Ekiti: Govt Bans ‘Kiss A Thorn Contest,’ Says Event Against State Values

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has warned the organizers of  the proposed Kiss-a-Thon contest  to perish the thought as the state cannot condone such immoral act, which is against the values of the state.

A statement  from the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, in Ekiti State on Wednesday, addressed to hoteliers, said the planned event is not only  absurd, unhealthy and  immoral but capable of denigrating the image Ekiti.

The statement explained that the programme  is antithetical to the image and  values of the people of Ekiti .

The event meant to set a Guinness World Record, is to hold in one of the hospitality outlets in the State.

The Ministry therefore called on 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.

The statement added that “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 hold 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 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.”