The Governor of Cross River State in southern Nigeria, Senator Bassey Otu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to the growth of the agriculture sector.

Governor Otu was speaking while flagging off the 2024 edition of the Leboku New Yam festival of the Yakurr people in the central district of Cross River State.

Otu, who was represented at the celebration of the yam harvest by his deputy, Mr. Peter Odey, stressed that small holder farmers need to upgrade from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

He said, “the interest of government in the Leboku New Yam festival over the years is to encourage young people to go into farming and encourage small scale farmers grow bigger by transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

“The yam festival is one of our flagship tourism celebrations, but as serves as an avenue for us as a government to promote food security, which was the reason for instituting the best female and male farmers awards including the Mr and Miss Leboku pageants,” the governor stated.

The governor stated that to enable commercial agriculture, his administration has the procured” light and heavy duty machinery to enable small holder farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs embark on large scale production of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocoa and yams to ensure food security in the state.”

He acknowledged that innovations of previous government and promised, “my administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements.”

Peaceful farming season

The governor, who was impressed with the massive presence of the chiefs, women, young men and maidens from the different clans and villages of Yakurr local government area, commended the traditional leader, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng for maintaining peace within his domain.

According to the governor, “records have shown that since the enthronement of Obol Eteng as the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, inter-communal harmony, peace and socio-economic development of the Yakurr people have increased.”

He also commended the chiefs, women and youth leaders for cooperating the government to sustain peace in the central district in pursuance of steady growth and development.

In an earlier remark, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, who received the entourage of Governor Otu’s representative, the deputy governor, Mr. Peter Odey, appreciated government for sustaining the celebration.

Obol Eteng pledged commitment to peace, development and stability amongst the Yakurr people and neighbouring council areas.

The 2024 Leboku New Yam Festival was attended by sons and daughters of Yakurr from within and outside Nigeria including members of the political class.

Highlight of the festival celebration was the presentation of prizes to the winners of the 2024 Miss and Mister Leboku pageant, the best yam harvester of the year award and other prizes.