Bam Bewhutang for me is not just about the food, the dance, the beautiful culture or the celebration; It is about our people. It is about coming home, sitting together, sharing, and putting smiles on the faces of one another.
This year’s celebration also marks the second edition of my Bewhutang outreach program. It follows the first edition I organised during last year’s festival.
It is a tradition I am willing to continue because Bam Bewhutang gives us a special opportunity to reconnect with our people, share in their joy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.
On Tuesday, I was happy to welcome about 300 of our mothers, widows, aged women and other vulnerable members of our community to my family compound in Ohong Village, Obudu Local Government Area .
We shared laughter and celebrated together. I also supported them with cash and food items. But honestly, what touched me most was seeing the happiness on their faces, listening to their songs and receiving their prayers.
Our mothers have done so much for us. Whenever we have the opportunity to show them love and remember them, we should never hesitate to do so. What I gave may be small, but it came from a heart that truly cares about the people.
On Thursday, it was the turn of our young people in Ohong Community, as we organised a novelty football match as part of the Bam Bewhutang celebration, bringing our youths together to play, laugh, compete and enjoy themselves in the spirit of unity and community. At the end of the exciting encounter, participating teams were rewarded with cash prizes and medals in recognition of their efforts and participation.
Beyond football, I want our young people to understand that we are brothers and sisters, and there is no room for division among us. Sports can bring people together, promote peace and give our youths something positive to look forward to.
These are the things that make community meaningful to me – looking after our mothers, supporting those who need help, encouraging our youths and bringing our people together.
I am only doing my little part, and I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve and give back to my people.
I also remain grateful to my principal, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, for his leadership and for the people-first spirit that continues to inspire us to touch the lives of our people in whatever way we can.
To everyone who came out to celebrate with us, to our mothers, our youths, our community leaders, friends and well-wishers—thank you for making Bewhutang 2026 a celebration to remember.
This is our home.
These are our people.
This is Bam Bewhutang. ❤️
Happy Bam Bewhutang 2026!
Julius Akem, a Cross Riverian, serves as the Protocol Officer to the Chairman, Obudu Local Government Council. He writes in from Obudu, Nigeria.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Julius Akem, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
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