Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has approved the sum of N50 million for the construction of the Ugep Peace Stadium. The approval was made on Monday during the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.
The governor’s decision came in response to a request by the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Traditional Ruler of Yakurr, HRM Obol Ufem Ubana. The monarch had called for the renovation and upgrading of the stadium, as well as the provision of a standby generator to enhance its use. This year’s festival was themed “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity” and attracted indigenes of Yakurr and visitors from across the state.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, Governor Otu commended the people for the harvest season but condemned recent clashes between Ugep and Idomi communities that led to loss of lives. He described the violence as unfortunate and said cancelling the festival would have defeated its purpose of promoting unity among Yakurr communities.
The governor charged traditional rulers, clan heads and community leaders to sustain peace and uphold culture. He warned that the state government would revoke certificates of recognition from any traditional ruler in whose domain there is a breakdown of law and order. He also said government would not recognize parallel traditional stools in areas with leadership disputes until the communities present a united front.
Speaking on agriculture, Otu said his administration’s Green Economic Revolution is focused on supporting smallholder farmers through revolving loans, mechanization and private sector partnerships worth billions of dollars. He listed rice processing, fisheries, dairy, livestock and oil palm development as key areas of investment and wished Yakurr people a prosperous harvest.
The Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Chief Inyang Yibala Igri, in his welcome address, urged communities to embrace peace and development. He called on youths to take up agriculture as a business and asked elders to provide leadership.
In his remarks, the Obol Lopon of Ugep congratulated the governor on his emergence as APC governorship candidate and pledged the support of Yakurr people. He also highlighted ongoing road projects, appealed for better CRBC signal coverage in Yakurr and thanked the state government for appointing indigenes into key positions. He further raised concerns over dual coronations in Agoi-Ibami which he said were causing tension.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Obi Ayuk, described Leboku as a reflection of Yakurr culture, identity and farming heritage. He assured that the ministry will continue to promote the festival and other tourist sites in the area such as waterfalls, and urged residents to maintain peace and hospitality during the celebrations.
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