The Akwa Ibom State Government has cancelled the hosting of the annual Christmas Carol festival to avert the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Orman Esin, in Uyo on Thursday.
According to Esin, the cancellation was due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he noted had hindered preparations for the festival, which usually takes about six months ahead.
He added that the festival had to be put on hold in compliance with the directives of the World Health Organisation, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and the State Government protocols on social distancing and the threat of a second wave of the virus.
The statement read: “The Government of Akwa Ibom State wishes to inform the general public that the 2020 Edition of the state’s award-winning Christmas Carols festival has been cancelled.
“This development is hinged on the logistic challenges posed by the global lockdown and international travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the bourgeoning threat of a second wave of the virus.
“As expected of a world-class event of that magnitude, its preparation starts at least six months before the date.
“The global travel restrictions and closure of factories earlier in the year, made it impossible to commence the planning of this annual soul lifting spiritual event this year.
“The government deeply regrets this development and urges citizens to take personal responsibility, in addition to government restrictions, to prevent the transmission of the dreaded virus.”
