The Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Offem Eteng, in Yakurr Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River on Thursday disclosed that the Leboku New Yam International Festival in the communities was “beyond the human eyes”.
Eteng who was reacting to the issue of security during the agro-festival, said this in his palace in Ugep during a news conference to herald the festival in the LGA.
The Leboku Festival is an annual three weeks New Yam Festival celebrated by the people of Yakurr in Cross River between August and Sept.
The celebration is to appease the goddess and ancestral spirits of the land while also praying for a bountiful harvest among the communities which include Ugep, Idomi, Ekori, Mkpani, Nko, Nyima, Agoi and Asia.
The traditional ruler, who is also the “Obol Lopon” of Ugep, said each year, they invited God and the gods to come to partner with them so as to have a peaceful and successful festival.
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“We are proud to say that Leboku, which showcases our cultural heritage, would be hosted properly this year as the people of Yakurr are ready to host the visitors who will be very secured as they come to relax,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to thank Gov. Ben Ayade for his support over the years in ensuring that the festival was always held.
Similarly, Mr Kenneth Aklah, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Governor on Event Management, said the fundamental objective of the festival which was to foster peace among the component communities of Yakurr, had been achieved.
Aklah noted that it was on record that throughout the tenure of the present administration in the state, there had been relative peace among the autonomous communities in the Yakurr communities.
He said the second objective of enhancing agro tourism had also been achieved as Yakurr maintained an enviable position as one of the food baskets of the state through its production of yam, melon, plantain and other crops.
