A’Ibom govt cancels annual Christmas Carols festival

Akpan Umoh 

The Akwa Ibom State Government, on Thursday, announced the cancellation of the annual Christmas Carols Festival, usually organised by the state government to usher in Christmas every December. 

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Orman Esin, said this in a statement he forwarded to journalists in Uyo. 

According to him, the cancellation of the Christmas carols was due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of this year. 

He noted that the pandemic has hindered the preparation for the festival, which usually takes about six months. 

Esin said that in obedience to the WHO/NCDC/State Government protocols of social distancing and the threat of second wave of the virus, the festival must be put on hold. 

“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 logistics challenge 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 world class events 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,” Esin said. 

Our Correspondent recalls that the Akwa Ibom Christmas carols festival started about eight years ago, during the tenure of Sen. Godswill Akpabio as the executive governor of the state.