By Magnus Effiong
With the country grappling with high cost of foodstuffs and other socio-economic challenges, the government of Cross River state has charged farmers and indeed all Cross Riverians to double their efforts towards achieving food security.
Governor Bassey Otu, who gave the charge during this year’s Leboku international new yam festival of the Yakurr people, said his administration was intentional in transitioning from subsistence to mechanized farming.
The new yam festival, which had the theme ‘Community Mobilization For Sustainable Growth,’ is celebrated annually mostly in the month of August.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, the Governor explained that it was for that purpose that heavy duty machines and equipment had been procured 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.
While commending the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr who doubles as the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, for maintaining peace within his domain, Gov Otu noted that records have shown that since the enthronement of the Monarch, “inter-communal harmony, peace and socio-economic development of the Yakurr people have increased.”
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, but promised that his “administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements.”
Speaking earlier, HRM Eteng expressed his appreciation and that of the Yakurr nation to the governor and members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other political office holders for gracing the occasion.
The Paramount Ruler said he was happy for the sustained support given to the Leboku international new yam festival by successive administrations in the State.
PillarToday observed that the festival climaxed with the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2024 Mr Leboku and Miss Leboku Pageant, Best Yam Harvester of the year and other consolation prizes.