By Elijah Ugani
The Utugwang Nation in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State has held the maiden edition of its New Yam Festival, bringing together traditional rulers, elders, women, youths and other indigenes from the seven communities that make up the area.
The colourful event which was organised by Utugwang Solidarity Group, held on September 5th 2026, at St. Colman’s Primary School, Utugwang, was marked by cultural displays, traditional rites, competitions and calls for greater commitment to the development and preservation of the community’s cultural heritage, known as “Ipam Ipong Ihiheh.”
The seven communities of Utugwang; Ukwortung, Mgbenege, Ukwutia, Nkerira, Ukpirinyi, Ukpada and Okworogung were represented at the celebration.
The festival was formally declared open with the traditional cutting of yam, followed by the pouring of libation by Uti Eburu Ekpali, Clan of Ukpada.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Ukani P. J. Erunke thanked participants and guests for honouring the invitation, describing the festival as an opportunity for the people to celebrate their cultural heritage and strengthen communal bonds.
“The New Yam Festival affords us the opportunity to celebrate our cultural heritage. Let us therefore sit back, eat, merry and chat a way forward for the development of our community,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of the Utugwang Solidarity Group, Prof. Moses Agana, said the New Yam Festival was an age-old tradition inherited from the forefathers of the community.
According to him, the festival marked the beginning of the consumption of new yam after farmers had laboured throughout the farming season.
“The new Yam Festival is an annual event that was celebrated by our forefathers to mark the beginning of new yam after labouring very hard to cultivate the crop at the wake of each farming season,” Agana said.
He described yam as the “king of crops” in Utugwang and beyond, adding that the festival was also an expression of appreciation and thanksgiving to God and nature for rewarding farmers with fruitful harvests.
He noted that the festival traditionally served as an avenue for family reunions, friendship and community integration.
Prof. Agana said the maiden edition was particularly significant because it brought the entire Utugwang community together at a central location for the first time.
“This year’s New Yam Festival celebration is unique. It is the first time the entire Utugwang community is gathering at a central square, not just to eat, drink and make merry, but also to reenergize our age-long cultural heritage which has nosedived due to westernisation,” he said.
He added that the event was designed to draw the attention of illustrious sons and daughters of Utugwang to the development needs of the community, encourage people to give back to their homeland and identify young people with talents that could be nurtured and developed.
Agana called on traditional rulers and elders to remain committed to sustaining and promoting the cultural values and traditions inherited from their forefathers.
He also urged farmers to intensify agricultural production as a way of contributing to food security, while encouraging youths to pursue productive ventures that would improve their economic wellbeing and promote self-actualisation.
The Utugwang Solidarity Group president further called on representatives of government at all levels to justify the confidence and support the community had given successive administrations.
He lamented the poor state of infrastructure in the area, particularly roads, potable water, healthcare, electricity and the Utugwang market.
“Our roads are inaccessible. There is no single road or street in the three wards of Utugwang that has visible government presence; they are maintained via community efforts,” he said.
“Our people lack potable water. Our health centres do not enjoy the services of a visiting doctor. Our Utugwang market, the most economically viable in Obudu Local Government Area, is a sorry sight. Electricity is paralytic and inadequate in coverage of the entire community, despite the fact that it was among the first rural communities in Cross River State to have electricity as far back as 1989.”
The festival featured a number of competitions, with participants and communities rewarded for outstanding performances.
In the yam harvesting category, Efenji Gabriel Agabi emerged winner and received a cash prize of ₦60,000, a hoe and a knife.
Ogar Joseph Ewhe took second position and received a hoe, knife and ₦30,000, while Inyaka Abraham, who placed third, received a hoe, knife and ₦30,000.
In the palm-wine tapping competition, Francis Olenyeng emerged first, followed by Ekpali Augustine in second place and Peter Olah Ede in third.
The dance competition also produced keen performances among the participating communities.
Ukwortung emerged first and received ₦50,000, while Mgbenege came second with ₦40,000.
Ukpirinyi placed third and received ₦20,000, while Ukwutia, which came fourth, received ₦10,000.
The event attracted political leaders and other dignitaries, including the member representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke; APC candidate Prince K. J. Jedy-Agba; NDC candidate for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, Francis Agaba, PhD; and the NDC candidate for Obudu State Constituency.
Other prominent sons and daughters of Utugwang who attended the celebration included Antonia Agbede Ally, Mr. Ereshe Nchor, Prof. Jacob Agba, Prof. James Okpiliya, Oli Oli Oluwho, PhD, Associate Prof Victor Abayam, Mr. James Alicha, Mr. Sunday Ushie, Noah Ashibi, PhD, Engr. Francis Ogani, PhD, Paulinus Ekpali, PhD, Johnson Erunke, PhD, and Hon. Rose Abua, among others.
The maiden festival ended with renewed calls for the preservation of Utugwang’s cultural heritage, stronger community participation in development and greater investment in agriculture and youth development.