Odey Supports Yala New Yam Celebration in Owom, Distributes School Kits to Pupils

Odey Supports Yala New Yam Celebration in Owom, Distributes School Kits to Pupils

A philanthropist, financial expert and Director in the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Ndoma Odey, has further demonstrated his commitment to the promotion of Yala cultural heritage, community development and the welfare of his people through his support for the 2026 Yala New Yam celebration in Owom Village, Yala Nkum Clan of Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Dr. Odey, who is also the organiser of the Yala Nkum Cultural Festival, supported the celebration through the Ndoma Odey Foundation, and also distributed school bags and other educational materials to pupils of the community’s primary school.

The celebration, held at the Owom Roundabout, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women and residents, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate their cultural heritage and honour one of their illustrious sons.

The occasion also provided an opportunity for members of the community to celebrate Dr. Odey for his philanthropic disposition and what they described as his consistent contributions to the promotion of Yala cultural heritage, community development and the welfare of the people.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Owom Town Council, Mr. Jacob Agbor, popularly known as Obillo, commended Dr. Ndoma Odey for his philanthropic gestures and continuous contributions to the development of the community.

Mr. Agbor said the support for the New Yam celebration, coupled with the donation of educational materials to pupils, demonstrated Dr. Odey’s commitment to improving the lives of the people and investing in the future of the community.

He encouraged other indigenes of Owom and Yala Nkum to emulate Dr. Odey by supporting initiatives that promote education, culture, youth development and community advancement.

The Village Head of Owom, Osuole Enya Edim Ndoma, also expressed appreciation to Dr. Odey and the Ndoma Odey Foundation for supporting the celebration.

He described the gesture as a demonstration of love and commitment to the community, noting that the annual New Yam celebration remained an important platform for preserving the cultural identity of the Yala people, strengthening unity and fostering peaceful coexistence.

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of school bags and other educational kits to primary school pupils in the community.

Presenting the materials, Dr. Ndoma Odey said the gesture was motivated by his desire to contribute to the educational development of children in Owom and encourage them to take their education seriously.

He noted that education remained one of the most effective tools for transforming communities and empowering young people to become responsible and productive members of society.

According to him, supporting children at the grassroots level represents an investment in the future of the community, adding that the Ndoma Odey Foundation would continue to identify opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the lives of individuals and communities.

The beneficiaries, parents and other community members expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing the donation as timely and significant, particularly as pupils prepare for a new academic session.

The 2026 Yala New Yam celebration in Owom featured traditional dances, cultural displays, music, prayers, feasting and other activities showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yala people.

The celebration ended with renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation and collective commitment to the development of Owom and the wider Yala Nkum community.

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