Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has approved N50 million for the construction of the Ugep Peace Stadium, a key request made by the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Traditional Ruler of Yakurr, during the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held on Monday at the venue in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.
The announcement follows appeals from the traditional ruler for the renovation and upgrade of the stadium, including the provision of a standby generating set to support its effective use. The festival, themed “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” drew participants from Yakurr communities and beyond.
In his goodwill message, Governor Otu expressed gratitude for the harvest season while condemning recent inter-communal clashes between Ugep and Idomi communities that resulted in loss of lives. He described the violence as a “show of shame” that dampened the celebrations and stressed that cancelling the festival would have undermined its core objective of fostering inter-communal harmony within the Yakurr Nation.
Otu who was represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, reminded traditional rulers, including clan heads and certified leaders of their responsibility to uphold peace, customs and traditions. He warned that the state government would withdraw certificates of recognition from any royal father in whose domain peace breaks down. Otu also stated that the government would not recognise parallel camps in certain areas until communities unite behind a single representative.
Highlighting his administration’s agricultural focus under the Green Economic Revolution, the governor noted support for smallholder farmers through revolving loans, mechanisation with tractors and other equipment, and a broader private-public partnership investment package valued in the billions of dollars. Key projects cited include rice value chains, fishery development, dairy and livestock initiatives, and oil palm development. He wished the people of Yakurr a bumper harvest and continued prosperity.
Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Chief Inyang Yibala Igri, while welcoming guests to the Leboku International New Yam Festival, appealed for peace and urged communities to prioritise historical brotherhood, lay down grievances and choose development over destruction. He emphasised that prosperity depends on unity and called on youths to embrace farming as a business while elders provide guidance.
In his remarks the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Traditional Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ufem Ubana congratulated the governor on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate and pledged his support. The traditional ruler who requested the stadium upgrade, highlighted ongoing road and infrastructure works, and raised concerns over dual coronations creating tension in Agoi-Ibami. He also appealed for improved coverage of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation signals in Yakurr and expressed gratitude for recent political appointments of Yakurr indigenes.
Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Obi Ayuk, in a goodwill message, described Leboku as a profound expression of Yakurr culture, identity and agricultural heritage. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the festival as a major tourism attraction, promoting sites such as waterfalls and encouraging visitors to explore the area’s cultural and natural assets beyond the celebrations. The commissioner therefore called for peace, hospitality and responsible conduct.
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