As Yala people in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State hold New Yam Festrival to mark another time of harvest and fruitfulness of their labour and thanking God for a peaceful harvest, the Senator representing Cross River North, Dr Rose Oko, has lauded farmers and youth for being productive as she celebrates with them.
Oko who was at the occasion that took place at Okuku, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, described the farmers as great and youth energetic said the Yala people have been celebrating their hard work and yam harvest for centuries, therefore urged the people to remain united and committed to same course.
She said: “In the spirit of the harvest season this year, I lend my voice in congratulating the good people of the Yala nation, the hardworking and great farmers and our illustrious sons and daughters worldwide on this auspicious day of the Yala New Yam Festival Celebration.
“Over the years, August 30 has been set aside to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season by the Yala Nation with the chief product, Yam as a symbolic representation of a bountiful harvest and also thank God for a successful farming year. I celebrate all Yala great farmers and energetic youths for another bountiful harvest season to mark this year’s New Yam festivities.”
The Federal lawmaker also expressed appreciations to some important personalities that on the occasion including the Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, leaders of Cross River North, the royal father and paramount ruler of Yala Local Government, HRH Onah Ipuole, and his council of chiefs across the length and breadth of the Yala Nation, Yala Progressive Union (YPU), as well stakeholders, friends and well wishers.
She also urged young people to continue to maintain peace and support the government and said that, “I call for peaceful celebrations across the various wards in Yala, in Cross River, other states of the federation and nations of the world where Yala sons and daughters are gathered to celebrate the day. I pray the celebration will continue to foster unity amongst us and strengthen the bond of our people”, she added.
