Gov Otu Backs Leboku Yam Festival For Food Security

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu has charged the people of Yakurr Local Government Area to focus on expanding the frontiers of their annual Leboku International Yam festival as part of efforts at achieving food security in the State.

He said the current administration is determined to encourage self-enterprise and memorable events such as the Laboku festival, which promotes the people’s rich cultural heritage and contributes immensely to boosting the State’s economic base and development strides.

Speaking during this year’s Laboku festival signaling the commencement of new yam celebrations across the state, Governor Otu lauded the people for sustaining such a rich culture which has attracted dignitaries and tourists from within and outside the state over the years.

Prince Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey said; “Please, let the Laboku festival not only start and end as a mere new yam festival meant to showcase our rich cultural heritage, rather let us collectively focus on how to achieve food security using the festival as a stepping stone”

He also said the State Ministry of Agriculture has been directed to ensure everything possible is done to ensure that the state records a “significant increase in bumper harvests given the fact that nature has blessed us with vast arable land.”

Furthermore, the governor stated that it is important for the people to avail themselves of existing agricultural grants and farmers loan schemes provided by government and financial institutions, to boost their food production capacity.

Assuring that the festival would continue to take the centre stage of his administration’s tourism drive, Governor Otu said there is no backing down on making Cross River the preferred tourism destination in the country, even as he charged community leaders and farmers on the need for robust cooperation with the State Ministry of Agriculture to access grants and other necessary facilities required to boost food production across the State.

In his remarks, Special Adviser, Events Management, Governor’s Office, Effiong Ekpenyong, noted that the fundamental objective of the event has been achieved given the continuous fostering of unity, friendship, and harmony among the various communities.

On his part, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, HRM Obol Dr. Ofem Ubana Eteng, said the event is to appreciate and thank God for helping the community to enjoy the bountiful harvest of yams.

He pledged that the community would continue cooperating with the State government to promote the Yakurr cultural festival as a catalyst for community development and unity among the people.

The highlight of the grand celebration was the emergence of Mr. Mbui John Ikpi and Miss Williams Kokolu as winners of 2024 Mr and Miss Leboku respectively.