The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, has commended the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for placing culture and tourism at the heart of the state’s development agenda, describing the Governor’s efforts as a strategic investment capable of promoting unity, attracting tourists, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth across the state.
The Council Chairman stated this while speaking at the 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival (Bewhutang), held at the Local Government Secretariat field, Obudu, on Friday. He said Governor Otu’s support for cultural festivals and heritage-based initiatives was helping to preserve the identity of Cross River communities while creating platforms through which the state’s rich cultural heritage could be promoted to the outside world.
According to him, Cross River is endowed with diverse cultural traditions, festivals and heritage sites capable of attracting visitors and generating economic opportunities for its people. He said the Governor’s renewed emphasis on cultural tourism would enable communities to turn their cultural heritage into an important economic asset while strengthening the state’s position as a leading tourism destination.
The Obudu Council Chairman noted that the economic benefits of cultural tourism extend directly to the grassroots, as festivals and other cultural activities provide opportunities for farmers, traders, artisans, entertainers, hospitality operators, transport providers and young entrepreneurs. He therefore described the Governor’s cultural tourism drive as a pathway to inclusive economic development and sustainable rural transformation.
Dr. Undiandeye stressed that culture is not only about preserving the past but also about building the future. He said cultural festivals such as Bewhutang bring people together, foster peace and strengthen communal identity, while providing an avenue for younger generations to learn, appreciate and preserve the customs and traditions handed down by their ancestors.
He urged the people of Obudu and other communities across Cross River State to support the Governor’s cultural tourism vision by preserving their traditions, promoting peaceful coexistence and creating an environment capable of attracting tourists, investors and visitors.
The Chairman also called for stronger collaboration among government, traditional institutions, community leaders, youth and women’s groups, cultural organisations and other stakeholders to develop and promote the state’s cultural assets. He said such partnerships would ensure that cultural tourism becomes a sustainable source of employment, community development and revenue.
While commending the Central Planning Committee and all those who contributed to the success of the 2026 Bewhutang, Undiandeye said the festival demonstrated the power of culture to unite the people and showcase Obudu’s unique identity. He urged the people to sustain the spirit of togetherness beyond the celebration by promoting peace, tolerance, brotherhood and collective development.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, HRM Utsu Felix Ukudare, represented by High Chief Tony Undiandeye, KSM, Board Member of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, described the festival as an important platform for preserving Obudu’s history, traditions and collective identity. He urged sons and daughters of Obudu to continue to support initiatives that promote peace, unity and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
On the Palace Project, Chief Undiandeye described the initiative as another significant symbol of Obudu’s heritage, unity and aspirations. He expressed appreciation to the people of Obudu, the Palace Project Planning Committee, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for their support, noting that the project had reached the PVC stage.
He said the new Palace would preserve the legacy of the late HRM Uti Jeddy Agba and provide a centre for dialogue, justice, reconciliation and responsible traditional leadership, further strengthening the traditional institution as an important pillar of community development.
Critical stakeholders, representatives of traditional rulers and other groups commended the Council Chairman for his commitment to preserving Obudu’s cultural heritage and pledged their continued support for the Palace Project and other initiatives aimed at advancing the development of the Local Government Area.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Noel Ugbong, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, the Traditional Rulers’ Council and members of the Planning Committee for their contributions towards the success of the 2026 New Yam Festival.
He also extended special appreciation to the well-meaning sons and daughters of Obudu, corporate organisations, individuals and sponsors for their generous support, commitment and contributions towards the celebration. He noted that the collective support demonstrated the strong sense of community, unity and shared responsibility among the people of Obudu in preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage.
The high point of the event was the cutting of the commemorative cake and the official launch of the project for the construction of a new Paramount Ruler’s Palace.
Ikwen Atuaka
Press Secretary to the Chairman Obudu Local Government Area
05/09/2026
