A moment of self-rediscovery was enacted in Ogoja the traditional headquarters of Northern Cross River on the 30th of September 2017 when sons and daughters of the Cross River North Senatorial Zone gathered together to stage the largest live event in recent times in the history of the area. The event nicknamed, “NORTHFEST” brought people from afar and near and from all walks of life in different attires, dancing, drumming and parading. They came from the traditional rulership, political class, clergy men, including: men, women, children, students, and farmers to celebrate their Agricultural potentials and culture revival.
Indeed, it was a confirmation of their determination as a people to “stand together”. The gathering renewed the bond of brotherhood, communality and cultural affinity never witnessed before in that part of the state. However, revelation at the event by the organizers point to the fact that NORTHFEST 2017 was the brain child of His Excellency Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade. Its creation was born out of his determination to unite the people and create an enviable economic empire out of the rich Agricultural products that abound in the area.
Again, Ayade’s creation of “NORTHFEST” 2017, first of its kind in that part of the state is borne out of love for humanity and his people. Over the years, Ayade has devoted his time and resources as a “solution architect” to think of how he can solve the problems of his people. From all indications, the commencement of an annual festival NORTHFEST is part of the “Road Map” Ayade’s administration is charting to reinvent Cross River and make it an economic hub for investors and Eldorado in the years ahead. Besides, it is also a fulfillment of one of his campaign promise which he made during the build up to 2015 general elections, “under my watch, no child will go to bed hungry” the above profound statement is being practicalized and brought to reality through the creation of “NORTHFEST” an annual event expected to harness the rich Agricultural potentials of the people. Deliberately, it is programmed as a rallying point to make a political statement that “Ogoja people” are not divided.
In 2015, with the ascending of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade to seat of power as Governor of Cross River State, Northern Senatorial Zone has become a power block that must be reckoned within the power equations of Cross River State notwithstanding the fact that the zone was made to have less Local Governments than the Southern and Central Senatorial Districts. At one point or the other Cross River North had produced personalities that have been “power player” at National level. For instance, Dr. Joe Wayas was the first from the minority tribe in the country to become the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1979 – 1983. Gen. Edward Unimna and Bridgier Gen. Anthony Ukpo became members of the Armed Forces Ruling Councils at different times in the military era. Late Chief J. A. Abga was also a thunderbolt in the then Eastern House of Assembly in the early 60’s.
Other illustrious personalities who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and progress of the state and nation at various times are: Emeritus Bishop Joseph Edra Ukpo, Sen. Musa Adede, Barr. Kanu Agabi (SAN), Late, Chief I. I. Morphy, Prof. Ukandi Damachi, Late. Prof. Mathias Ofoboche, HRM (Uti) Joseph Davis Agba, Mr. Sunny Neji, Sen. Rose Oko, and Prof. Zana Akpagu etc.
At the event on the 30th of September 2017, excited by the mammoth crowd that turnout to celebrate the maiden edition of NORTHFEST Governor Ayade also made another profound statement, “We are proud, we are from the North, we are the Northern star” sending out a clear message that the zone has what it takes to rise to the top and that the North is proud of its heritage. Ayade, also eulogizes the immediate past Governor of the State Sen. Liyel Imoke who was physically present to show solidarity for shifting power to Northern cross in 2015.
It is a known fact that Cross River North people are farmers which is the food baskets of the state and beyond. The people in this area are renowned for producing yams, cassava, rice, maize, potatoes, groundnut and a variety of grains and fruits. The land is very fertile couple with the abundant rain and favourable weather, every eatable crop grows in Cross River North Soil. And the people, though subsistence farmers are hardworking. Through the income they generate from their farms, they sponsor their children to acquire western education and other skills that prepare them to face the socioeconomic challenges that come their way in life. Annually, various communities in the zone celebrate the “New Yam Festival” between the month of August – October as a mark of gratitude to God or gods for a good harvest since yam is regarded as “king of crops”.
Obviously, one noticeable factor that led to the birth of “NORTHFEST 2017” was the peoples’ determination to revive their Agricultural potential and cultural identify which though homogenous among the five Local Governments that made up the zone, that, is: Yala, Ogoja, Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku but have been segmented by individual community interests over the years. The uniqueness of the event as an agricultural festival was exploited to the fullest by the organizers who choose the site of the gigantic Rice Processing Plant under construction in Ogoja as venue of the event.
As show of solidarity, NORTHFEST 2017 attracted some political heavy weights from the Southern and Central Senatorial Zones of the State which includes: Ex-Governor Sen. Liyel Imoke, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul-Lebo, Ex-Deputy Governor Barr. Efiok Cobhom, PDP State Chairman, Ntufam Edim, State Traditional Rulers’ Council Chairman His Royal Majesty Ete Nyin Etim Okon Edet, National Assembly members, State House of Assembly members, Commissioners etc.
Finally, one clear statement that accompanied the award of excellence that was presented by Maj-Akpang Obi-Odu (rtd) on behalf of the people of Northern Cross River to Governor Ayade was their firm resolves to “stand together and to stand behind their son in 2019”. Indeed, “NORTHFEST 2017” may have come and gone but the memories will remain afresh in the hearts of the people who have placed their faith in God, same for a young physically challenged musician, Kelly B who met his destiny at the event when Governor Ayade rewarded him with a gift of ₦10 million for his performance. NORTHFEST 2017 speaks volumes, it speaks success, unity and cultural re-unification and political ascendancy of Northern Cross River State.
