The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has approved a 14-day Christmas holiday for all civil servants in the state effective from December 20.

The was as he enjoined workers to use the opportunity to spend quality time with their families and also be actively involved in the annual Calabar carnival.

The Calabar carnival was set up in 2004 by a former Governor, Donald Duke, to mark Christmas celebration and to make the state home of tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and Africa

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, titled “Extended Holiday for Civil Servants”, on Wednesday in Calabar, the governor said that those on essential services were exempted from this 14-day holiday.

Otu, who commended the workers for their commitment and hard work, also reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing quality and conducive environment for all citizens and residents of the state, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workers are expected back at their duty posts on Jan. 3, 2024.

In Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bethrand Onuoha, has banned the use of fireworks during the festive period and ordered water-tight security across the state.

He further advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against the use of fireworks as officers were directed to arrest anyone who violates this order.

This was contained in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya on Wednesday in Lokoja.

The CP charged all the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers as well as Operational and Tactical Commanders to beef up security ahead of the Yuletide celebrations to prevent any untoward situation in their areas throughout the period.

The statement read, “The Commissioner hereby reiterates the ban on the use of fireworks during the festive period.

”The CP further assures the good people of the state that the Police in synergy with other security agencies are putting more effort into ensuring a peaceful festive period.’

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps said it has deployed 800 personnel for highway patrol as part of its Operation Zero Road Traffic Crash for the yuletide.

The state FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Samuel Oyedeji, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

He said that the operation which commenced on Dec.15 would end on Monday, Jan. 15.

Oyedeji charged motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid dangerous driving, overloading and the use of cell phones when driving.

He said, “This is because enforcement will be focused on checkmating and sanctioning traffic offenders to curb unnecessary loss of lives on the highways.

“In addition to the manpower available in the state, not less than 40 personnel have been detailed from the FRSC Zonal Headquarters, Ilorin to beef up the manpower and senior officers from the RSHQ, Abuja would be on the ground to monitor and supervise the exercise across the state.

“All these are in demonstration of our readiness to strengthen safety on the roads through a series of operations aimed at ensuring free flow of traffic, curbing reckless driving and clearing the roads of abandoned vehicles which preceded the deployment for the festive season.

“These operations include mobile court sittings, obstruction clearing on highways in the state in conjunction with the state government,” he said.