ABUJA- The Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has reiterated its commitment to promote Nigerian cultural heritage through Leboku-in-Abuja-2025 Festival.
Queency Patrick, President of Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, a community-based association, said this at the news briefing organised by the association.
The briefing was against the backdrop of preparations for the forthcoming festival with the theme: âA Celebration of Heritage, Unity and Harvest.â
She explained that Leboku-in-Abuja-2025 was an internationally acclaimed New Yam Festival that is celebrated on August 30 in Abuja, under the auspices of Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, an association of Ugep-Rivers people living in the FCT.
Patrick said, âLeboku-in-Abuja-2025 aligns with national goals of cultural preservation, inter-ethnic harmony and in promoting Nigeria as a cultural destination.
âThe Federal Capital Territory provides the ideal backdrop to unite heritage and modernity, welcoming all who believe in peace, identity and pride of origin.
âFor us, it is not just a cultural event, it is a call to national unity, peace and cultural tourism development.
âIt is also an opportunity for us to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people in Cross River, the South-South and South-East in the nation and the world at large.
âThe event fosters appreciation of Nigeriaâs diverse ethnic-root and culture. Leboku-in-Abuja is more than a festival, it is a stage for celebrating our cultural identity, building bridges through tradition and encouraging investment in the creative economy and tourism sector,â she said.
According to her, Mr Obi Asika, Director General/CEO of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), had in a letter which formally endorsed the associationâs collaboration with government, described Leboku-in-Abuja, as an annual New Yam Festival celebrated in Abuja by Yakurr people of Cross River.
She quoted him saying âthe Leboku Festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Yakurr people of Cross River, has long been a symbol of unity, celebration, and agricultural prosperity.
âBringing this renowned festival to Abuja will provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, tourism development, and deeper appreciation of our diverse traditions.
âIt aligns with the Federal Governmentâs Renewed Hope Agenda and NCACâs mandate to promote arts and culture, as drivers of creative economy,â Asika added.
The organisers revealed the event would provide a platform for public lecture, economic empowerment, traditional food festival, cultural and arts exhibition, sports, agriculture, trade and tourism development.
The event, scheduled to hold at the Bolton White event centre, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, is centred on promoting unity and peace with the toga: âOne Yam, One People.â (NAN)
