Uket Abanda John|29 August 2015|4:45am
In as much as cultural festivities are concerned in Nigeria particularly and Africa at large, the Yakurr new yam celebration aka Leboku is one of the most celebrated in the utmost
grand style garnished with glamour and associated splendor. It's a celebration dating to antiquity albeit it's modernization (attempted) has done it better deal.
This year's celebration is a unique one. It's uniqueness can be viewed from multiple perspectives but would restrict my cognition to three: The first is the "maidenness" of the chief celebrant, the new Obol Lopon of Ugep and the paramount ruler of Yakurr LGA, Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng who is pontificating the Leboku for the first time. His military orientation is not forgotten in this process.
The second of these three uniqueness under consideration is also the newness of our civil administrators. I mean the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the dynamic and forward governor of the state although represented by the wife and deputy governor, Professor Evare Ed, whose wife's presence was not known.
The last of these uniqueness is the existence of the Peace loving people of Yakurr LGA which reflected their orchestration of hospitality.
I write to express my observations at this year's celebration of the Leboku New Yam Festival held at the Ugep Peace Stadium, Ugep:
1. The transmission by the state owned television and radio stations was poor in all its production output. The reception was noisy. I am so aware of the distance but it's not an excuse if the instrumentum labore (equipments) were up to date. I believe the incumbent governor of the state and relevant stakeholders will do something before 'something go do Cross River Broadcasting Cooperation (CRBC)'.
2. The on-air personalities with the Masters of Ceremonies of the occasion were not organized and wereporous in their respective handling of parts of the events. I can still not understand why an MC of such even will hasten the Okpebiri of Ugep! Even the people in the control
room couldn't realize that their voices are being transmitted to the world. It's a clarion call for improvement.
3. To my thinking, one of the, if not all the presenters of this event in CRBC(both radio and television) are supposed to be Yakurr sons and daughters. Mostly those who have
sound knowledge of what the celebration is all about. Hence, the Yakurr sons and daughters whose discipline is related or is mass communication and media works
should be employed into CRBC.
4. Since today's celebration is a concatenation and assemblage of the Yakurr nation, the Okpebiri of Ugep whose duty is to pour libations, should always pray capturing Kekurr Nation not just Ugep. This would make Kekurr Nation more United than being
despised. It's a privilege accorded to him given the fact that other Okpebiris of other Yakurr villages can perform such ritual, but being a co-celebrant he has to do it.
5. I would also frown at the manner with which the MC who ushered the Okpebiri in to perform the libation acted in hastening and hurrying the Okpebiri. It's a display of disloyalty and disrespect not just to the Okpebiri who is a minister of defense but to all of us and above all himself. I mean no harm Mr MC. I may not meet you again but it's the only medium I think I can let you realize your mistake.
6. Poor time management.
The event started very late hence in a bid to finish on time, cultural troops were hastened unusually thus killing the joy of the celebration. It's also worthwhile I call on the organizers to always remind guests to come on time. Hence, guests should always oblige punctuality.
7. The introduction of dignitaries that made the day was done casually and improperly. The disorder was so conspicuous that a female MC had to cut in when a male MC was trying to bail himself out. It was done irrationally and disorderly without caution and
randomly.
8. I doubt if the other villages in Yakurr were part of the planning committee. If they are, then it is obviously surprising.
9. The welcome address of the Obol Lopon of Ugep and the paramount ruler of Yakurr LGA was too 'Ugeplistic'. It ought to have encapsulated the whole Yakurr nation. More so, I think it would be proper if gifted hands handled it before his delivery subsequently.
10. The elder that made the opening prayer left me doubting if he was informed before time or if he was taken unawares. But in either ways, his performance was not impressive and worthy of such event. The prayers sounded so fake and impious to my likes. I know you too.
These are just the little I wish to share here. As I look forward to hearing from you.
I want to categorically state here that this publication is without any intent of treachery tantamount to undermining the enclave of the Ugep people. I am an objective, rational
blueblooded Ugep man. A worthy Okpan to the majestic throne of Ugep Ebrutu. I seek integration, complementarity and 'harmonious monism' for the Yakurr nation and Cross River State as a whole.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live Cross River State!
Long live Yakurr LGA!
Long live Ugep Ebrutu!
Long live Ikpakapit!
Long live Ndayi!
Long live the Oyamuka!
