In a surprising turn of events, the Ekiti State government has taken a decisive stance by announcing the ban of an upcoming three-day kissing marathon, which was scheduled to commence this Friday.
A group, Sugartee, released a promotional advert and disclosed that on 7th of July, they will be embarking on the longest kissing session in a popular amusement park in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
On July 5, the state Ministry of Arts and Culture expressed its disapproval of the planned event and issued a cautionary message to all hotel owners within the state, advising them against permitting their establishments to be utilized for this marathon activity.
The state government conveyed a warning through a letter, signed by Director of Tourism Adebanji Adelusi on behalf of the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dele Ogunsemoyin. The letter emphasized that stringent penalties would be imposed on any hotel that allows the aforementioned activity to take place within their premises.
According to the tourism ministry, the proposed event tagged as the ‘Kiss-a-thon’ had the potential to damage the reputation of the state.
The statement reads;
“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 backwards.
In view of the foregoing, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism hereby prohibits the hosting of such event or any other events like it in any facility that wishes to continue to operate lawfully in Ekiti State.
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.
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