BY TIMOTHY AGBOR
The Ekiti State Government has announced the prohibition of a three-day kissing marathon by some youths, saying such an event is immoral and capable of denigrating the image of the state.
The government, in a letter dated July 3, 2023 and addressed to the Secretary of Ekiti State Hoteliers’ Association by the state Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, also banned hotels in the state from allowing such events to be carried out in their facilities.
The letter entitled: “Hosting of a 3-Day Kissing Marathon Tagged Kiss-A-Thon in Ekiti State: Official Prohibition Notice,” condemned the planned hosting of the kissing marathon event scheduled to hold on July 7, 2023 at one of the hospital outlets in the state.
According to the letter signed by A. l. Adelusi, for the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, a copy of which was obtained by The Point on Wednesday, the kissing marathon event was in bid to break Guinness World Record.
It read, “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to a planned hosting of ‘Kiss-a- thon’ in Ekiti State. According to information at the disposal of this Ministry, kiss-a-thon, a 3- day kissing marathon event, has been scheduled to be held on 7th of July, 2023 at one of the hospitality outlets in the state. This event is said to be planned towards setting a Guinness World Record.
“Kiss-a-thon” as an event is not only absurd, unhealthy, immoral and capable of denigrating the image of the state, it is a programme that runs counter to the values of the people of the state and therefore capable of plunging our Youths morally backward.
“In view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism hereby prohibits the hosting of such an event or any other events like it in any facility that wishes to continue to operate lawfully in Ekiti State.
“Sequel to the above, you are hereby requested to convey the content of this Notice to the members of Ekiti State Hoteliers’ Association to effectively monitor their outlets against being used negatively to cause embarrassment to the Government and People of Ekiti State.”