By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona
The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, yesterday reacted to calls for either total cancellation or postponement of the ongoing 62nd annual convention at the Redemption Camp for fear of a possible outbreak of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) or Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF), saying the church had taken necessary measures to forestall any outbreak. Callers on a radio station yesterday urged the Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Governments to prevail on the leadership of RCCG to consider postponing the ongoing convention following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease arguing that it would be dangerous to allow the convention to continue. Some of the callers had argued that the nation will be in trouble if an infected Nigerian decided to go to the convention to pray for a miracle.

Responding, the head of the church’s Media & Public Relations, Pastor Segun Adegbiji described the call as too late because the church’s convention which started last Monday had continued and will come to an end tomorrow, adding that RCCG is a responsive organization which has been collaborating with relevant organs of government.

Adegbiji also emphasized the fact that the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, a trained scientist, had demonstrated his commitment to efforts to avoid a possible outbreak of Ebola in the country when he publicly announced the ban on members of the church from proven affected nations to the convention.

To demonstrate that the mission is responsive, Adegbiji argued that the General Overseer also barred members in Osun State to stay away from the convention to perform their civic responsibilities at today’s gubernatorial elections in that state.

“Daddy G.O. has heard God before announcing the theme for this year’s convention and there will not be any reason for postponement or cancellation of the convention,” Adegbiji said, adding that he (Adeboye) had actually promised to hold special conventions for all those who were barred from attending this year’s convention.

“He even promised the affected people to be patient, insisting on giving those who were due for ordination an opportunity to do so as soon as the current siege is over,” he noted.

Also speaking, the head of the church’s medical team, Pastor Adeyemi said the church is aware of the dangers posed by the Ebola Virus Disease and had, apart from praying about it, had been cooperating with relevant authorities.