By Glory Odey And Beatrice Ori
The aromas are oozing from different directions, the drummers are set with their sticks to play the melodies, the dancers are ready to dance to the rhythms, spectators are anxious to cheer, while the traditional new yam displays are on queues waiting for the king to declare open the event that will mark the genesis of all day celebration.
The above will be the atmosphere in Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria as their annual New Yam Festival takes center stage today, Saturday August 31, 2024.
The festival marks an important cultural event for the people and this year, they are joined in solidarity by their historical allies, the Bekwarra people.
History has it that the Mbube people share a significant tie with the Bekwarra, dating back to their migration period. During their journey, the Mbube people temporarily settled in a location within Bekwarra territory, known as Ishane Nyanya, before eventually moving to their current location.
The new yam festival will be another avenue for both communities and LGAs to strengthen their relationship through intermarriage, trade, and cultural exchange. The bilateral trade between Bekwarra and Mbube encompasses various goods, including oil, yams, groundnuts, and more.
With the festival under way, leaders in the communities have called for unity, love, and peaceful coexistence. Despite differences in language, culture, and local government areas, the emphasis remains on promoting humanity and love.
They are joined also by other communities and villages across the state and country who are currently witnessing the annual new yam festivals. The celebration has attracted commendations, felicitations from far and wide.
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