By Balimwor Ekpe
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon Peter Odey during the weekend graced the Mbube New yam festival in OGOJA local Government area of Cross River State.
The festival which was embellish with cultural dances, colourful masquerades display,arts and crafts display, food exhibition, tasting of best pal wine and traditional procession by the women, Chiefs and maidens of Mbube was attended by several dignitaries from within and outside the State.
The deputy Governor who was represented by the commissioner for tourism, arts and culture’ Hon. Chief Abubakar Ewa commended the traditional Institution and leadership of the president general of Mbube nation for remaining consistent in the promotion and susteinence of the Mbube cultural heritage and values. He added that the Mbube nation plays a centre forward role in the cultural heritage of Cross River State and as such Government would do it’s best to support the Mbube nation achieve tremendous improvement in the showcasing of it’s heritage and cultural values, thereby capturing the Mbube new yam festival in the State tourism calendar.
The tourism,arts and culture commissioner also applauded the Mbube nation for their unique national identity which is notable in every part of the world and encouraged them as an agrarian community to be steadfast in their engagement in agriculture,food production and promotion of the cutural heritage of the Mbube nation.
Hon.Chief Abubakar Ewa made presentation of a brand new Toyota Corolla to the winner of miss Mbube beauty pageantry 2024, motorcycles to the best palm wine tapper, best yam harvester, medals and cash prices to winners of the football tournament.