The Akwa Ibom State Government said it would open the Christmas village on December 1, 2020 for the christmas celebration.
It added that everyone who comes into the village must be fully masked as to observe the NCDC protocols against Corona Virus stressing that other measures such as social distancing,hand washing and testing shall be duly observed.
Commissioner for culture and tourism, Orman Esin who disclosed this in a press conference held at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort Uyo over the weekend, said the event is open
to partnership with the private sector and multinational oil companies, adding that there will be advertising and branding.
He said, “For the 31 days we will have everyone who comes to the Christmas village fully masked in line with NCDC guidelines. Facemask will be compulsory, the kiosks, stages and stalls will be spaced and hand sanitizers provided at various places. Strict hygiene will be the order of the day.”
The Commissioner also said in order to avoid over crowding and maintain social distancing, the State government has allocated 11 hectares of land for the construction of this year’s Christmas village as against 4.5 hectares in 2019.
He said the state was passionate about improving on its tourism potentials hence will use the 2020 Christmas festival to consolidate on the economic and commercial gains of the 2019 edition which was adjudged the biggest in the country.
The commissioner said last year’s festival provided jobs for no fewer than 2,450 people at the Christmas village who had the ample opportunity to make money for themselves and boost the local economy.
He noted, “I believe that the activities at the Christmas village are not just about entertainment and popularity but also to ensure that people are gainfully employed within the period to enable them livewell.”
On security, the commissioner disclosed that adequate security intelligence and checks would be provided to forestall criminal activities.
