Igbo in Cross River State would, on October 14, 2023, celebrate their new yam festival in Calabar, the state capital.  Governor Bassey Otu, who would be the special guest of honor at the event, is expected to beat the traditional drum to signify commencement of the eating of new yam by Igbo, resident in the state.        
   
The occasion, which would be held at the traditional home of the Eze Igbo Cross River State, Emmanuel A Ezenwenyi, who also holds the Efik’s highest traditional title of Ada Idaha ke Efik Eburutuat the State Housing Estate, would also be attended by Minister of Sports, John Owan Enoh, and his counterpart in the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, Dr. Betta Edu, as guests of honour.                              
   
Other dignitaries expected at the occasion include the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi V, and the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Cross River State, Eyinyin Etim Okon Edet, as royal fathers of the day.               
  
A member of the local organising committee of the event, Livinus Iwuala, stated that a novelty football match would be held to herald the official commencement of the ceremony, while a thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Egerton Street, on October 15, would signal the rounding up of the celebration.                      
   
Iwuala also pointed out that apart from the festival providing them the opportunity to participate in the formal eating of new yam, it would be a platform for interaction among various age grades, create room for familiariSation, as well as open opportunities for the conceptualisation of business relationships.