C'River Leboku International Festival Will Continue To Build Cultural Economy For Yakurr Communities Says Otu's Aide Ekpenyong

Judex OKORO

The Special Adviser on Events Management, Governor’s Office, Cross River state, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, has stated that the Leboku International New Yam Festival would continue to build a cultural economy for Yakurr communities.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald this year's festivities held at Obol Opon 's Palace in Ugep, Yakurr local government area, Ekpenyong said the policy direction of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, is “people first”, whereby, making this the propeller for collective pursuit towards delivering a people-oriented projects and programs.

Acknowledging the effort of those who pioneered the event, the governor's aide promised to uphold the need for the sustainable development of Leboku for global appeal and expectations. On efforts to fulfill the policy direction of the administration as regard the festival, Ekpenyong said his office will synergise with all concerned in terms of event management and production, as well as welcome any idea and innovations that will boost the annual festival.

He commanded members of the national and state assemblies and other stakeholders on their efforts at improving and seeing to the growth of the Leboku festival.

"My special thanks to the Senator representing the central senatorial district, member House of Representative Abi/Yakurr, Members House of Assembly Yakurr 1 and 2, heads of the tourism clusters of Cross River 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 experience from series of meetings towards ensuring a very successful LEBOKU 2024.

"It has been a pleasure of working and planning together in the last few months with everyone, and answering key questions from our sponsors, this gives the assurances that the preparatory narratives has changed subsequently for the Leboku festival.

"Our amiable sponsors, stakeholders and well-wishers, your response, not minding the short notice, is highly commendable.

"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.

"The expectation this year is higher and will continue to grow, considering the wealth of resources in terms of intangible and tangible cultural heritage of the Yakurr nation and Leboku.

"On the 21st of August, 2024, we will be experiencing the evolution of the Leboku 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.

"One thing is sure, our sponsors need value back for value added during LEBOKU and the people of Yakurr desire the preservation of their pristine practices.

The confidence it shall be fair to all concerned, to profit and to prosper.

"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 deck, it is a call for unity of purpose, it is a call for 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."

Equally speaking, the Head of Local Government Administration Yakurr LGA, Mrs. Rita Egbe Ayuk, represented by Director, General Services and Administration, DGSA, Mr. Ndoma Francis, said: "We have been working with Obol Lopons to ensure a smooth celebration.

I enjoin all stakeholders to cooperate so we can have a memorable event on August 21.

"The Council Commends Governor Otu for all he has done for Yakurr local government area in the last one year.This year event is one of the best in terms of planing."

On his part, the Managing Director, Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, said: "We will improve on this year festival by working with hotels and hospitality providers to ensure standard and safety.

"We will also take data of visitors and 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.

"Commending Governor Bassey Otu for his commitment to reviving LEBOKU, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr HRM OBOL (Dr) Obol Ofem Ubana, said: "Leboku is very important to Yakurr people because it is an opportunity to thank God for changing half yams they planted into a 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. So, in August as we celebrate Leboku, we celebrate with our family, friends and well-wishers who have survived the hunger period.

"This will be the best because all plans are going on well.

Under this period, we observe a lot and would not see or eat new yam untill Monday, August 19, 2024 when farmers come back from the bush."