By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged citizens to make deliberate efforts to revive positive aspects of Ijaw traditions and culture that are fast fading into extinction.
Governor Diri made the call at the grand finale of the 2026 Ekpetiama Okolede New Yam Festival held in Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area. He was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe
A statement by Mr. Doubara Atasi Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor said the Governor expressed concern that the Ijaw language and traditional farming, which form an integral part of Izon culture, are being threatened by the growing preference for foreign ways of life.
Highlighting the importance of language preservation, he noted efforts by his administration, including sponsoring the training of Ijaw language teachers and making the language compulsory in public primary schools across the state.
Commending the Ekpetiama people for sustaining the age-long yam festival, Governor Diri urged them to promote farming and other agricultural activities to support his administration’s food security policy.
He also appealed to communities grappling with chieftaincy disputes, particularly Agudama-Ekpetiama, Tombia, and Akaibiri, to embrace peace and unity for the common good.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Abraham Ingobere, described the Okolede Festival as a celebration of identity.
He encouraged the Ekpetiama people to sustain their cultural heritage to ensure stability and sustainable development.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency, Chief Oforji Oboku, and the Pere of Kabou Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Erebulu, praised the leadership and people of Ekpetiama for maintaining Okolede as a unifying platform.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, said the festival provides an opportunity for his people to collectively appreciate God for bountiful harvests yearly.
King Dakolo thanked Governor Diri for infrastructural projects in the kingdom and the appointment of Ekpetiama sons and daughters. He requested the present administration to build a modern auditorium for Gbarantoru Community before the end of its tenure.
The Amananaowei of Gbarantoru, His Royal Highness Chief Igonia Dakolo, expressed delight at the turnout and thanked all guests.
The highpoint of the event was the breaking and eating of the new yam by the Ekpetiama monarch, shortly after its presentation by women of the kingdom led by his wife, Her Royal Majesty Queen Timinipre Dakolo.
