#NigeriaAt60: Gov Ayade cancels public celebration, says schools remain closed

The Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has cancelled the annual parade and public celebration of Nigeria’s independence anniversary as the country marks sixty years of nationhood.

This was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita.

He said the cancellation was as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the State needs to avoid community transmission that is often associated with large gatherings.

Regretting the development, he said the Governor was more concerned about protecting the people from the pandemic than holding any public activity in celebration of the independence anniversary.

He urged Cross Riverians who may want to celebrate the day, to do so in their homes.

Those who may wish to celebrate the day can do so at their homes. I urge them to do so observing all the COVID-19 protocols and other safety measures as announced by government,” he said.

On the resumption of schools, the statement maintained that it was the need to protect the people of the State from the pandemic that informed the delay.

“Cross River State is following the clinical procedures of Covid-19 protocols in order not to expose our kids to coronavirus.

“Government will only announce a resumption date when it considers it safe for our children to return to school,” the statement added.