A deputy director with the National Assembly,? Chief David Sabo Kente, as well as others were amongst those who were conferred with various chieftaincy awards by the paramount ruler of Yala, His Royal Highness Ogamode Onah Ipuole in Yala local government area of Cross River State to mark the end of Yala local government new yam celebration.
?Awardees were Chief David Sabo Kente, who was awarded ‘Okadeya of Yala’, Engr.Peter Egbe Igor, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Prof. Armstrong Matiu Adejon and Prof. Moses Adagba Okpaga of the Benue State University.
?Others were Ambassador Godwin Ogar, Chief Mathias Oko Offoboche, Hon. Larry Okori Odey, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Brig. Gen. Sylva Ogbogu rtd, and Rear Admiral Emmanuel of the Western Naval command.
?Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief (Brg. Gen.) Antony Ukpo said new yam festival in the area started with the forefathers of the land who called for unity among the people.
?In his part the chairman of Yala local government council Hon. Gabriel Idagu Ugor explained that the people have strong beliefs and passion that makes them a legend in Agro and industry and appealed to government and stakeholders to provide Yala farmers with required support to? enable the people achieve their full potential.
?“In times past and until March 18th 1970, each community celebrated this event in a date convenient to it because each community is a republic on its own right. The festival was however harmonized by the general assembly of Yala progressive union, an umbrella socio-cultural organisation for all Yala at home and in diaspora at a meeting of 15th March 1970 which provided the framework to check the conflicting versions of the tradition”
?“Part of the climax of the ceremony also shall be to honour some deserving personalities and admit them to the circle of Yala elders. Their names shall be written and placed in Yala Hall of fame as a testimony to their philanthropic gesture towards the development of this historic monument,” the chairman said.
?In a chat with our correspondent shortly after the award, Chief Kente whose track record of achievement as well as his role in being a positive realist cum role model got him the honour of the ‘Okedeya of Yala’, said “the award was a sign of appreciation for me over what I had done for the people and? my contribution to the society.” He promised not to rest on his oars.
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