By Abasi Ita, Calabar
The Cross River Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Idem has stated that the present state administration headed by Senator Bassey Otu is poised towards the concept of branding the unique cultural heritage of the state to attract global attention in order to boost tourism traffic to the state.
Chief Idem made the disclosure while speaking as the special guest of honour at this year’s Babuagbong New Yam festival held in Calabar on Saturday.
According to Chief Idem; “The state government is exploring innovative concepts meant to rejig the tourism glamour which the state is noted for across the globe, integrating the diverse, rich and colorful cultural peculiarities would be an added spice in enriching our Carnival package to attract expected global patronage”
The Local Government Affairs Commissioner who is also the Chairman, Cross River Commissioner’s forum hinted that plans are underway to revamp the agriculture departments across the 18 local government areas to contribute to the macro economic growth of the state by acquiring demonstration farms.
“A couple of years ago, every local government council boasted of farmlands running into various hectares of oil palm,yam, cassava, cocoa, and plantain plantations. To ensure that the season of sweetness permeates every sector, we intend to reinvent the farmlands in pursuant of the food sufficiency agenda of our dear Governor. Our vast arable land must be optimally cultivated to guarantee food sufficiency”
In his remarks,the chief celebrant,and immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu revealed that the event is an annual festival meant to appreciate God for life, arable land, and bountiful harvest.
“The New Yam Festival is a cardinal occasion with rich traditional values and excitement. To us from Obudu, it’s our version of Christmas fiesta.Since we couldn’t get to the village, we opted to gather our friends and family to replicate our rich history and custom”
The colorful event, which featured cultural displays, the traditional eating of new yam along with various native delicacies was attended by prominent dignitaries from the area including the Commissioner for Industries, Dr. Marthas Angioha, his sports counterpart, Hon. Agnes Utsu among others including the Chairman, state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alphonsus Eba.