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Join for News Updates âś•2026 Okpe New Yam Festival Draws Over 50,000 Tourists, Boosts Local Economy
Tags: Akoko-Edo, Cultural Festival, Cultural Heritage, Edo State, Festival 2026., Local Economy, New Yam Festival, Nigeria Culture, Okpe Kingdom, Okpe New Yam Festival, Tourism, Ukpilla
2026 Okpe New Yam Festival Draws Over 50,000 Tourists, Boosts Local Economy
By Elempe Dele
The 2026 Okpe New Yam Festival, popularly known as _Ukpilla_, has been hailed as the biggest and most successful edition in the history of the annual cultural celebration, attracting more than 50,000 tourists to Okpe Kingdom in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The festival, which marks the beginning of the traditional New Year for the Okpe people, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom while delivering a significant economic boost for residents, traders, transporters, and artisans.
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An appraisal report by journalist and Okpe indigene, Elempe Dele, described the 2026 edition as a remarkable improvement over previous years, citing increased attendance, enhanced cultural displays, and greater economic activity.
A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
The annual _Ukpilla_ Festival remains one of the most important cultural events in Okpe Kingdom. It symbolizes gratitude to God and ancestors for a successful farming season and marks the commencement of a new traditional year.
The celebration begins with a 13-day notice issued by the traditional ruler, the _Olokpe_ of Okpe Kingdom, and his chiefs. It concludes with ceremonial gunshots from the royal palace to announce the official start of festivities.
Sons, daughters, and visitors from within and outside Nigeria gathered at the royal palace to pay homage to the monarch with symbolic gifts including yam tubers, goats, and bush meat.
Across households, traditional meals — especially pounded yam served with egusi soup — were prepared as families welcomed guests in keeping with the kingdom’s age-long tradition of hospitality.
Attendance Surges by 66 Per Cent
According to the appraisal, attendance increased by approximately 66 per cent. Over 50,000 people participated in the 2026 edition compared to fewer than 30,000 recorded in 2025.
The influx of tourists transformed Okpe Kingdom into a vibrant cultural destination, drawing visitors eager to experience its music, dance, fashion, and traditional ceremonies.
Festival Highlights
Major attractions included the morning and evening royal dances performed by the _Olokpe_, football competitions, music roadshows, carnivals held at Oyobuni and Ojira Quarters, and the widely celebrated Okpe Arsenal Supporters’ Victory Party.
Organisers described the atmosphere as colourful and energetic, with all events conducted peacefully.
Economic Gains for Residents
The report revealed that traders, transport operators, food vendors, farmers, and artisans recorded between 40 and 50 per cent increases in patronage during the festival week.
The significant influx of visitors stimulated commercial activities and reinforced the festival’s growing importance as a driver of local tourism and economic development.
Security Commended:
Security agencies, supported by local vigilante groups, maintained peace throughout the event.
No incidents of violence, disorder, or arrests were reported. Organisers commended both residents and visitors for their orderly conduct.
Challenges Identified:
Despite the success, the appraisal identified several areas requiring improvement ahead of the 2027 edition:
1. Inadequate national media coverage
2. Limited sponsorship from corporate organizations and government
3. Traffic congestion during the Oyobuni Carnival
4. Prolonged power outages
5. Insufficient waste disposal facilities
6. Inadequate accommodation for visitors
Participants also called for more food vendors, designated public relaxation areas, and improved sound quality during musical performances.
Stakeholders Recommend Stronger Planning:
Stakeholders urged organisers to establish a dedicated festival website to promote the event globally and provide visitors with information on accommodation, schedules, dress codes, and travel arrangements.
Other recommendations include: securing sponsorships at least six months before the event, partnering with road safety agencies for traffic management, improving electricity supply, repairing streetlights, and creating specialized planning committees for logistics, publicity, and visitor welfare.
With these improvements, stakeholders believe the 2027 Okpe New Yam Festival has the potential to become one of Nigeria’s leading cultural tourism events.
Elempe Dele is a journalist and indigene of Okpe Kingdom.