by By: Ukongikwen Adie
The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu has commended the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng for maintaining peace within his domain as records have shown that since his enthronement as the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, inter-communial harmony, peace and socio-economic development of the Yakurr people have increased.
The Governor made this commendation through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey who represented him in the 2024 lnternational New Yam Festival with theme ” Community Mobilization For Sustainable Growth ”
Otu acknowledged the deliberate initiative of successive administrations in the state to use the event in encouraging food production and showcase the rich cultural endowments of the Yakurr people.
“My administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements”
The Governor added that this administration is intentional in transitioning from subsistence to mechanized agricultural practice with the procurement of light and heavy duty machinery to enable small farm holders and agricultural entrepreneurs embark on large scale production of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocao and yams to ensure food security in the state.
Earlier, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng had received the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey and His entourage in his Palace.
The Paramount Ruler expressed his appreciation and that of the Yakurr nation to the governor and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other political office holders for gracing the occasion and for the sustained support the Leboku lnternational New Yam Festival and the Yakurr nation as a whole has received.
Dignitaries who graced the festival were the Deputy Speaker and other members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, members of the state executive Council, the Head of Service, the chairman of the traditional rulers council and other traditional rulers and several political office holders.
Highlights of the festival included the presentation of prizes to the winners of the 2024 Mr. Leboku & Miss Leboku Pageant, the best Yam harvester of the year and other consolation prizes.
