The Cross River State Government says it has created three new agro-cultural festivals in each of the Senatorial Districts to ensure peace and unity among the various communities in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Events Management, Mr. Kenneth Akler  disclosed this in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area  of the state, while briefing journalists on activities to mark this year’s Leboku International New Yam Festival.
He said the state government regarded agro-cultural festivals as very important for peaceful co-existence of various communities across the State, hence, it decided to accord it top priority.
Akler explained that the administration of Governor Ben Ayade was very passionate about New Yam festivals and other important cultural festivals that showcase the great cultural heritage of  the people.
“We are also aware that these cultural festivals have over time served as a rallying point for peaceful co-existence among various indigenous peoples and communities in the State. Therefore, in the attempt to preserve this very important part of our existence, the government has created three new festivals to be celebrated by each of the three senatorial zones beginning with Leboku International New Yam Festival, Ugep 2017’,” he said.
“Leboku is adopted for the central district, while Otumobong festival is for the southern district, the Northern zone is coming up with its own on September 30th,” he further stressed.
The special adviser added that the government was committed to ensuring the expansion and upgrading of the festivals to meet international standards and to attract more tourists to the State. According to him, Cross River State has the richest diverse cultural heritage in Nigeria, adding that, the government was ready to blend culture with the agricultural potentials of the people for agro-tourism.
“We believe in value addition in whatever we are doing. It is our desire to promote agro-festivals so that our people will get value for their agricultural products. We also want to expand our drive for job creation through Agriculture,” he said.
Akler assured the people of full government’s support for this year’s festival taking place on August  22nd 2017, adding that some international tourists have indicated  interest to participate in the festival.
In his speech, Mr. Chibuzo Aguche, representative of MTN  Nig, collaborating partners for Leboku, said that this year’s celebration would attract better offers including free digital e-credit sale to 10 people.
“Since the past 10 years that we have been in this partnership, we have tried to improve the festival and bring it to international standard. MTN Nig is assuring the people of Ugep and Cross River State of our continued participation and partnership,” he said. The traditional ruler of Ugep and paramount ruler of  Yakurr local government area, HRM Ofem Eteng, however stated that the people of Ugep were ready for the annual festival. He debunked claims that there was insecurity in the area, adding that the Ugep traditional council was working in close collaboration with security agencies to rid the community of cultism and other anti-social vices.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar