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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Dr. Peter Undiandeye, has said Governor Bassey Otu is repositioning culture and tourism as key drivers of economic development in Cross River State.
Undiandeye said the state’s rich cultural heritage, if properly harnessed, could attract tourists, create jobs and open new economic opportunities for rural communities.
He spoke at the 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival, popularly known as Bewhutang, held at the council secretariat field at the weekend.
According to him, the governor’s support for cultural festivals goes beyond preserving tradition, as such events could become platforms for generating income and improving livelihoods at the grassroots.
“Cross River is endowed with diverse cultural traditions, festivals and heritage sites capable of attracting visitors and generating economic opportunities,” he said.
“The governor’s renewed emphasis on cultural tourism will enable communities to turn their cultural heritage into an important economic asset.”
Undiandeye said increased tourist traffic to communities would have a direct impact on farmers, traders, artisans, transporters and young entrepreneurs, whose goods and services would be required by visitors.
He urged communities across the state to preserve their traditions while creating an environment conducive to tourism and investment.
The council chairman also commended the Central Planning Committee for the successful organisation of the Bewhutang festival.
Giving an update on another cultural project in the area, Undiandeye disclosed that construction of a new palace for the Paramount Ruler of Obudu had reached the PVC stage.
The paramount ruler, Utsu Felix Ukudare, who was represented by Chief Tony Undiandeye, described the festival and the palace project as important initiatives for preserving the history, culture and identity of the Obudu people.
