Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu has expressed his commitment to investing in infrastructure and agricultural development to enhance sociocultural festivals and the state’s tourism industry.

Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, made the commitment at the grand finale of the 2024 Leboku International Festival held at Ugep Stadium in Ugep.

Expressing gratitude to the Yakurr nation for preserving the vibrant trado-cultural heritage of their ancestors, which has established the Leboku festival as a significant attraction for culture lovers and tourists, as well as a key event on Nigeria’s tourism calendar, the governor promised, “we will enhance it.”

He said plans are underway for the improvement of power through alternative sources like solar lights, re-construction of failed portions of roads and construction of new ones to ensure a good road network in the urban town of Ugep, being venue for the internationally-acclaimed Leboku festival.

“Let me assure you that when next we gather in Ugep for the Leboku festival, you will see a remarkable upgrade by the state government. This will be the last time our national and international guests are going to experience flight difficulties while coming to savour Cross River’s exhilarating cultural and tourism products, Otu assured.

He informed that “the state government has concluded arrangements for the procurement of four additional aircrafts to ease air transportation” for guests trooping to Cross River for tourism, business and leisure.

To the farming population, the governor enjoined them to go to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to access grants to invest and improve crop yield.

“Few days ago, government distributed fertilizers to farmers. I hope that by next year agricultural produce would be better. We are going to do more as a government. Grants and loans will be made available for farmers. Forms for grants are available in the Ministry of Agriculture.

“We want to expand cultivation of cash crops like cocoa, oil palm, rubber, etc. We are also expanding on staple foods like cassava, maize, yam, rice and other crops,” he added.

In his address, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Obol (Dr.) Ofem Ubana Eteng welcomed the governor and his delegation as well as other dignitaries and guests to the 2024 Ugep International Leboku New Yam Cultural Festival celebration taking place in the ancient town of Ugep.

The Royal Father said the honoured presence of the state governor at the festival was a demonstration of the sincere love he has for the people of Yakurr, describing him as a “true son of Yakurr nation.”

The monarch noted that the 2024 Leboku festival’s carefully thought out theme – “Community Mobilisation” – was not only apt but relevant and a pointer to drive the present administration’s ‘People First’ agenda in community development through inclusiveness and participation.

“The Leboku as it were, is an annual celebration of the Yam, otherwise, known as the Ugep Leboku new yam festival as bequeathed to us by our ancestors since 1648. We are happy these practices hang been sustained by us today, hence, the Leboku New Yam Celebration.”

Key features of the festival were the award presentations to the victors of the 2024 Mr. Leboku and Miss Leboku Pageant, as well as recognition for the top Yam harvester of the year and additional consolation awards.