NigeriaDevotees Drink Contaminated Water Shun Government’s Warning

Devotees Drink Contaminated Water Shun Government’s Warning

-

- Advertisment -spot_img
BACK TO SCHOOL DEALS

Osogbo, Nigeria – Despite the state government’s warning against drinking water from the Osun River during the grand finale of the Osun Osogbo festival due to contamination, many devotees and visitors were sighted on Friday, defying health warnings.

Devotees Drink Contaminated Water Shun Government’s Warning

Some worshippers, who fetched the water in different sizes of jerrycans, were seen drinking the water on their way out of the grove.

FREE DELIVERY

Devotees and visitors, who had trooped out to the riverside in white attire and beads, were seen singing traditional songs and dancing. A worshipper, Abidoye Osungbenro, said she strongly believed that nothing would happen to her if she drank the contaminated water.

Ms Osungbenro said the deity would protect her and others from any ailment as a result of drinking contaminated water. She said the government’s advisory about drinking from the contaminated river would not be beneficial to those who believe in the efficacy of the water.

Another devotee, Adeoye Ifadayo, described the Osun River as divine, providing healing and protection. Ms Ifadayo said the government’s advisory would not stop them from drinking the contaminated water.

Read AlsoVideo: Angry Boyfriend Strips Lover, Flogs Her For Cheating

Similarly, Sadiq Adeoso, an Osun devotee, said with the divine power in the river, nothing would happen to those who drink its contaminated water because of its sacred powers.

The contaminated water, packaged in jerrycans, was sold at the grove’s entrance, with the price of the water ranging from N150 to N350.

During the festival, tourists, visitors and devotees usually drink from the Osun River for its perceived divine healing properties, while some take the water home to bathe.

The government on Thursday advised tourists and devotees to the grand finale of the festival to refrain from drinking the water because of contamination.

Commissioner for health, Rafiu Isamotu, said the government embarked on sensitisation to discourage people from drinking the water during the festival as the activities of artisanal miners had contaminated it.

Mr Isamotu said public health officials would be at the grove during the festival to sensitise further people on the dangers of drinking the water. According to the curator and site manager of Osun Osogbo Grove, Adekunle Fatai, no fewer than 60,000 devotees and tourists are expected at the grand finale.

Read AlsoBombing Kills Prominent Afghan Cleric In Kabul

The river is heavily contaminated with mercury, lead, cyanide and other harmful elements poisonous to human health. Geographical information analysis and laboratory tests carried out by Urban Alert affirmed the presence of heavy elements in the water.

Meanwhile, traditionalists and Osun devotees continued to troop the river in their numbers as early as 7:00 a.m to celebrate the festival’s grand finale. Traditional entertainers and cultural troops entertained guests and visitors at the grove.

The Osun-Osogbo festival, whose history dates back many centuries, is usually celebrated in an ancient grove believed to be among the last of the sacred forests among Yoruba cities.

In recognition of its global significance and cultural value, the Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

For the people of Osogbo, the festival symbolises the traditional cleansing of the town and the cultural reunion of the people with their ancestors and founders of the Osogbo kingdom. (NAN)

Connect Newswebbs on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

newswebbs
newswebbshttps://newswebbs.com
New Webbs is an independent online news platform launched with the aim of connecting the world with the latest news on the web.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

CAF: Morocco, East Africans Hosts For 2025, 2027 AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Morocco hosts for the 2025 AFCON, while a joint bid from...

One-Way: Lastma Rescues Female Asthmatic Patient

Lagos, Nigeria - The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Wednesday morning rescued a female asthmatic patient and a...

Disinformation Most Active On X – EU

A European Commission study has suggested that among the six big social media platforms, X, formerly Twitter, has the...

Enugu Police Parade 92 Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers

Enugu, Nigeria - Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command on Tuesday paraded 92 suspected criminals arrested between August...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

At Least 114 Wedding Guests Killed As Hall Caught Fire

At least one hundred and fourteen (114) guests were killed and hundred (100) injured as fire razed a wedding...

Naira Sells N1020/$1 At Peer-to-Peer Market

Lagos, Nigeria - The emergence of a new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Yemi Cardoso and four deputies...

Must read

Rite Foods Set To Showcase Award-winning Refreshing Brands At Lagos Trade Fair

The award-winning Rite Foods Limited has partnered with the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) for the 37th Annual Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) and is fully prepared to exhibit its unique brands.

Public Relations Vs. Reputation Management: The Thin Line To Grasp And More

Whether you are setting out fresh from the ideation...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you

Buy More, Save More