By Odey Ojeka
Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade on Thursday was conferred with the title, Obol Kogbogho which means king of light by the Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana during the celebration of the 2018 edition of the Leboku festival.
This makes governor Ayade a member of the club of less than half a dozen recipients of the title.
And the decision to confer the governor with the title was based on his performance and contributions to the development of the land said Obol Ofem who is also the paramount ruler of Yakurr.
He commended the effort put in by the Ayade’s administration to sustain the festival and sought the state’s intervention in the crisis rocking Ebijakara community in Abi local government area which saw them lose their land following a war with neighboring Ebom community.
And, Ayade in his remarks said the title has challenged him to do more.
“I decided to received this chieftaincy title because I love Ugep community and as the king of light in Ugep, I will make sure there will be street light in Ugep, Ayade said.
He promised to create 600 jobs for Yakurr natives which will include 400 for the youths and 200 for widows.
The leboku festival is an annual celebration signaling the harvest season for yams in Ugep community.
It was developed into a major tourism activity by the Cross River State government 12 years ago and this is Ayade’s first visit as governor.
Recall that CrossRiverWatch had reported that the first runner up for last year’s pageant had emerged winners of this year’s edition which is one of the major activities in the festival’s calendar that usually lasts over a week.
Below are images from the event.
