Leboku Festival: An Arican Tradition That Celebrates Culture And Subsistence Lifestyle

Internationally recognised as one of the major cultural festivals in Africa, Leboku, an event also referred to as the New Yam Festival, the annual celebration in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government, a traditionally rich community in Cross River State.

L-R: Chief Nsan Egu, Chief Obol Inah and Chief Patrick Bassey, Traditional Chiefs from of Ikori, Yakurr L.G.A., Cross River State, at the Yekurr Leboku International Festival, held in Ugep, Cross River State last year.

Although the festival kicked off on August 22, the highpoint will be on August 26, 2013. The traditional ruler of Yakurr Kingdom, HRH Obol Ubi Ojong Inah, will host friends of the kingdom and foreigners, from far and near, showcasing the beautiful heritage of his people. The festival, which dates back to the 17^th century, is said to have started with the first on the land.

Exploring and making this ignored part of the tourism sector more appreciated, is unwavering”.

Sons and daughters of the Yakurr community travel home, from all parts of the country and abroad, to celebrate the New Yam festival, eating different meals prepared with yam. The event is also an avenue for the indigenes to showcase the colourful attire of Yakurr community, in Cross River State and so many of the people will win prizes like the “Best Harvester of the Year”, “Miss Leboku”, “Mr. Leboku” and other prizes. 

L-R: Chief Ubi Eteng, Chief Daniel I. Fem and Chief Oko Yeno, Traditional Chiefs from Idomi Community, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, at the Yekurr Leboku International Festival, held in Ugep, Cross River State last year.

The Leboku International Festival last year received a boost from the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Liyel Imoke, who recommended the festival to the Lawyers who came to Calabar, for the 53^rd Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held from August 25-30, 2013, which the governor hosted. Governor Imoke asked the learned gentlemen to use the opportunity of being in the state to visit Ugep, venue of the Leboku festival and enjoy the rich cultural display and hospitality of the people of Cross River State.

Governor Liyel Imoke who spoke from the conference venue, eulogised the festival and invited the lawyers to witness Leboku firsthand. The governor was expected to be at the Leboku festival but could not make it due to the NBA conference and the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Barrister Efiok Cobhams, represented him instead.

Speaking at the festival which ended on August 29, 2013 and attended by tourists from far and near, the Cross River State Deputy Governor, who was the special guests of honour said the partnership between MTN and the Cross River State Government would go a long way in helping the people of Ugep Community and the State as a whole to make greater progress as the preferred tourism destination point in Nigeria and beyond. 

L-R: Chief Macaulay Mbeang, Chief Nsan Egu, Chief Obol Inah and Chief Patrick Bassey, Traditional Chiefs from of Ikori, Yakurr L.G.A., Cross River State, at the Yekurr Leboku International Festival, held in Ugep, Cross River State last year.

The host of the day, His Royal Highness, Obol Ubi Ujong Inah, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Paramount Traditional Ruler of Yakurr L.G.A., commended the people for its continued support in sustaining peace in the area, through its support for the unifying festival. “Leboku is a thanksgiving celebration to God for making us have a bountiful harvest in our yam farming. We applaud MTN whose unflinching support has placed Ugep on the world map through Leboku festival.”  

On his part, Senior Manager, Logistics and Operations, MTN, Reginald Offor, said “MTN believes in fuelling the passion of people irrespective of their tribe, race and religion. The People of Ugep community and Cross Rivers State as a whole are known for their high sense of hospitality and celebration. ”Best Harvester of the Year”, “Miss Leboku”, “Mr.Leboku” and other prizes were given to motivate the younger generation to participate fully in the celebrations.