COVID-19: A’Ibom Assures 55,000 Guests Expected at Christmas Carols of Safety

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Government has assured foreign and local guests attending its annual Christmas carol festival of sufficient provision to ensure the prevention of the spread of the ravaging COVID-19 at the event.

No fewer than 55, 000 guests are expected to attend the festival.

The maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol Festival was held in 2008.

The 2021 event which would be staged on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Ibom Hall field along IBB Way, Uyo, has as its theme “The Return”

“The manager of that event has made sufficient provision for the safety of guests against COVID-19. There are enough hand washing stations, face mask will be available for everybody. Recently, the state government took delivery of huge number of hand sanitiser and will be deployed to the venue.

“The most important thing is you must wear your face mask. It has proven to be the most potent protection available. Sufficient Covid prevention guidelines has been activated especially with omicron variant around the corner,” the state government explained.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, the Special Assistant to State Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Raphael Edem said, “from inception, the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival was conceived to enhance the spiritual rejuvenation of the state and people, and after 12 successful editions, that purpose of the Carols Festival has remained undefeated.

“As a people who have been largely preserved from the fatalities that rocked the world in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are returning to thank God for his blessings to us as a state and a people.”

For the first time in the history of the event, two Guest Ministers – Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House Church from the USA, Bishop Thomas D. Jakes and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye – would grace this year festival.

He added: “The 2021 Festival will feature a predominantly Nigerian line up of renowned gospel music ministers including the legendary Panam Percy Paul, and other award winning gospel singers like Tim Godfrey, Dunsin Oyekan, Ada Ehi, Aity Dennis, Bobby Friga, David G, Ema Onyx, GUC, Progress Effiong, John Bassey, Patience Ekwere, Uduakobong Akpan Jnr etc.

“The choirs performing at this year’s edition include the globally recognised World Record Mass Choir of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival. The World Record Mass Choir in this edition will feature 5,000 out of the 25,000-strong choir.

“Other choir groups that will perform this year are the host choir, the Akwa Ibom State Government Choir, The Promised-Land Chorale Int’l, Intenxity and the Ibom Orchestra.”

Speaking further, he said: “Another special appearance and the only non-Nigerian performer will be the multi-award winning South African DJ and musician, Master KG.

“We must place on record the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, The Governor of our dear state to the successful hosting of this event. This is exemplified in his consistent all-round support to this religious cum tourism event.

“We are also grateful to our partners for this year, Fidelity Bank and Zenith Bank, for their support.

“With the kind approval of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, the 12th edition of the Carols Festival will be hosted at the 55,000-sq. metre Ibom Hall Arena, along IBB Avenue in Uyo by 6pm.”