Nigeria, Sept. 6 -- The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the cancellation of its traditional anniversary celebration because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There would not be any cultural display, street partying, state banquet or any gathering of that sort, for the first time since the state was created on September 23, 1985.

The state, which would be 33 this year, was carved out from the then Cross River State by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, said in a statement on Saturday, that Governor Udom Emmanuel has approved the cancellation of the anniversary celebration, in continuation of the fight against COVID-19.

Mr Ekuwem said it would be difficult...