By Samuel Ogunsona
The Ekiti State rose in defence of values and heritage of Yoruba people on Wednesday when it banned a three-day kissing marathon to set the Guinness World Record in the state.
Sugartee in an advertisement had planned to organise the kiss competition between men and women in the State.
The event was scheduled for July 7.
The Secretary General Alluance of Yoruba Democratic Movements, AYDM Mr Popoola Ajayi hailed the Government’s decision
” We can’t allow our heritage to be destroyed because of money. A people without values and culture is doomed. If they try this in some countries like China or Japan, the organisers will be arrested and jailed”, Ajayi said praising the Ekiti State Government for its uprightness and dedication to a high moral ground.
The organisers aimed at setting a Guiness World Record which is usually driven by cash
In a letter dated July 3, 2023, the Ministry of Arts and Culture asked Hoteliers Association not to host any of such event.
The letter signed by the Director of Tourism Adebanji Adelusi on behalf of the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dele Ogunsemoyin said that the planned event tagged ‘Kiss-a-thon ‘ was capable of denigrating the image of the state.
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.