Yala LGA Chairman Criticised Over New Yam Festival Planning as Calls for Collaboration Grow
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Public criticism has trailed the leadership of Yala Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State following concerns over its approach to organising the New Yam Festival, one of the region’s most significant cultural events.
In a Facebook post that has sparked widespread debate, Daniel Riwo, a respected commentator on local governance and culture, expressed disappointment at what he described as the missed opportunity for Yala LGA to host a befitting and unified New Yam Festival capable of attracting the Cross River State Governor, top government officials, and prominent sons and daughters of Yala.
Calls for Collaboration Ignored
Riwo explained that shortly after the Leboku New Yam Festival — an event renowned for its cultural splendour in other parts of Cross River — he had urged the Yala LGA Chairman to work closely with existing socio-cultural groups to organise a grand, centralised New Yam Festival in the LGA.
Such collaboration, he argued, would not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Yala people but also stimulate economic activities through tourism, trade, and media attention.
However, according to Riwo, these calls appear to have been ignored or waved aside by the LGA leadership.
Ikom Example Sparks Comparison
Riwo contrasted Yala’s approach with that of Ikom Local Government Area, which recently hosted a successful New Yam Festival under the leadership of Hon. Mercy Nsor.
He noted that the Ikom New Yam Festival was organised through a partnership between the Ikom LGA leadership and Ekpache Nkome, a prominent socio-cultural organisation in the area. The event drew large crowds, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts, demonstrating how strategic collaboration can elevate local festivals to statewide significance.
“Hon. Mercy Nsor of Ikom LGA seems to be one of the few council heads focused on her job, while Hon. Okem of Yala has continually shown that the shoes of Yala LGA Chairmanship are bigger than him,” Riwo lamented in his post.
The commentator suggested that Yala LGA leadership should learn from Ikom’s example, leveraging the wealth of experience from past council chairmen who, despite limited financial allocations, managed to organise successful cultural and developmental programmes.
Economic and Cultural Significance of New Yam Festivals
New Yam Festivals hold deep cultural and spiritual significance across many communities in Cross River State. Beyond marking the start of the harvest season, they serve as platforms for cultural diplomacy, community unity, and economic engagement.
Experts have long argued that well-organised cultural festivals can attract tourism, investment, and media coverage, creating business opportunities for local farmers, artisans, traders, and hospitality providers.
By failing to organise a unified festival, critics say Yala LGA may be missing out on potential revenue and a chance to showcase its cultural heritage to a broader audience.
Growing Pressure on Yala LGA Leadership
Riwo’s comments have resonated with many Yala indigenes on social media, with some calling for a comprehensive review of the LGA’s cultural and development agenda.
Political analysts note that public expectations are growing, especially as other LGAs like Ikom continue to demonstrate proactive leadership in cultural and developmental initiatives.
As the debate intensifies, observers say the Yala LGA Chairman, Hon. Okem, may need to rethink his approach to governance, seek collaboration with cultural organisations, and embrace strategic planning to meet the rising demands of the people.
Akahi News gathered that stakeholders are now exploring ways to salvage the situation before the next festival season, with some proposing the creation of a Yala Cultural Festival Planning Committee to ensure future events meet statewide and national standards.
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