New Yam Festival “Leboku” Set to Dazzle Abuja In August

The vibrant colours and rich traditions of the Yakurr people of Cross River State will illuminate the Federal Capital Territory next year, as Abuja prepares to host the “Leboku-in-Abuja 2025,” a historic cultural event.

Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, a community-based association, is bringing the New Yam Harvest Festival to the nation’s capital in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.

The festival, titled “A Celebration of Heritage, Unity, and Harvest,” promises to be a significant boost to Nigeria’s cultural heritage by showcasing the diverse traditions of the South-South and South-East regions to the nation and the world.

At a pre-festival press conference in Abuja, Queency Patrick, President of Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu, described the upcoming event as “unique.”

The festival, which is set to take place on August 30, 2025, at the Bolton White Event Centre in Wuse Zone 7, aims to promote Nigeria as a thriving cultural destination while also fostering appreciation for its diverse ethnic roots.

“Leboku-in-Abuja-2025 is consistent with national goals of cultural preservation, inter-ethnic harmony, and promoting Nigeria as a cultural destination,” Patrick said.

“For us, it is more than just a cultural event; it is a call for national unity, peace, and cultural tourism development.”

Patrick emphasised the significance of the event, stating that it provides an opportunity to showcase the Yakurr people’s rich cultural heritage. “Leboku-in-Abuja is more than just a festival; it is a platform for celebrating our cultural identity, forging connections through tradition, and encouraging investment in the creative economy and tourism sector,” she said.

The collaboration between Kedei Seh Umor-Otutu and the Federal Government has been officially approved, with Mr Obi Asika, Director-General/CEO of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressing enthusiastic support.

In a letter quoted by Patrick, Asika described Leboku-in-Abuja as an annual New Yam Festival held by the Yakurr people of Cross River.

Asika further said that bringing the renowned festival to Abuja offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, tourism development, and a better understanding of Nigeria’s diverse traditions.

He stated that the initiative is perfectly aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the NCAC’s mandate to promote arts and culture as key drivers of Nigeria’s creative economy.

The festival will feature a variety of activities, including public lectures, economic empowerment initiatives, a traditional food festival, cultural and arts exhibitions, sports, and promotion of agriculture, trade, and tourism.

Under the unifying banner of “One Yam, One People,” Leboku-in-Abuja 2025 seeks to promote unity and peace by inviting all to experience the richness and vibrancy of Nigerian culture.

The festival is expected to draw a large crowd, promoting a better understanding and appreciation of the country’s diverse heritage.