Cross River State government has promised to revive the yearly Leboku New Yam International Festival.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Chief Robert Abubakar Ewa, made this commitment during a visit to the various Obol Lopon of Yakurr communities in their palaces.
Ewah emphasised that the Leboku International Festival is a cultural gathering aimed at fostering unity among the Yakurr people, noting its importance to the government and global audience
“Leboku is intended to show case their agricultural affluence to the world aimed at increasing the traffic to communities and boost economic activities during the festival season,” he said.
He urged the various Obol Lopons to work together with the government to ensure a successful hosting of the Leboku festival, particularly during this festive season in Yakurr.
He also encouraged communities to nominate representatives from each Yakurr community to participate in planning the 2024 Yakurr Leboku International Festival.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Eme Afia, said there is need for peace and unity among the Yakurr communities.
She appealed to all the Obol Lopon of different communities and their people to participate fully in this year’s festival and beyond to make Leboku colourful and improve upon the cultural heritage.
The Obol Lopon of the various communities expressed dissatisfaction with the past festivals’ monopolies that led to their exclusion.
They thanked the state government for its attention and pledged their continued involvement in the upcoming New Yam Festival.
The Obol Lopon visited by the commissioner and his team in several communities of Yakurr include Ugep, Ekori, Assiga (both old and new) Town, Inyima, Nko, Mkpani, Agoi and Idomi.
Nigeria Tribune reports that the pre-Leboku visit underpins government’s commitment to strengthening the Leboku International New Yam Festival as a flagship event promoting agricultural tourism in Cross River State, just as it also reflects the government’s readiness to fulfill its promises of prioritising the welfare of its citizens.
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