Ikom Paramount Ruler Pushes Centralised Yam Festival To Attract Investment

The paramount ruler of the Ikom Local government area of Cross River State, His Royal Majesty, Ambassador Takon Atangba Nkpa, has pushed for a centralised New Yam Festival for the people of Ikom.

He said a unified celebration would attract investment and development to the area.

The monarch, who spoke with LEADERSHIP yesterday, on the just-concluded Ekpache Nkome New Yam Festival, at the Ikom Township Stadium, described the festival as the foundation of Ikom’s identity and economy.

“The New Yam Festival is more than a cultural celebration. It is our way of thanking God for the bountiful harvest He has granted to the people of Ekpache Nkome in particular,” he stated.

He added that “for our farmers, the yam is not just food. It is life, wealth and identity,” and that showcasing it together would position Ikom as a serious destination for investors and government partners.

Expressing concern over the current fragmented approach, the monarch said, “Today, we see that various units and communities in Ikom local government area celebrate the New Yam Festival on different days and in different styles.

“When we celebrate in fragments, our impact is scattered.

“Government, investors and the outside world see us as many small groups instead of seeing us as a strong, united, indivisible bloc,” he stated.

Nkpa urged the people of Ikom to borrow from Yakurr LGA’s success with the Leboku Festival. “Yakurr came together as one people to celebrate the Leboku New Yam Festival in a grand and centralised manner,” the Paramount Ruler said.

“Because of that unity, Leboku has become a state and an international event. “It attracts government presence, tourism, funding, and development projects to Yakurr. If Ikom people can do the same, we have a chance of attracting investors to our place.

To drive investment, the royal father outlined four steps. “Let us harmonise our New Yam Festival dates. We can agree on a central date or a central week where all of Ikom celebrates together,” he charged.  He also called for the constitution of a central planning committee that will draw representatives from all clans and communities that liaise with the government and corporate bodies.

“Let us package Ikom culture in grand style. Music, dance, showcase our cuisine and our Yam harvest displayed together to attract the attention of the State Government, NDDC, and sponsors,” he said.

In his words, the monarch said, “When government sees a united Ikom LGA celebrating together, they will have no choice but to give us the attention, roads, markets, and projects we deserve.”