By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has approved N50 million for the construction of the Ugep Peace Stadium, granting a key request by the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr.
Otu made the announcement during the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the stadium in Ugep, Yakurr local government area.
The traditional ruler had appealed for the renovation and upgrade of the facility, including the provision of a standby generator to ensure effective use.
This year’s festival was themed “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity.”
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, the governor expressed gratitude for the harvest season but condemned recent inter-communal clashes between Ugep and Idomi communities that claimed lives.
He described the violence as a “show of shame” that dampened the celebrations.
Otu said cancelling the festival would have defeated its purpose of fostering harmony within the Yakurr Nation.
He reminded traditional rulers, clan heads and certified chiefs of their responsibility to uphold peace, customs and tradition, warning that the state government would withdraw certificates of recognition from any royal father in whose domain there was a breakdown of peace.
He added that government would not recognise parallel traditional stools in some communities until they are united behind one representative.
Speaking on agriculture, Otu said his administration’s Green Economic Revolution was targeting smallholder farmers with revolving loans, mechanisation through tractors and equipment as well as a multi-billion-dollar private-public investment drive.
He listed rice value chains, fisheries, dairy, livestock and oil palm development as priority areas.
He wished the people of Yakurr a bumper harvest and sustained prosperity.
Welcoming guests, Chairman of Yakurr local government area, Chief Inyang Yibala, urged communities to embrace peace and prioritise brotherhood over grievances.
“Prosperity depends on unity,” Igri said, adding that, “I call on our youths to embrace farming as a business while our elders provide guidance.”
In his remarks, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, Obol Ofem Ubana, congratulated Otu on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate and pledged his support.
Ubana, who made the request for the stadium upgrade, also highlighted ongoing road and infrastructure projects in the area.
He raised concerns over dual coronations in Agoi-Ibami, which he said were creating tension.
The traditional ruler further appealed for improved signals of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation in Yakurr and thanked government for recent political appointments given to Yakurr indigenes.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Obi Ayuk, described Leboku as a profound expression of Yakurr culture, identity and agricultural heritage.
He said the ministry was committed to positioning the festival as a major tourism product and would promote other attractions in Yakurr, including waterfalls, to encourage visitors to stay beyond the celebrations.
Ayuk called for peace, hospitality and responsible conduct from host communities.
