By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Government of Anambra state has announced the suspension of a cultural fiesta in Awka known as ‘Imo Awka’ till further notice.

The yearly festival of the locals in Awka town was suspended in conformity with the State Government order on public gathering and the curfew put in place by the Federal Government.

A statement on Sunday by the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said that the suspension also extends to other cultural festivals in Anambra State.

The statement reads: “Taking cognisance of prevailing federal government curfew order, state government order on public gatherings, World Health Organisation (WHO), and Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines on preventing the spread of Covid-19 hereby suspends 2020 Egwu Imo Awka cultural festival.

“The suspension also extends to other cultural festivals in Anambra State.

“The public, Traditional rulers, Presidents General, custodians and organisers of such festivals are hereby put on notice that they will be held responsible should the festivals go ahead.

“Members of the public are hereby advised not to attend such festivals, and to stay at home, or go about their business observing COVID-19 guidelines previously issued by the federal and state governments.

“The security agencies are hereby directed to strictly enforce the suspension order.”