By: Achiane Adams, CRS-MOI Officer reporting from Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development
As a way of preserving cultural heritage and reactivating the tourism industry in the State, the Cross River State Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development and the Yakurr Local Government Council, have agreed to a partnership that will see the LEBOKU International New Yam Festival, being captured in audio-visual form, come August 2020, in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.
This was made known when the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, recently met with the Executive Chairman, Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten, in his office in Ugep.
Mr. Anderson said that LEBOKU, an intangible cultural heritage, which is the celebration of agricultural newness, fruitfulness, bountiful harvest and culture, is a story that needs to be told as one of the longest preserved festivals of the Yakurr people.
Throwing more light on the importance of the project and calling for the Yakurr people’s cooperation, the Commissioner emphasized that although the festival already has international recognition, more needs to be done in ensuring that the festival remains intact.
“A well detailed film and documentary about the festival, will not only x-ray the richness of LEBOKU in all ramifications but will also serve as reference for academic purposes and archival heritage preservation for generations not yet born.” he added.
Mr. Anderson further advised that organisers of this year’s LEBOKU festival, should not forget the times by seeing to it that the celebratory activities are in strict adherence to the Covid-19 safety protocols for the greater benefit of all.
Responding, the Chairman, Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Ofem Ebri Obeten, said “the project is an excellent concept, as LEBOKU itself depicts the respect, inseparable bond and harmony between the people and mother earth.
Hon. Obeten pledged the Council’s willingness to work with the Ministry to ensure that the up coming production and future projects are successful from start to finish while also assuring that celebratory activities of Leboku 2020 will be in line with the Government’s Covid-19 safety guidelines.
In another development, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, has congratulated the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, on the celebration of the 2020 LEBOKU International New Yam Festival, during a courtesy visit to the Obol Lopon at his Palace in Ugep.
Mr. Anderson said the festival heralds the much anticipated harvesting season which everybody looks forward to and prayed that as the Obol Lopon leads his people in celebrations, the harvests will be prosperous and bountiful.
The Commissioner further noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, has had a cordial relationship with the people of Yakurr and the Obol Lopon, has remained a father and a friend to the culture and tourism sector of the State and as such solicited that the relationship continues to remain strong.
The Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, expressed his warm acceptance of the congratulatory message while assuring the Commissioner that as the custodian of culture and tradition, the Palace doors would continue to remain open to the Ministry whenever his advisory role is needed.
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