Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, while speaking to the Royal Fathers at the Obol Opon Palace, Ugep, Yakurr LGA on Monday before the commencement of this year’s New Yam Festival.
Williams Akpan, Calabar
Leaders of Yakurr Nation in Cross River State have called on Governor Bassey Edet Otu to extend the transmission signal of the state broadcasting corporation to Ugep and other communities in the local government area.
The leaders said the poor coverage of the state-owned broadcaster had prevented many residents from regularly accessing government programmes and other information transmitted from Calabar.
They made the appeal on Monday at the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep.
Speaking on behalf of the Obol Lopon of Ugep, the Publicity Secretary of the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, Comrade Azikiwe Williams, said the demand had been made before without a satisfactory response.
“This is the second time we are demanding that the signal of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, CRBC, the state broadcasting station in Calabar, be extended to reach Yakurr,” Williams said.
He said, the current radio transmission does not sufficiently cover the area, leaving residents unable to follow some government programmes and other broadcasts.
“As it were, the radio wavelength does not cover Yakurr, and we are denied the opportunity of listening to and viewing government programmes,” he added.
Williams appealed to Otu to consider establishing a broadcast station or relay facility in Yakurr to ensure that official information reaches communities without delay.
“Let me appeal that efforts should be made to build a broadcast station in Yakurr to allow us to get information as the state government releases them,” he said.
The traditional institution said improved broadcasting infrastructure would bridge the communication gap between the government and rural communities, especially in areas with limited internet access.
It added that better CRBC coverage would enable residents to obtain information about government policies and programmes while also providing Yakurr communities with opportunities to participate in public discourse.
Williams said, “This appeal is because Yakurr is indeed central to your administration,” as he commended the governor for ongoing road and other infrastructure projects in the area.
He urged the state government to ensure a more balanced spread of development, particularly to communities known for major agricultural production and solid mineral resources.
“More of these infrastructures need to be extended to other Yakurr communities for even development, especially in communities where the bulk of agricultural produce and solid minerals are found and extracted,” Williams said.
The council also appealed for the renovation and upgrading of the Ugep Peace Stadium and the provision of a standby generating set to improve its suitability for major events.
The appeal came during the 21st Leboku International New Yam Festival, themed, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” which attracted government officials, traditional rulers and visitors.
In his response, Governor Otu, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described Leboku as a platform for advancing culture, agriculture, tourism and economic growth.
“Leboku is not only a cultural celebration but also a platform for promoting agriculture, tourism and economic growth in Yakurr and Cross River State,” Hon. Odey said.
The governor pledged N50 million for the renovation of the Ugep Peace Stadium.
He also condemned the recent communal crisis involving Ugep and Idumi, warning that recurring violence could undermine development and discourage tourism.
“We must put an end to recurring communal violence because no meaningful development or tourism can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.” Hon. Odey expressed.
Otu warned that the government might withdraw recognition from traditional rulers in communities where authorities fail to maintain peace.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Obi Ayuk Offor, said the government was determined to reposition Leboku as a major international tourism attraction.
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