2022 Leboku International New Yam Festival: Yakurr is ready to host the world” – Governor’s Aide
The Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ben Ayade on Event Management, Ken Aklah says the people of Yakkur LGA in partnership with the state government and MTN Nigeria are ready to host the world for the 2022 Leboku International New Yam Festival
The Governor Aide who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Administrative Affairs, Mr Patrick Ogar made this known in a press briefing on the preparation for this year’s Leboku International New Yam Festival on Wednesday, 10th August 2022 at Yakur Local Government Secretariat, Ugep
Aklah maintained that everything has been put in place to ensure a successful celebration.
“From security to hotel accommodations, the hospitable people of Yakurr are ready to host the world”
“I am more elated that the Agade-led administration has kept to it’s promise of the Festival continuity even in the COVID-19 pandemic years 2020-2021 by providing the coveted prices for the eventual winners of the competitions”
On the significance of the yearly celebration of the New Yam Festival, Aklah stated that, “The fundamental objective of the Leboku International New Yam Festival is to foster peace and unity among the component communities of Yakurr” adding that the purpose has been achieved since its inception many years ago.
“The second objective of the annual celebration of the New Yam is the use of Agro-tourism as a tool for increase in food production has also been achieved,” he remarked.
On the achievement of the event Mr Patrick stated that, The Royal Majesty Obol Ofem Ubanga Eteng, Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Council, the Obol Lopon of Ugep has played a significant role toward the successful hosting of the yearly event.
He said, “The feat is made possible in part by the Royal Father”
Mr Patrick enumerated this year line up of activities in the Leboku event to include Mr/Miss Leboku Pageantry which is scheduled to take place on the evening of 18th – 19th of August 2022 while other events are billed to continue on 20th August 2022 at the Ugep local Government Stadium.
The events will also feature Parade of Maidens, Parade of Elders, Traditional wrestling, Parade of best Costume Communities, display of the Etangala Masquarade, Sale of food crops at the festival market, Inspection of Yam barn, Parade of cultural dances as well as award of car prices to the best yam farmer, Mr/Miss Leboku and other consolation awards.
In his remarks, the host, The Royal Majesty, Obol Lopon of Ugep and the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Council, Ofem Ubanga Eteng thanked the l Governor of the state Sen. Ben Ayade for the continued support to Yakurr people which translates into successful yearly yuletide event.
HRM Ofem also assured that adequate security has been put in place adding that there is standard hospitality in this year’s festival of yam in his country home.
“I wish to thank the state governor Sen. Ben Ayade for keeping the faith with us over the 7 years in ensuring that we maintain a successful Festival. In this year’s celebration we have over 20 hotels built by our people in preparation of this event. I want to equally assure every visitor that there is adequate security in place. Therefore, there should be no entertainment of fear,” the monarch said.
On his part, the chairman of Yakurr Local Government Council, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten said people should come to Yakurr with rest of mine.
His words, “My massage in this year’s 2022 Yakurr International New Yam Festival is that people should come with rest of mine. We have beefed up security. We have standard hotels in place. They should come with the hope that they are going to see how culture is going to be displayed. We are saying that security is guaranteed.
There would be screening point against COVID-19, even as Yakurr as at today remains COVID-19 free,” the chairman assured.
