The Ekiti State government has issued a ban on a planned three-day kissing marathon that aimed to set a Guinness World Record in the state. The event, organized by a group called Sugartee, was scheduled to take place on July 7 at a popular amusement park in the state capital. However, the government, through the Ministry of Arts and Culture, sent a letter to the Ekiti State Hoteliers Association announcing the ban and warning that any facility hosting the event would face severe sanctions.
The letter, signed by the Director of Tourism on behalf of the permanent secretary of the ministry, stated that the event was considered absurd, unhealthy, immoral, and capable of denigrating the image of the state. It emphasized that such a program goes against the values of the people of the state and could have a negative moral impact on the youth. The ministry prohibited the hosting of the event or any similar events in facilities operating lawfully in Ekiti State.
This announcement follows a recent 120-hour cooking marathon concluded by Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state. Additionally, Adeola Adeyeye, also known as Chef DEO, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, is currently attempting to set a new record for the longest world cooking marathon of 150 hours.
It 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.”
It would be recalled that Damilola Adeparusi popularly called Chef Dammy had a few weeks ago concluded a 120-hour cooking marathon in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state.
At the moment, one Adeola Adeyeye, identified as Chef DEO in Ile-Oluji, Ondo state is attempting to set a longest world cooking marathon of 150 hours.
