Abasi Ita, Calabar
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River on Events Management, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong has revealed that the present administration in the state is poised to reposition the annual Leboku International New Yam festival to accelerate agro tourism traffic to the state given the agarian profile of Yakurr local government area.
According to Ekpenyong” The current administration headed by Senator Bassey Otu is determined to harness the our divest potentials to trigger economic development at all fronts, especially in agriculture and tourism where we have comparative advantage”
He posited that such step would go a long way to fast track economic development of Yakurr communities cashing in on its rich cultural heritage.
Speaking at a media briefing at Obol Opon ‘s Palace in Ugep, Yakurr local government area, to herald the 2023 Leboku New Yam festival, Ekpenyong said the” people- first mantra of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, is tailored towards delivering people-oriented projects and programmes designed to meet the needs and aspirations of the people”
He lauded the efforts of those who pioneered the Leboku, pleging to ensure sustainable development of Leboku to regain its global appeal and expectations, by leveraging their score card through cultivating robust synery with critical stakeholders and relevant MDAs to project the Leboku festival to greater heights for the overall benefit of the state.
“My special thanks to the Senator representing the central senatorial district, member House of Representative Abi/Yakurr, members House of Assembly Yakurr 1&2, heads of the tourism clusters in the state, HOLGA Yakurr, local organising committee of the Leboku International New Yam Festival 2024, Paramount Ruler of the Yakurr nation and his Council of Chiefs.
“We have indeed benefitted from shared knowledge and experiences from series of meetings towards ensuring a very successful 2024 LEBOKU festival.
“Always hold this to heart, that we are into a trail blazing engagement, to add and give value for every single contribution and support, in brand image promotion, products and services marketing, even to return on investment and revenue generation for the state.
“On the 21st of August, 2024, we will be experiencing the evolution of the Leboku International New Yam festival extending the socio-cultural value-chain onward to building a cultural economy for the people of Yakurr and Cross River State at large through the LEBOKU spirit.
“Today, we shall be observing what is a pacesetter event, which is giving the festival a brand identity and commercial worth; the logo and theme unveiling.
“Remember, nothing here will or can be achieved without having all hands-on desk, it is a call for unity of purpose, collective responsibility for sustainable growth. It is the season of sweetness.
In his remark, Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, My Abubakar Ewa, represented by Mr. Dan Akeke, said:”We are on the same page. We promise to ensure that we have a better LEBOKU festival. Beside LEBOKU, the are other tourism attractions like Ugep stones and Water Falls that would help enhance our cultural economy.”
Also speaking, the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Rita Ayuk, represented by Director, General Services and Administration, DGSA, Mr. Ndoma Francis, said: “We have been working with Obol Lopon to ensure a smooth celebration. I enjoin all stakeholders to cooperate so we can have a memorable event on August 21.
On his part, the Managing Director, Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, said: “We will ensure this year festival succeed by working with hotels and hospitality providers to ensure standard and safety guests are accorded top priority”
“We will also take data of visitors,sons and daughters of Yakurr that will attend the annual festival. All we need from Yakurr during the celebration is peace from the eleven autonomous communities.
“This is the 18th LEBOKU and by end of the year, state government would have brought in 52 cars since inception for winners of Mr. and Miss Leboku. ”
Meanwhile, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr HRM OBOL (Dr) Obol Ofem Ubana has applauded Governor Bassey Otu for resuscitating the LEBOKU Festival.
The royal fathers asserted that “Leboku is very important to Yakurr people because it is an opportunity to thank God for changing half yams they planted into a whole whole yam.
” It is an indication that God is with us and authority over all of us. Between February and July, there is usually hunger in our communities.S o, in August as we celebrate Leboku, we celebrate with our family, friends, and well-wishers who have survived the hunger period.