The 2025 edition of the Okpambe Cultural and Fishing Festival (OCAFFEST) is set to hold between 21st and 22nd March, promising a spectacular celebration.
The announcement was made public after a crucial meeting on Friday, February 28th, 2025, convened by the Ogabor of Okpambe kingdom, His Majesty, Oche Achigbe Oguda, alongside his Aatumambe, community leaders and the festival’s organizing committee.
Ogabor Achigbe Oguda, in a remark, expressed his delight at the manner the festival has gained prominence over the years, emphasizing its significance in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yala-Obubra people. The royal father, who spoke through his Osogbo, the traditional prime minister, maintained that the festival is a testament to the enterprising nature of the Yala/Obubra people and the enduring community spirit associated with the larger Idoma nation, and promised royal support for this year’s edition and subsequent ones “We are committed to ensuring a memorable and successful event that will showcase the beauty of our land and the strength of our unity.” The king stated.
One of the members of the Aatumambe royal society and key royal advisor to the King, Olaatumambe Ogar Ndifon, noted that the festival is significant in fostering peaceful coexistence and attracting visitors to, not just the kingdom but the entire Obubra LGA. He pledged the support of the Aatumambe royal society, emphasizing the importance of incorporating other unique traditional rituals and practices into the festivity. “We are dedicated to upholding the authenticity of the Okpambe Fishing Festival and ensuring that its cultural significance is preserved for future generations,” Olaatumambe Ogar Ndifon said.
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Also speaking, the Chairman of the Yala-Obubra Community Association, Calabar chapter, Hycent Ndoma, contended that the people of Yala-Obubra are highly peaceful, hospitable and culturally rich and urged them not to deviate from this good record as they prepare to welcome visitors from all over the world, in the course of the celebration. He spoke about the diaspora community’s enthusiasm for the festival and promised to rally all stakeholders for the celebration. “We are excited that the kingdom has fixed a date for another edition of the spectacular Okpambe Fishing Festival and as a diasporan Organization, we are committed to mobilizing our members to participate and contribute to its success,” he said.
On his part, the chairman of the Yala-Obubra Development Association, Patrick Oba Enem emphasized the festival’s potential to boost local tourism and economic activity. He noted that the event will not only celebrate the Yala-Obubra culture but also provide opportunities for local artisans and businesses to thrive and therefore called on all relevant stakeholders to key into the vision. He revealed that the palace, the leadership and the organising committee are working closely with the government to ensure that the festival benefits the entire community, LGA and state”
While addressing the people, Eriacy Confidence Oba, the coordinator of the festival and CEO of Coneri Nigeria, detailed the planned activities for the two-day extravaganza, revealing that this year’s edition will be a grand celebration, featuring two distinct events: the Moninkim festival and the Okpambe Fishing Festival.
According to the Tourism Development Expert, the Moninkim festival scheduled for March 21st will feature a vibrant Moninkim Carnival, a captivating Moninkim pageant, and a Moninkim/fishing arts exhibition, showcasing the artistic talents of the community. While the Okpambe Fishing Festival planned to hold on March 22nd will include the highly anticipated fish catch competition, a traditional chieftaincy festival, a beautiful fishing carnival, the exciting auctioning of the biggest catch, and a grand bonfire night to conclude the festivities.
“We are committed to making this year’s Okpambe Fishing Festival a resounding success,” Oba concluded, seizing the opportunity to invite everyone to join them in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Yala-Obubra.
