Residents of Obubra Local Government Area have appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene in the rehabilitation of the Ofumbongha–Yala and Ochon–Yala roads to improve access to their community NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The appeal was made during the 2026 edition of the Okpambe Fishing Festival held on April 10 at Okum Lake in the Yala-Obubra community.
Speaking at the event, the President-General of the Yala-Obubra Town Council, DSP Stephen Odey (retd.), commended the state government for supporting the annual cultural festival but said poor road infrastructure was limiting participation and tourism growth in the area.
According to him, improved access roads would boost attendance at the festival, ease the movement of visitors and traders, and create economic opportunities for residents.
“The festival has become a unifying platform for our people and a tourism asset with the potential to attract visitors. However, the poor state of the roads leading to this community remains a major challenge,” he said.
Odey urged the governor to prioritise road rehabilitation projects linking the community, adding that better infrastructure would help unlock the tourism potential of the festival.
He also appealed to the governor to attend future editions of the event, noting that his presence could further raise the profile of the festival and attract more partners and visitors.
Also speaking, the Director of the festival and Chief Executive Officer of Coneri Nigeria, Eriacy Oba, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support for the event.
Oba said the festival had grown steadily over the years due to increasing community participation and stakeholder support.
He added that the organisers were committed to improving the standards of the festival and positioning it as a major cultural tourism attraction in Cross River State.
The festival featured activities such as a fish catch competition, the Moninkim maiden contest, traditional wrestling, and other cultural displays.
Community leaders, government officials and residents attended the event, which organisers said continues to promote cultural heritage and community unity.
