The Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has hailed the 2026 edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival as a catalyst for peace, unity and economic growth.
Governor Otu made the remark at the festival celebration in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, central district of the state.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, said that the event had grown beyond a traditional harvest celebration into a cultural and economic asset capable of attracting tourism investment and development opportunities.
He said, “The fundamental objective of Leboku is to promote peace, unity and brotherhood among the Yakurr people vis-à-vis the entire state; and traditional rulers play a greater role in maintaining peace in their communities.”
The governor reminded village heads, clan heads and paramount rulers that preserving peace and cultural values remained among their core responsibilities, warning that government would not hesitate to sanction traditional authorities in areas affected by persistent unrest.
“Tourism cannot thrive in a volatile and chaotic environment,” he stressed.
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Speaking further, the governor said the festival’s theme, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” aligned with his administration’s efforts to use agriculture and culture as drivers of economic growth.
According to him, government interventions in the area of mechanisation – distribution of tractors, farm equipment and revolving loans- were helping farmers transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
He said, “through the mechanised system of agriculture, enterprises have been moved from subsistence to large-scale farming with attendant access to markets.”
He hinted that the state had unveiled a major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment package with agriculture accounting for a significant share of the planned investments in rice production, fisheries, dairy, oil palm and other value chains.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Obi Offor, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening Leboku as a major tourism attraction, urging residents to sustain peace and hospitality to support tourism development.
Also, the Special Adviser on Events Management, Governor’s Office, Effiong Ekpenyong, said that the 2026 Leboku International Festival theme was a reflection of the need to preserve cultural values for the future.
Ekpenyong, who commended the people of Yakurr for sustaining Leboku over generations, urged the youth to take ownership of their cultural heritage by promoting its traditions, arts and creativity.
He stated, “Culture drives tourism, enterprise and economic development. I urge the youths to intensify the drive for cultural preservation, unity and a renewed commitment to a prosperous Yakurr and Cross River State.”
Earlier, Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Yibala Inyang, described Leboku as a celebration of gratitude, culture and economic opportunity, noting that the festival had evolved into an international event that promotes tourism and agriculture while showcasing Yakurr to the world.
The festival featured cultural displays, the traditional parades of chiefs, an exhibition of agricultural products and visits to the festival markets and yam barns.
