Key Takeaways
- Ogomogom Nyenneyorbase Eteng and Enor-Abasi Ubi won the 2026 Leboku pageant in Ugep, Cross River State.
- The Leboku festival celebrates the yam harvest and is organized annually with a pageant as a highlight.
- Both winners hail from the Ijiman council ward, with Eteng crowned as Mr. Leboku and Ubi as Miss Leboku.
Celebration of the Leboku Festival
The 2026 Leboku pageant took place last night in Ugep, located in the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. The event celebrated its traditional roots with a focus on the yam harvest, while also featuring a beauty pageant that attracts participants annually.
Ogomogom Nyenneyorbase Eteng, a 26-year-old first-time contestant from Letamkpakom, emerged as the winner and was crowned Mr. Leboku 2026. His performance outshone other contestants, leading to a notable victory. Omini Nnanna Stephen from Ijiman and Ewa Marvelous Augustine from Ijom secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
On the female side, Enor-Abasi Ubi, 28, a seasoned hairdresser and third-time contestant, claimed the title of Miss Leboku 2026. Ubi also represents the Lebolkom area. The competition was competitive, with five other contestants vying for the title. The first and second runners-up for the female category were Okoi Regina Eni from Ijom and Mercy Okoi Utum from Ijiman.
The Leboku festival, which translates to a “celebration” in the local dialect of Yakurr, has become institutionalized in recent years. The pageant is one of the key activities leading up to the main festivities, showcasing the culture and heritage of the Yakurr people while promoting community involvement.
Overall, the 2026 Leboku pageant not only highlights beauty but also reinforces the cultural significance of the festival within the community, emphasizing unity and tradition among participants and attendees alike.
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