Bassey Inyang in Calabar
In a bid to strengthen its tourism potential as a means of improving its economy, the Cross River State Government has announced that it has created three new Agro-cultural festivals to be staged in each of its three senatorial districts respectively.
The announcement made last Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the state Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, on Events Management, Mr. Kenneth Aklah, in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, indicated that the three festivals aim at ensuring peace and unity among the various communities in the state.
Briefing journalists at the palace of the Obolopon of Ugep on activities lined up to mark this year’s Leboku International New Yam Festival, Aklah said agro-cultural festivals was very important for peaceful co-existence of various communities across the state, hence it decided to accord it top priority.
“The administration of Ayade is very passionate about New Yam festivals and other important cultural festivals that showcase the great cultural heritage of our people.
“We are also aware that these cultural festivals have over time served as rallying points for peaceful co-existence among various indigenous peoples and communities in the state.
“Therefore, in the attempt to preserve this very important part of our existence, the government has created three new festivals to be celebrated by each of the three senatorial zones beginning from Leboku International New Yam Festival, Ugep 2017,†he stated.
Speaking also, Mr. Chibuzo Aguche, representing MTN, collaborating partners for staging of the Leboku festival, said this year’s edition would attract better offers including free digital e-credit sale to 10 people.
“Since the past 10 years that we have been in this partnership, we have tried to improve the festival and bring it to international standard.
“MTN Nigeria is assuring the people of Ugep and the state in general of our continued participation and partnership,†Aguche said.
