and righteousness, and also engage in fasting and prayer to fight the pandemic.
The Anglican primate also urged Nigerians to always observe the protocols as issued by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“Everyone should keep the non-pharmaceutical procedures such as keeping social distance, use of face mask, hand washing with soap under running water, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and others.
“It is a virus and an enemy of our lives and at the name of Jesus Christ, COVID-19 must be destroyed; God has preserved our lives till today and He will protect and keep us till the end.
“We plead that the federal and state governments should procure vaccines and give to all our citizens, especially the most vulnerable group. The incidence of the COVID-19 has exposed the poor state of Nigerian healthcare delivery system,” he said.
He appealed to the Anglican dioceses and parishes to intensify the establishment of health clinics and hospitals that would carter for members, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Reve. Ndukuba appreciated all doctors, nurses and frontline health workers who had bravely stood for the sick and citizens infected with coronavirus.
“We commiserate with all those who lost their dear one in this pandemic. May God stand by us and carry us through this challenging period victoriously,” he added. (NAN)
