Mrs. Soyebi Oluwakemi Abiodun, Founder of SHOKESTA Development Initiative, a non-profit, non-political organization focused on supporting vulnerable groups, has urged the government to involve religious leaders and faith-based organizations in all COVID-19 decision-making processes.
Speaking in Abuja during Democracy Day celebrations, Mrs. Abiodun—popularly known as the Shokesta Woman—emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies and religious institutions. She also founded the Awe International City of Peace, a community initiative promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
She noted the country’s unpreparedness in the health sector prior to the pandemic and called for a more inclusive approach to crisis management.
“When promoting public engagement, one effective strategy is to strengthen partnerships with faith-based organizations, clergy, grand imams, and prophets,” she said. “Collaborative, multi-sector approaches can be cost-effective and impactful in addressing community needs.”
On the issue of mass gatherings during religious and cultural events, she urged the government to work closely with religious authorities and health agencies to find safe alternatives that minimize the risk of virus transmission.
Mrs. Abiodun concluded by stressing the importance of integrating religious leaders into national and local crisis response structures to ensure more unified, timely, and evidence-based decision-making.
Source & Credit: www.ayoadereports.blogspot.com
