By FORTUNE ABANG

The Kedei She 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 She 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: “A Celebration of Heritage, Unity and Harvest.”

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 She Umor-Otutu, an association of Ugep-Rivers people living in the FCT.

Patrick said, “Leboku-in-Abuja-2025 aligns with national goals of cultural preservation, inter-ethnic harmony and in promoting Nigeria as a cultural destination.

“The Federal Capital Territory provides the ideal backdrop to unite heritage and modernity, welcoming all who believe in peace, identity and pride of origin.

“For us, it is not just a cultural event, it is a call to national unity, peace and cultural tourism development.

“It 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.

“The event fosters appreciation of Nigeria’s 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,” 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 association’s 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 “the 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.

“Bringing this renowned festival to Abuja will provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, tourism development, and deeper appreciation of our diverse traditions.

“It aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and NCAC’s mandate to promote arts and culture, as drivers of creative economy,” 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: “One Yam, One People.” (NAN)