By Adeola Ogunlade
In compliance with the state government and in line with the new normal, the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), will coordinate the one hour crossover (watch night) service in the state between 11:30pm on Thursday 31 December and 12:30 am of Friday 1 January 2021, to usher Christian faithful in Lagos into the New Year.
The CAN Chairman, Lagos State Steven Adegbite, made this known yesterday while receiving members of Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN) on a courtesy visit to the CAN secretariat at Ogba, Lagos.
According to Adegbite, the church leadership in the state came up with these arrangement to ensure the safety of all worshipers in Lagos and to protect Christians against the molestation of some over zealous security operatives.
Adegbite states that the crossover service will be broadcast live on Lagos television (LTV) and other TV channels in Lagos, and coordinated by the church leadership to promote the unity and oneness of the church in line with CAN motto, “That they may be one”.
Recall that the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had ban street parties, carnivals and other large gathering in the state over upsurge in COVID-19 cases.
This directive was made over the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country due largely to the second wave of the pandemic.
However, some churches in Lagos have adjusted their plan for the annual midnight crossover services in compliance with the government and CAN directives that all churches must end watchnight service by 11pm.
The Senior Pastor Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi in his reaction to the daytime crossover service, titled @sam_adeyemi : “If you say “Happy New Year” at 2pm on 31st December in Lagos, you won’t be wrong. You’ll only be joining people in Sydney Australia to say it at that time. In fact, you’ll be 10 hours ahead of others in Nigeria. Don’t stress over time to crossover. Just crossover. #HappyNewYear Sam Adeyemi”.