Cross River State is seeking to turn the annual Leboku International New Yam Festival into a wider tourism and business opportunity by positioning Yakurr’s waterfalls, landscapes and cultural heritage as year-round attractions for visitors.
The state government is encouraging tourists attending the festival to extend their stay in Yakurr Local Government Area and explore attractions beyond the annual cultural celebration, with the aim of generating wider economic activity for communities and businesses.
Obi Ayuk, commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, made the call during the 2026 Leboku International New Yam Festival at Ugep Peace Stadium in Yakurr.
Ayuk said Yakurr had tourism assets capable of attracting visitors beyond the festival period, including waterfalls, natural landscapes, traditional arts, music and indigenous cultural practices.
“Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” the theme of this year’s festival, underscored the link between cultural preservation and economic opportunity.
Festival traffic to year-round tourism
The state is looking to convert the visibility created by Leboku into sustained visitor traffic by connecting the festival experience with Yakurr’s wider tourism offering.
The 2026 celebration, held on August 24, attracted traditional rulers, government officials, cultural groups, indigenes and visitors, with activities including traditional rites, music, dances, cultural costumes and pageantry.
Ayuk urged communities and other stakeholders to collaborate in preserving Yakurr’s cultural heritage while creating a welcoming environment for tourists.
He said peace and hospitality remained critical to the development of tourism in the area, urging residents to maintain conditions that would encourage visitors to explore the community.
As part of preparations for…
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