Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has called on communities across the state to embrace peace and renew efforts to preserve the Ijaw language and cultural heritage.
Represented by Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, Diri made the appeal at the grand finale of the Ekpetiama Okolede New Yam Festival in Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area. The governor expressed concern over the declining use of the Ijaw language and the reduced interest in traditional farming, describing both as important elements of the Izon cultural identity.
He said the state government had introduced measures, including the training of Ijaw language teachers and compulsory teaching of the language in public primary schools, to preserve the culture for future generations. Diri commended the Ekpetiama Kingdom for sustaining the annual festival and encouraged residents to embrace agriculture to support the state’s food security agenda.
He also urged communities experiencing chieftaincy disputes, including Agudama-Ekpetiama, Tombia and Akaibiri, to pursue peace and unity for sustainable development. Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, described the festival as a celebration of cultural identity and called for continued efforts to preserve local traditions.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, said the festival provides an opportunity for the community to give thanks for successful harvests. He also commended the state government for ongoing development projects and appealed for the construction of a community auditorium in Gbarantoru. The event featured the traditional breaking and eating of the new yam by the monarch, marking the official commencement of the harvest season.
