Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged residents of the state to do more to preserve and promote their cultural heritage so that it does not disappear over time.
The governor made the call through his deputy, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, during the grand finale of the Ekpetiama Okolede New Yam Festival held on Saturday in Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
Governor Diri expressed concern about the declining use of the Ijaw language and the reduced interest in traditional farming, which he described as important parts of the Izon way of life. He said that the growing attraction to foreign lifestyles has contributed to the loss of local traditions and values.
He explained that his administration has introduced measures to protect and promote Ijaw culture, including training Ijaw language teachers and making the language a compulsory subject in public primary schools across the state.
The governor praised the people of Ekpetiama Kingdom for keeping the Okolede Festival alive over the years, describing it as a celebration of farming, harvest, and cultural pride. He also encouraged residents to take part in agriculture and other productive activities to support the state’s food security efforts.
Diri further appealed to communities affected by chieftaincy disputes, especially Agudama-Ekpetiama, Tombia, and Akaibiri, to embrace peace, unity, and reconciliation for the development of the kingdom.
“Our people are special, and our culture is rich. Sadly, many parts of our heritage are gradually fading away. Many people can no longer speak the Ijaw language fluently. Government cannot preserve our culture alone; it must start from our homes and communities,” he said.
He stressed that language plays an important role in preserving cultural identity and urged parents and community leaders to encourage young people to speak and learn the Ijaw language.
The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, described the festival as a celebration of identity, unity, and tradition. He encouraged the people to continue protecting their cultural values, saying they are important for development and social harmony.
In separate goodwill messages, the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oforji Abonsizibe Oboku, and the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Shadrach Erebulu, commended the leadership and people of Ekpetiama Kingdom for sustaining the festival as a symbol of peace and togetherness.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, said the annual festival gives the people an opportunity to thank God for a successful harvest and His blessings.
King Dakolo also thanked Governor Diri for carrying out important infrastructure projects and appointing several sons and daughters of Ekpetiama Kingdom to positions of responsibility. He said these efforts have improved the lives of the people and appealed to the government to build a modern community auditorium in Gbarantoru.
Also speaking, the Amananaowei of Gbarantoru, His Royal Highness Chief Igonia Dakolo, expressed happiness over the large turnout and thanked guests and supporters for joining in the celebration.
One of the major highlights of the festival was the traditional presentation, breaking, and eating of the new yam by the Ekpetiama monarch after it was presented by the women of the kingdom, led by his wife, Her Royal Majesty Queen Timinipre Dakolo.
