The successful 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival, Bewhutang, has attracted widespread commendation from well-meaning sons and daughters of Obudu at home and in the diaspora, as well as visitors, with many taking to social media to applaud what they described as a significant revival of the community’s cultural heritage.
The renewed celebration has been credited to the commitment of the Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, working closely with the Obudu Traditional Rulers Council under the leadership of the Paramount Ruler, HRM Utsu Felix Ukudare.
For many Obudu people, the return of Bewhutang in such a vibrant and organised manner represents more than the celebration of a harvest season. It signals a deliberate effort to restore a cultural tradition that provides a common platform for the people to celebrate their identity, reconnect with their roots and pass indigenous values and customs from one generation to another.
The revival has also brought renewed attention to the role of traditional institutions in preserving the history and identity of the people. The collaboration between the Local Government Council and the Traditional Rulers Council has helped to strengthen the festival’s cultural foundation while encouraging broader participation from communities, youths, families and Obudu indigenes in the diaspora.
The 2026 edition further demonstrated the potential of Bewhutang to evolve beyond a local celebration into a major cultural and tourism event. The presence of visitors and returning indigenes, coupled with the strong engagement generated online, has increased visibility for Obudu and its distinctive traditions.
The celebration was also spiced up by the annual Comr. Adamade Odey Football Competition, which provided an exciting sporting component and brought youths from different communities together in healthy competition. Participating teams and outstanding performers were rewarded with cash prizes and medals, further strengthening the festival’s appeal to the younger generation.
What Obudu People Are Saying
The impact of the festival was reflected in comments by residents and indigenes who took to Facebook to commend the organisers.
Ambali Abdullateef described the celebration as arguably the best New Yam Festival in Obudu’s history, praising its organisation, colour, peaceful atmosphere and reflection of the community’s cultural heritage.
“The Chairman, Sir Pita Pars, congratulations for organising what can rightly be described as the best New Yam Festival in the history of Obudu. The colourful celebration, excellent coordination, and joyful and peaceful atmosphere reflected the rich cultural heritage, unity and hospitality of the people of Obudu. May God continue to grant you wisdom and strength to lead Obudu to greater heights. We celebrate you, Dr.”
– Ambali Abdullateef
Jeremiah Adie commended Undiandeye for what he described as a remarkable effort to revive and reawaken the culture, traditions and heritage of the Obudu Nation.
“Happy New Yam Celebration, Capacity Chairman. Thank you for your remarkable efforts in reviving and reawakening the rich culture, traditions and heritage of the Obudu Nation, which had been neglected and gradually forgotten over the years. Your commitment to preserving our identity and reconnecting our people with our roots is truly commendable. Well done, Capacity.”
– Jeremiah Adie
Viktor Necus-Agba, in his own reaction, described the 2026 celebration as the first of its kind in Obudu and urged the organisers to sustain the momentum.
“Congratulations to you and your EXCO. I must confess that this is the first celebration of its kind in our beloved Obudu. You have raised the bar, and I want to believe this momentum will be improved upon or at least sustained. May peace, love and brotherhood continue to dwell amongst us.”
– Viktor Necus-Agba
The renewed enthusiasm surrounding Bewhutang has also attracted commendation for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s culture and tourism drive. Stakeholders noted that the revival of community festivals such as Bewhutang complements the State Government’s broader efforts to promote Cross River’s diverse cultural assets as tools for tourism, economic growth and social cohesion.
They therefore called on the Cross River State Government to formally include Bewhutang in the state’s official cultural and festival calendar, arguing that state recognition would provide the festival with greater visibility and institutional support.
According to the stakeholders, inclusion in the state calendar could help attract tourists, cultural enthusiasts and members of the Obudu diaspora, while creating opportunities for local businesses, artisans, entertainers, hospitality operators and young people.
They also urged the Local Government Council and the Traditional Rulers Council to sustain the momentum of the revival by developing a long-term framework for the festival, documenting Obudu traditions and ensuring that younger generations remain actively involved.
The success of Bewhutang 2026, stakeholders said, has demonstrated that with committed leadership and strong collaboration, a cultural tradition can be revived, strengthened and transformed into an important platform for identity, unity, tourism and grassroots economic development.
For Obudu, the message from Bewhutang 2026 is clear: the culture is not merely being remembered – it is being revived, celebrated and positioned for the future.
