The Ekiti state government has thwarted a three-day kissing marathon, which was being organised by a youth group sponsored by Sugar Tee.
The event which was tagged ‘kiss-a-thon’ was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest time kissing. The current holders of this record achieved this by kissing for a duration of 58 hours 35 minutes and 58 seconds.
The kissing marathon was set to begin on Friday, July 7th 2023 at an amusement park in the state and it was to last for 3 days.
However, a letter signed by The Director of Tourism, Adebanji Adelusi, brought a halt to the event. In the letter, it was stated that any facility that hosted the event would face severe punishment. The letter explained that the ‘kiss-a-thon’ could potentially harm the reputation of the state.
“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 the ministry, Kiss-A-Thon, a three-day kissing marathon event, has been scheduled to hold on July 7, 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 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.
“To the above, you are hereby requested to convey the content of this notice to 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 letter read.
