14/09/2021
OKPAMBE FISHING AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL (OCAFFEST), YALA-OBUBRA, OBUBRA LGA of CROSS RIVER STATE.
Cross River State no doubt is blessed and abound with yet unharnessed tourism sites, these include the Massive natural lakes in Nkum Okpambe, in Obubra Local Government Area known as EMINYI and OKUM Lakes. These two lakes play host to the annual Okpambe fishing and cultural festival, simply known as OCAFFEST.
By the records, this festival is as old as the community itself, and dates back to the early 16th century. The Okpambe fishing festival is an annual one week festivity observed in the first quarter of every year between the months ofJanuary and April. Each of the lakes has the capacity to accommodate a crowd of 10,000 to 20,000 participants.
Located about two to three kilometers from the town on a flat and rich savannah, Nkum Okpambe is fortunate to have multiple access or approaches into the community with the main access roads being the Obubra–Ofumbongha– Nkum Okpambe road. Others are Alesi– Okosora–Nkum Okpambe road from Ikom axis and Ochon–Onyen Okpon–Nkum Okpambe roads. Across the river also, the community can be accessed from Ayughasa junction on Ikom–Ogoja highway to Oyenghe and crossover with a speed boat either from Oyenghe or Eganga into the community.
In spite of the numerous potentials that abound in this community on tourism, agriculture, culture and commerce there is no motorable road as the three access or approach roads have never experienced any form of construction.
Besides these lakes there are other tourism sites like the “WONDER SLAB OF STONE” otherwise known as “LECHOR OLIKPILIKPO” in Yala language. It’s mystical and historical existence is sacred to the Nkum Okpambe people, as it was brought along with the people during their migration from Abachor Okpamhe in the present Yala Local Government Area. The stone measures just an arm’s length but comparatively longer than anyone who measures his/her length with it, no matter how tall the person is. Practically, it is a short slab of stone but known as the long stone because of its magical effect.
There is also the presence of ancient monoliths spread across the villages of Okpambe town. They are mainly located in Omindom, Ukpochi and Ogana ancestral playgrounds. They are wonderful sights to behold with some interesting stories and rich historical accounts.
There are also beautiful sand beaches, waterfalls, a mysterious secret bush, a beautiful traditional palace and others.
Nkum Okpambe people are extremely receptive, hospitable and industrious. They symbolize peace, unity and a diplomatic melting point between their fellow Obubra and Ikom neighbours.
These rich cultural and natural dispositions have propped up the imperative to take advantage of the “OKPAMBE FISHING AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL” (OCAFFEST).
OKPAMBE FISHING AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL (OCAFFEST), to say the least is a Social, Economic, Cultural and Tourism goldmine waiting to be tapped. This obviously is not an over statement considering the advantages abound.
The organizers therefore call for partnership, sponsorship and investment from Governmental and non Governmental organizations and individuals to transform OCAFFEST into a global brand.
DURATION OF FESTIVAL
OCAFFEST is an annual festival that runs for one week and begins with traditional rites in the palace of the king known as OGABOR in Yala language. Prior to the festival, the Ogabor in consultation with his chiefs and kingmakers called “Al’Atumambe” together with the festival planning committee and management of Coneri Magazine meet to fix the date and it is subsequently announced by a senior member of Al’Atumambe who goes around the town with a metal gong known as “WUJE” in Yala.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Traditional rites and customs
Canoeing contest and regatta
Fish roasting competition
Cultural dance and fishing carnival
Picnic and beach Festival
Indigenous technology exhibition (fishing tools and other arts)
Native delicacies and food exhibition
Agricultural Produce exhibition and business Festival
A symposium on Yala language and culture
Sports and novelties
Award, pageantry, and gala night
Fish catch competition
You can reach the Organization- 07036955700 [email protected]
