The Cross River state government has said it has given out not less than 50 cars, 24 motorcycles and many other empowerment items to different beneficiaries during the Leboku New Yam festival of the Yakuur people.
Hon Kenneth Aklah, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade, on event management, said this in Ugep, Central Cross River, Thursday, during a press briefing to announce the commencement of the cultural festival which would climax on August 20, 2022.
He said, “Between when we started and now, over 50 cars have been given out to different winners of the the Leboku events, over 24 motorcycles were also given out,over 46 hair dressing equipment given out as well as a out 24 sewing machines since the State government decided to partner the Ugep people in elevating the agro-cultural festival to an international level.
“In the course of this event, one of our sponsors, MTN Nigeria doled out N100,000 to empower 26 beneficiaries with mobile phones, umbrellas, tables amongst other items. Leboku is getting bigger,” Allah, who was represented by Patrick Ogar, Special Assistant to the Governor on administration stated.
He noted further that it was on record that throughout the tenure of the present administration in the state, there has been relative peace among the the autonomous communities in the Yakurr nation.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr local government area and the Obol Lepon of Ugep, HRM, Ofem Eteng, said, “We are proud to say that Leboku, which showcases our cultural heritage would be hosted properly this year as the people of Yakurr are ready to host the visitors who will be very secured as they come to relax.”
On its part, MTN Nigeria, a major partner of the festival said it would make the event of 2022 memorable.
Speaking during the briefing, Bassey Etuk, Adviser, State and LG Affairs, MTN Nigeria said they have a plan to open a mobile account for all participants in the festival to enable them send cash to their loved ones in remote areas through their Momo Agents.
Etuk added that during the festival, they will be giving out Point of Sale Machines (POS) to many people who wish to start up the business free of charge to empower the people.
Blueprint reports that the celebration is to appease the goddess and ancestral spirits of the land while also praying for a bountiful harvest among the communities which include Ugep, Idomi, Ekori, Mkpani, Nko, Nyima, Agoi and Asia.
