COVID-19: T.B. Joshua shuns Chris Oyakhilome, endorses vaccine for Nigerians
As COVID-19 cases increase amidst the second wave, the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations Temitope Joshua on Wednesday appealed to the public to support and cooperate with the government in the production and distribution of vaccines.
The Buhari administration has said it was exploring the option of local production of the vaccines in the country.
On Monday, health minister Osagie Ehanire said that the government was releasing N10 billion to support the local production of vaccines.
Endorsing the vaccine, Mr. Joshua, in a one minute, 48 seconds video on his social media page said he believes that the government is only striving hard to get the country out of its current situation.
“Concerning the ongoing situation in the world, I have received thousands of emails on the COVID-19 vaccine. No doubt, there are many conspiracy theories surrounding this vaccine,” he said. “However, my belief is that our governments are only trying to look for a way out of this very challenging situation, although there may be bad faith in certain quarters.”
Acknowledging that vaccines trigger some negative reactions, the cleric recounted how he experienced the same after chloroquine.
“Many people have complained of some negative reactions but this is always the case with vaccines of this nature. I remember I used to have such reactions whenever I took chloroquine. That does not mean chloroquine is bad. It works positively for many.
“At this time, our governments need our support and our cooperation – because the world is in a dilemma. God bless you. Emmanuel!” Mr. Joshua said.
Mr. Joshua’s advice could prove critical for millions of Nigerians who are yet to accept vaccines as an innocuous but potent medical intervention against the ravaging virus, which has sickened nearly 100 million people over the past one year.
Some pentecostal preachers like Chris Oyakhilome have deepened suspicion amongst citizens by using the pulpit to propagate baseless conspiracy theories against COVID-19 vaccines. Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello also falsely claimed the vaccines were produced to kill people, despite producing no evidence and lacking requisite scientific background to reach such conclusions.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Suspected Ogun burglar nabbed with aluminum window, pumping machine wires
Mr Ganzallo explained that preliminary interrogation conducted by Mr Adeniji showed that the suspect who confessed to the theft.
Heading 2
Court voids Pantami’s emergence as Gombe PDP governorship candidate
The judge ordered the party to conduct a primary election for its governorship aspirants.
Africa
African countries sign convention on disarmament, demobilisation of child soldiers
Mr Bourita said the convention stressed how Africa was demonstrating its ability to develop its own standards rather than continuing to import them.
States
Woman in court over alleged reckless driving
The prosecutor said the defendant recklessly drove a Ford Focus car with registration number LES 253 AG.
Agriculture
Kaduna community seeks urgent government action on schools, agriculture
The Bugau community has appealed to the government for urgent intervention regarding severe infrastructure shortages and a lack of agricultural support.
States
500 youths to attend Scout Council Camporee for leadership training
The Scout Association of Nigeria, Osun council, says 500 youths will participate in its 2026 Camporee aimed at grooming them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
