It has come to our notice that some sections of the public are spreading false and misleading rumours of the postponement or cancellation of the annual Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Service.

The Government of Akwa Ibom State says its annual Christmas Carol Service will hold as scheduled on Saturday December, 17, 2016 at the Uyo Township Stadium.

In a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday, Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, however, disclosed that the event that was postponed is the Ibom Tourism Festival and not the Christmas Carol Service. This comes on the heels of what the government described as rumours of postponement or cancellation of the Christmas Carol Service.

Udoh explained that the annual Carol Service, “apart from being a Christmas Carol Event, is our end-of-year moment of Thanksgiving. It is a strictly religious event that gives the Government and people of the state the opportunity to appreciate the Almighty God for bringing us to the end of the year and making supplications for His blessings for the New Year. The event also goes a long way in strengthening the bond of unity that exists between us as a people as the choir that usually leads us in singing Christmas Carols draws its membership from all the villages, wards and churches across the state.

“Invitations have been sent out to virtually every Church and Christian religious leader in the state and they have enthusiastically responded and are looking forward to the event. Christmas Carol has been a signature event in Akwa Ibom State for the past nine years and this year’s event will not be an exception.

“At a time like this in our state and nation, it has become even more pertinent that we draw closer to the Almighty God in praise, worship, thanksgiving and supplication and the Christmas Carol Service offers us one of such moments to celebrate our God.”

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