The Cross River State Government says, it has taken the “Akachak” festival of the Oban people in Akamkpa into the Calendar of Tourism in the State.
The State Governor, Ben Ayade stated this at the Grand Finale of “Akachak” festival held at Oban in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu said, the Akachak festival has grown from strength to strength over the years and maintained that government had always supported the festival since it promote the culture of the Oban people.
He noted that, the festival has become entirely an Ejagham festival by attracting the Ejagham Nation, creating an identity of the people.
The Governor assured the Oban people that government will support Akachak festival to achieve its ultimate goal of uniting the people and bringing peace to the Ejagham Nation.
In a remark, the Senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River, Senator Owan Enoh who is also an Ejagham’s son, expressed delight that Akachak festival was grown bigger than what it was in 2015.
Senator Enoh asserted that the festival is attracting people across the State and internationally, adding that, the Oban people were lost without their culture and history explaining that Akachak festival remain the only way to continue to sustain the history and uniqueness of the people.
The Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Eric Anderson, said the ministry had consciously tried to develop culture beyond tourism which was the mandate given to it by the Governor.
He asserted that, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will continue to support all festivals that would enhance the identity of the people in the State.
Friday Nwagbara, Calabar