COVID-19 vaccines not mark of ‘666’, Anglican Primate assures Nigerians
The Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has urged Nigerians, especially Christians to ensure they were inoculated against the deadly COVID-19 disease when general vaccination commences in the country.
Ndukuba said this at the February 2021 Standing Committee meeting at the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, which began of February 8 and ended on February 14, with a church service at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra.
“COVID-19 is real and it kills. Some people are peddling unfounded campaign against COVID-19 vaccines, they suggest that anyone receiving the vaccine will receive the anti-Christ “666”.
“Let it be clear that COVID-19 is a virus that is ravaging the world and killing people. We give glory to God that we have a higher survival rate in Nigeria.
“This disease is like polio, yellow fever and other virus diseases that we receive vaccines to prevent. Those who are infected are being treated and many recover.
“The medical personnel administer drugs to cure them which does not initiate them with the 666. This vaccine is like any other that we receive to prevent diseases caused by virus.
“The end time signs are here but the severe persecution and tribulation have yet to come fully. We should be careful not to propagate stories that are not true and which can only be destructive to the lives of our people”.
He urged Nigerians to live in faith and righteousness and also engage in fasting and prayer to fight the pandemic.
The Anglican primate also urged Nigerians to always observe the protocols as issued by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control.
“We plead that the Federal and State governments should procure vaccines and give to all our citizens, especially the most vulnerable group. The incidence of the COVID-19 has exposed the poor state of the Nigerian healthcare delivery system.
He appealed to the Anglican dioceses and parish to intensify the establishment of health clinics and hospitals that would cater for members, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Ndukuba appreciated all Doctors, nurses and frontline health workers who had bravely stood for the sick and citizens infected with the Coronavirus.
“We commiserate with all those who lost their dear ones in this pandemic. May God stand by us and carry us through this challenging period victoriously.
