The Cross River State Government has introduced more cash prizes to encourage healthy competitions among maidens in 2013 Leboku.
Governor Liyel Imoke disclosed this during the grand finale of 2012 Leboku with the theme, “A Celebration of Agricultural Achievement and
Traditional Values” at the Peace Stadium, Ugep, in Yakurr Local Government Area.
According to Imoke, “next year’s Leboku will be taken to a greater height with cash awards to best dressed and performed maidens on
parade”.
The first prize will attract N2 million, second N1.5 and third place N1 million respectively. The Governor explained that the decision is hinged on the fact that the parade of the maiden is getting more competitive with participation coming from within and beyond the community.
Imoke, who had earlier unveiled a twelve feet high Miss Leboku Logo, reminded the audience that he had last year promised them that the
festival would be taken to a greater height because it is a great cultural event in Nigeria.
H.E (Mrs.) Obioma Liyel Imoke,Wife of the Governor, H.E Sen. Liyel Imoke, Exec. Governor, Cross River State, (2nd from Left/Right)
He said the festival provides people opportunity to showcase agriculture, heritage and culture as well as exemplifies the state’s tourism potentials and maintained that Leboku is a brand and as a brand, the state government will continue to support it because it is not like any other New Yam
Festival celebration.
To him, Leboku is a celebration chosen as a flagship to showcase activities which other event will continue to grow because the people of Yakurr have integrated the best of it into the society. Imoke noted that he had fulfilled the promise he made last year and will continue to sustain the effort as well as provide micro-credit assistance to them.
The Paramount Ruler of Yakurr and Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRH Ubi Ujong Inah, commended the state government for ensuring that the festival
attains international standard. Inah, whose address was read by Barr. O Iwara, also lauded the state government’s effort to create infrastructure and incentives to boost agriculture and called on youths to be part of the programme through farming to enable them become self-sustaining.
He urged farmers to be hard working and pledged that the traditional institution of the area will continue to support government.
Miss Effaomiodo Okoi Etim Ita won Miss Leboku 2012 and went home with a Hyundai saloon car while Miss Emmanuel Ikpi and Miss Wofai Egu Ewa who came second and third got hair dressing equipment and sewing equipment respectively.
Mr. Leboku 2012 was won by Mr. Leo Eteng Out, who carted the star prize of Hyundai saloon car as Emmanuel Omini Ibiang and Omini Cyril James who came second and third got a motor cycle and a set of barbing equipment respectively.
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