Photos from 2026 Okpambe Fishing Festival
By Our Reporter
The people of Yala-Obubra, host community of the Okpambe Fishing Festival, have expressed deep appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for his continued support toward the growth and promotion of the annual cultural event, while also appealing for urgent intervention on the Ofumbongha/Yala and Ochon/Yala roads.
The commendation was made during the 2026 edition of the festival held on Friday April, 10 at Okum Lake, Yala-Obubra, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Chief Boniface Okache; the General Manager of RUWATSSA, Hon. Sunday Oko; Commissioner I in the Forestry Commission, Hon. Emmanuel Abeng; the Community Relations Officer to the Governor for Yala I, Hon. Sunday Ojiho; Board Director, Internal Revenue Service, Ochuole Dr Odey Ndoma; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, among others.
Highlights of the festival included the fish catch competition, Moninkim Maiden Contest, traditional wrestling championship, and other cultural displays.
In his welcome address, the President-General of the Yala-Obubra Town Council, DSP Stephen Odey (Rtd), lauded the governor’s commitment to tourism development in the state, noting that his administration’s support has significantly boosted the profile of the Okpambe Fishing Festival.
He described the festival as a unifying platform for the people and a growing tourism asset with the potential to attract global attention. Odey, however, appealed to the governor to address the poor state of roads leading to the community, stressing that improved access would enhance participation, ease movement, and unlock greater tourism and economic opportunities.
He further urged the governor to personally attend subsequent editions of the festival, noting that his presence would significantly increase its visibility and attract investors and tourists.
Also speaking is the Director of the Festival and Chief Executive Officer of Coneri Nigeria, Amb. Comr. Eriacy Confidence Oba, expressed gratitude to the state government for its sustained partnership and support.
He noted that the progress recorded in recent editions of the festival is largely due to the enabling environment created by the current administration. Oba reiterated the commitment of the organisers to continuously improve the festival’s standards and position it as a globally competitive cultural tourism event.
He joined other stakeholders in appealing to Governor Otu to grace future editions with his presence, emphasising that such a gesture would inspire confidence among partners and further elevate the festival’s status.
The Okpambe Fishing Festival continues to grow in prominence, featuring traditional fishing competitions, cultural displays, and community celebrations. It remains a key cultural and tourism event in Cross River State, with stakeholders optimistic about its potential to drive sustainable development in the area.
