The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, Ph.D., KSM, will on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, officially flag off the 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival, Bewhutang, signalling the commencement of a week of cultural activities celebrating the heritage, traditions and unity of the Obudu people.
The flag-off ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Paramount Ruler’s Palace, Ibong, is expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders, political appointees, members of the Obudu Legislative Council, sons and daughters of Obudu, friends of the Local Government and other well-wishers.
Chairman Undiandeye, in a statement made available to the press through his Chief Press Secretary, Ikwen Atuaka, described Bewhutang as a significant cultural institution that transcends mere celebration, stressing its importance in preserving the identity, customs and traditions of the Obudu people. He urged residents to come out en masse and participate actively in the festivities, which he said would further promote unity and peaceful coexistence across the Local Government.
The festival, which will reach its climax on Friday, September 4, 2026, with a grand finale scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Obudu Local Government Council Secretariat Field, is expected to be graced by the Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside other top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and distinguished guests.
Beyond the festivities, the Chairman said the celebration would provide an opportunity to showcase Obudu’s cultural wealth and promote the area as a destination for cultural tourism. He expressed confidence that the 2026 Bewhutang Festival would strengthen communal bonds, attract visitors and inspire younger generations to take ownership of and preserve the cultural values inherited from their forebears.
Undiandeye therefore called on residents, visitors and stakeholders to support the celebration and ensure that all activities are conducted in an atmosphere of peace, unity and hospitality. He expressed his readiness to welcome guests from across the State and beyond to Obudu for what he described as a memorable celebration of culture, heritage and togetherness.
