Mudiaga Affe, Calabar
The Paramount Ruler of Yakurr , Obol Ofem Ubana Eteng, in Cross River State has disclosed that a hunter has discovered a hot-and -cold -water stream in Ugep as the newest tourist site in the state.
This came as the state government said it had created three new agro -cultural festivals in each of the senatorial districts to ensure peace and unity among the various communities to boost tourism .
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Events Management, Mr . Kenneth Aklah , disclosed this in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area , at a press briefing on activities to mark the 2017 Leboku International New Yam Festival .
Before now, Nigerians only knew of the Ikogosi stream in Ekiti State as having cold and hot water at the same time .
But the monarch, who is the Obol Opol of Ugep, said the new tourist site was discovered recently by a hunter who alerted the people of Ugep, noting that with the discovery, Ugep had added another tourism site to the festival being sponsored in the last 10 years by MTN Nigeria.
Speaking on the agro-allied festivals , Aklah said the state government regarded agro -cultural festivals as very important for peaceful co -existence of various communities across the state .
He said , “ The administration of Prof . Ben Ayade is very passionate about New Yam festivals and other important cultural festivals that showcase the great cultural heritage of our people .
“ We are also aware that these cultural festivals have over time served as rallying points for peaceful co -existence among various indigenous people and communities in Cross River.
“ Therefore , in the attempt to preserve this very important part of our existence, the government has created three new festivals to be celebrated by each of the three senatorial zones beginning from 2017 , Leboku International New Yam Festival , Ugep 2017 .
“ Leboku is adopted for the central district while Otumobong festival is for the southern district and the northern zone. ”
The special adviser added that the state government was committed to ensuring the expansion and upgrading of the festivals to meet international standard and attract more tourists to the state .
According to him, Cross River has the richest diverse cultural heritage in Nigeria, adding that the government was ready to blend culture with the agricultural potential of the people for agro-tourism .
Also speaking , the representative of MTN Nigeria, Mr . Chibuzo Aguche , said that this year’ s celebration would attract better offers including free digital e -credit sale to 10 people .
“ Since the past 10 years that we have been in this partnership , we have tried to improve the festival and bring it to international standard . MTN Nigeria is assuring the people of Ugep and Cross River of our continued participation and partnership , ” he said .

source www.presentdaynews..com