The Council Chairman made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival, known as Bewhutang, held at the Local Government Secretariat field in Obudu.
By Sam Ovie
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Published on September 5, 2026
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4 min read
The Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Dr Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, has commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for prioritising culture and tourism as key components of the state’s development agenda.
Undiandeye said the Governor’s renewed focus on cultural tourism would promote unity, attract tourists, create employment and stimulate economic growth across Cross River State.
The Council Chairman made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the 2026 Obudu New Yam Festival, known as Bewhutang, held at the Local Government Secretariat field in Obudu.
He described the Governor’s support for cultural festivals and heritage-based initiatives as a strategic investment in the preservation and promotion of Cross River’s diverse cultural identity.
According to him, Cross River is endowed with cultural traditions, festivals and heritage sites capable of attracting visitors while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Undiandeye said the development of cultural tourism would enable communities to transform their heritage into economic assets while strengthening Cross River’s position as a leading tourism destination.
He noted that the benefits of cultural tourism extended directly to grassroots communities, as festivals create opportunities for farmers, traders, artisans, entertainers, hospitality operators, transport providers and young entrepreneurs.
The Chairman therefore described Governor Otu’s cultural tourism initiative as a pathway to inclusive economic development and sustainable rural transformation.
“Culture is not only about preserving the past but also about building the future,” Undiandeye said.
He added that festivals such as Bewhutang brought people together, promoted peace and strengthened communal identity, while providing younger generations with opportunities to learn, appreciate and preserve the traditions handed down by their ancestors.
Undiandeye urged the people of Obudu and other communities across the state to support the Governor’s cultural tourism vision by preserving their traditions, promoting peaceful coexistence and creating an environment conducive to tourism and investment.
He also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women’s groups, cultural organisations and other stakeholders in developing and promoting Cross River’s cultural assets.
Such partnerships, he said, would help make cultural tourism a sustainable source of employment, community development and revenue.
The Council Chairman commended the Central Planning Committee and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the 2026 Bewhutang celebration.
He said the festival had demonstrated the ability of culture to unite the people and showcase Obudu’s distinctive identity, urging residents to sustain the spirit of togetherness beyond the celebration through peace, tolerance, brotherhood and collective development.
Palace Project to preserve Obudu’s heritage
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Obudu Local Government Area, HRM Utsu Felix Ukudare, represented by High Chief Tony Undiandeye, KSM, Board Member of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, described the festival as an important platform for preserving Obudu’s history, traditions and collective identity.
He urged sons and daughters of Obudu to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity and the preservation of the community’s cultural heritage.
Speaking on the Palace Project, Chief Undiandeye described the initiative as another significant symbol of Obudu’s heritage, unity and aspirations.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Obudu, the Palace Project Planning Committee, the Obudu Local Government Council Chairman and Governor Otu for their support, noting that the project had reached the PVC stage.
According to him, the new Paramount Ruler’s Palace would preserve the legacy of the late HRM Uti Jeddy Agba while providing a centre for dialogue, justice, reconciliation and responsible traditional leadership.
He said the project would further strengthen the traditional institution as an important pillar of community development.
Critical stakeholders, representatives of traditional rulers and other groups commended Undiandeye for his commitment to preserving Obudu’s cultural heritage and pledged continued support for the Palace Project and other development initiatives in the local government area.
Organisers commend Otu, Council Chairman
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Noel Ugbong, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the Obudu Council Chairman, the Traditional Rulers’ Council and members of the planning committee for their contributions to the success of the festival.
Ugbong also thanked sons and daughters of Obudu, corporate organisations, individuals and sponsors for their financial and material support.
He said the contributions demonstrated the strong sense of community, unity and shared responsibility among the people of Obudu in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
The high point of the event was the cutting of the commemorative cake and the official launch of the project for the construction of a new Paramount Ruler’s Palace.
