The Management of one of the promising Muslim Women Non-governmental Organisations in Nigeria, Bountiis Charity Initiative has announced the postponement of her forthcoming event over global concern for Coronavirus outbreak.
The event which aims to support the Muslim widows and divorcees was initially scheduled to hold on March 22, 2020 but the organisers said it has cancelled it due to the Coronavirus outbreak which has killed more than 4391 people globally.
Nigeria early this week announced the second case of COVID-19, as the illness is officially called, making the total number of affected countries 121.
In a press release signed by Bountiis Charity Initiative Corporate Communications and PR Unit; Mrs Zainab Abebefe, the group said;
“Considering public health concerns raised by Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria and its risks factors, we have decided to postpone the event, slated for March 22, 2020 with the theme, ‘When the Sun sets’.
“The program is one of the series of Impact-2020 women program rolled out by Bountiis Charity Initiative. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience the cancellation has caused many of our invited personalities. And, for those who have registered to participate in the event, we shall notify you of the new date.”
According to her, “In as much as we appreciate our guests’ selfless efforts, we believe our joint wellbeing is paramount and following the hadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at times and situations such as we have around the world now.
” Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said:
“If you got wind of the outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; and if it breaks out in a land in which you are, do not leave it.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
She said, “This hadeeth relates to both staying around one’s abode and the act of quarantine. We hereby use this opportunity to implore our women to follow all the health safety tips going around for self and family. May Almighty Allah safeguard us and all mankind from the dreadful illness. JazakhaLlah khayran for your understanding and supports always.”
Speaking further, Mrs Abebefe said, “Bountiis’ intention is to create discussions around hidden pains of a single Muslimah, especially widows and single women. It would feature speakers ranging from married women to divorces and widows, with the aim of looking at holistic solutions to silent issues that can only be discussed by women alone.”
She explained that Bountiis has to abide by medical instruction of avoiding public gathering and human movement in the midst of Corona virus outbreak because some speakers and participants will be flying to Lagos for the event.
