One of the most anticipated camping programmes that assembles thousands of Muslim students in southwest states, the 109th Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) will begin on Wednesday, December 23 at MSSN B-ZONE permanent site, Km 30, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Imolisa Village, Ogun State.
The organisers of the camp with the theme ‘The Common Ground’ said in a release that participants — ranging from adults to secondary school students, among others, who will be attending the 9-day camp are expected to comply strictly to COVID-19 regulations throughout their stay.
Since the modality of this year’s MSSN B-Zone IVC surfaced on social media, some concerned Muslims have been calling for its cancellation, saying it is dangerous to stage such a large gathering at a time Nigeria is about witnessing the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
But in a switch reaction, the IVC Organiser, Malam Abdul Hakeem Kolawole told Muslim News that the organisation has put in place measures to ensure that all members attending the camp, which ends January 1, 2021 must comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
According to him, “We’ve read comments on social media. We saw what people are saying but we want to assure them that COVID-19 protocols such as use of face masks, regular hand washing and social distancing will be observed throughout the 9-Day camp.
Mal. Kolawole also stated that this year’s IVC isn’t 100% physical as members in different states and across the world can register to attend virtual lectures from their various destinations.
Earlier, the largest Muslim Students’ body in Nigeria had issued a statement, titled: ‘Final Decision on IVC 1442’, which was posted on its social media handle, clarifying position on ‘physical camping’, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement reads, “Arising from an extraordinary ZEC meeting on Sunday 4th Jumadal Ūla 1442 (20th December 2020), the following decisions have been reached. The 1442 IVC shall hold physically as scheduled at the IVC permanent site with full observance of COVID-19 protocols. All ZEC members are expected to be in attendance along with ‘interested delegates’.
“There shall be provisions for delegates to join virtually with payment of 50% of the Reg. fee for the category concerned. All classes and programmes shall be streamed live for those registered. There shall be provision for non-resident delegates who may wish to be coming from home daily. They must be fully registered and observe all COVID-19 protocols at all times.
“We hereby reiterate that kiddies, JSS students, those with hypertension and other underlining health conditions are exempted and should not come to the venue at all,” it concluded.
Masha Allah, wish you a blessefull and successful program through out, jazakumullahu khair for your efforts.