From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State governor Senator Bassey Otu says the customs and traditions of the people have come to stay.
Senator Bassey Otu disclosed this in Ugep during the grand finale of this year’s Leboku international new yam festival in Ugep.
This year’s Leboku international yam festival had as theme: “Community Mobilization For Sustainable Growth”.
Governor Otu who was represented by his deputy Peter Odey said time has come for all Yakurr sons and daughters to embrace their cultural festivals as our tradition and customs have not only come to stay, but would continue to take the centre of our tourism drive.
He said the government is making Cross River the preferred tourism destination point and called for cooperation between community leaders, farmers and the ministry of agriculture so as to access grants and other facilities.
In his address, the Special Adviser, Events Management, Governor’s office, Effiong Ekpenyong, said the fundamental objective of the event had since been achieved as all the communities have continually fostered concord and harmony among themselves.
Also speaking, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr local government area, HRM. Obol Dr. Ofem Ubana Eteng, said the event is to thank God for heping the community to harvest the half yams planted into full grown yams.
He said the community will continue to cooperate with state government to promote Yakurr cultural festival as it has catalysed into community development and unity among the people.
As part of the grand finale, Mr. Mbui John Ikpi and Miss Williams Kokolu emerged winners of 2024 Mr and Miss Leboku respectively.