By: © ANGELA OGEYI ODEY MEDIA.
Chief Mrs. Angela Ogeyi Odey, Director General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, has congratulated sons and daughters of Ukelle Nations on the occasion of the 2023 New Yam Festival (Likpeh Ukelle), an annual festival celebrated in recognition of yam as a staple food, cultural symbol and economic mainstay of the ethnic group.
In her address, she preached love, unity, and sacrificial living, emphatic of the fact that the common token of love, which brings peace, is sacrifice.
Acknowledging the significance of celebrating together in unity, she was emphatic that this year’s festival offers every true Ukelle indigent an opportunity to introspect and reflect on their ancestral roots and historical affinity that keep the nation together as one cultural entity from time immemorial. She added that the event serves as a moment to be reminiscent and grateful of God’s blessings and mercies bestowed upon the celebrants throughout their journey as a people with common cultural heritage
Furthermore, she expressed empathy towards those who have suffered natural and man-made disasters, especially the two warring communities – Ujama and Benekaba, assuring them of better days ahead.
She encouraged traditional leaders, elders, and opinion-makers to work towards fostering development through unity and personal sacrifice, which remain the most cogent evidence of brotherly love.
She further tasked Ukelle Nation to build on the principles of peace and unity, which are signs of love and sacrifice, over individualism. This, according to her would create an atmosphere conducive for investment and growth.
On the final note, Chief Angela wished everyone a joyous celebration filled with bountiful harvests and prosperity.
