LEBOKU 2024: Gov. Otu tasks Yakurr LGA to promote food security, peace in C’River

From, Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu on Thursday, tasked citizens of the Yakurr local government area of the State to promote food security as a way to tackle the prevailing economic challenges in the nation.

Otu made this known while addressing the people of the council area during the occasion of this year’s annual Leboku festival that took place in Ugep, Cross state.

The governor, Otu who was represented by the deputy governor, Peter Odeh emphasized the need of maintaining peace and sustaining growth in the community with the aid of leboku International new yam festival.

The Nations News Nigeria reports that the theme for this year’s leboku International new yam festival is “Community mobilization for sustainable growth”.

The governor, however used the event which marks the annual celebration of new yam harvest of the Yakurr people in Central senatorial district of the state, to applaud the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng for maintaining peace within his domain.

He said that the area has recorded inter-communal harmony, peace and socio-economic development, since HRM Obol Ofem was enthroned as the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr nation.

Otu acknowledged the deliberate initiative of successive administrations in the state to use the Leboku festival in encouraging food production and showcase the rich cultural endowments of the Yakurr people.

“My administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements”

The Governor added that this administration is intentional in transitioning from subsistence to mechanized agricultural practice with the procurement of light and heavy duty machinery to enable small farm holders and agricultural entrepreneurs embark on large scale production of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocoa and yams to ensure food security in the state.

In his remarks, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ofem Obana expressed his appreciation and that of the Yakurr nation to the governor and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly and others for attending the festival.