19/07/2026
*EJIK OBAN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCASION, CHIEF LAUNCHER AND PATRON FOR THE 2026 OFU OBAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL AND FUND RAISING FOR THE EJIK OBAN LEGACY PROJECT*
The Ejik Oban Development Association is pleased to announce the appointment of *Ntufam Rt. Hon. George O'ben-Etchi,* Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Forestry Commission, as Chairman of the Occasion for the 2026 Ofu Oban Cultural Festival.
In the same vein, the Association is delighted to announce *Evang. Orbon Abendengo Okon* as Chief Launcher for the Fund Raising Ceremony of the Ejik Oban Legacy Project, scheduled to hold during the 2026 edition of the Ofu Oban Cultural Festival.
The Association also wishes to announce the appointment of His *Royal Highness Orbon Celestine Awor Inyang, Village Head of Ekonganaku and Clan Head of Ekinta Clan,* as Patron of the Ofu Oban Cultural Festival.
The appointments were formally announced by the President of the Association, Mr. Leo Ndifon, on Sunday, 12th July 2026, during the official unveiling of the festival theme by the *Honourable Member Representing Akamkpa II State Constituency, Hon. Linus Bassey Etim.*
In his remarks, Hon. Linus Bassey Etim described the theme, "*Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future"*, as apt and visionary. He emphasized that the Ofu Oban Cultural Festival remains a veritable platform for fostering unity among the Ejagham people, preserving our cherished heritage, and projecting the image of Ejagham to the global community. He further urged all sons and daughters of Oban, both at home and in the diaspora, to give the festival and the Legacy Project their full support, stressing that culture remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
The nomination of *Ntufam Rt. Hon. George O'ben-Etchi received the unanimous endorsement of the General Assembly of Ejik Oban, following a motion moved Association, Mr. Paulinus Offiong*. The Association cited his exemplary leadership, steadfast commitment to the unity and progress of Akamkpa and Ejagham Nation, and his meritorious service to the Oban people as justification for the honour.
Ntufam O'ben-Etchi, a distinguished statesman, has over the years demonstrated uncommon commitment to the empowerment of Oban youths through employment opportunities within the Cross River State Forestry Commission, the Cross River State House of Assembly Commission, and other laudable developmental strides.
Similarly, the appointment of *Evang. Orbon Abendengo Okon as Chief Launcher* was predicated on his proven philanthropy, humanitarian service, devotion to the work of God, and unflinching dedication to the advancement of Ejagham land.
The appointment of *His Royal Highness Orbon Celestine Awor Inyang as Patron* is in recognition of his royal fatherhood, wisdom, commitment to peace, unity and the preservation of Ejagham customs and traditions. The General Assembly resolved that his guidance and blessings will give the festival greater legitimacy and cultural authority.
The 2026 Ofu Oban Cultural Festival, themed *"Preserving Our Past, Building Our Future"*, is designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, time-honoured traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and history of the Ejagham people, while promoting peace, unity, tourism, and socio-economic development in Oban, Akamkpa Local Government Area, and Cross River State.
The festival will also provide a distinguished platform for the fund raising drive for the Ejik Oban Legacy Project — an initiative aimed at securing enduring developmental legacies for generations to come.
The Ejik Oban Development Association therefore calls on all sons and daughters of Oban, stakeholders, government institutions, traditional rulers, and corporate organizations to identify with the festival and support the Legacy Project to ensure its resounding success.
*Michael Ikang*
Secretary, Ofu Oban Organising Committee.
