Diri Advocates Food Security, Peace At Ekpetiama New Yam Festival In Gbarantoru

…Advocates for preservation of Ijaw heritage and culture

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the people of the state to embrace peace, preserve their cultural heritage, and promote agriculture as a means of safeguarding the identity and future of the Ijaw nation.

Governor Diri, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, made the call during the grand finale of the Ekpetiama Okolede New Yam Festival held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Gbarantoru under Yenagoa Local Government Area of the State.

While addressing a large gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, and residents, Governor Diri expressed concern over the gradual erosion of Ijaw cultural values, particularly the declining use of the Ijaw language and the diminishing interest in traditional farming practices among the younger generation.

He noted that the increasing preference for foreign lifestyles and cultures poses a serious threat to the survival of the Izon language and other cherished cultural traditions that have defined the identity of the Ijaw people for generations.

The Governor stressed that his administration remains committed to preserving the state’s cultural heritage through deliberate policies and programmes aimed at promoting the Ijaw language and traditional values.

According to him, the Assured Prosperity Administration has invested efforts in training Ijaw language teachers and ensuring that the language is taught compulsorily in public primary schools across Bayelsa State as part of measures to prevent its extinction.

“Our people are unique and wonderful. Our culture is also unique. Even our dance and several aspects of our lives are unique. But unfortunately, many aspects of our culture are going extinct,” he said.

“Most of us cannot even speak our Ijaw language very well. Some of us see this as a great challenge. That is why as members of the state house of assembly some years back, we made efforts to enact a law to ensure that Ijaw language is taught in all our public primary schools.”

Governor Diri, however, emphasized that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to preserve the language and culture unless families and communities also play active roles.

“But the effort of government will be wasted if we don’t start from our homes and villages. If a language is not spoken, you will forget it. So let us all make deliberate efforts to keep our language alive because language is powerful,” he added.

The Governor commended the people of Ekpetiama Kingdom for sustaining the age-old Okolede Festival, describing it as a significant cultural event that celebrates farming, harvest, unity, and the rich traditions of the kingdom.

He urged the people to continue promoting farming and other agricultural activities, noting that agriculture remains central to his administration’s vision of achieving food security and economic prosperity in Bayelsa State.

The governor also used the occasion to advocate peace and reconciliation in communities currently experiencing chieftaincy disputes and other internal conflicts.

He specifically appealed to the people of Agudama-Ekpetiama, Tombia, and Akaibiri communities to set aside their differences and work together in the interest of peace, development, and communal harmony.

“On behalf of the Governor, I want to appreciate the King and people of Ekpetiama for sustaining this Okolede Festival over the years, which is a celebration of farming and harvest.

“I want to also use this opportunity to encourage you to remain united and live as brothers and sisters. Let all the communities in this kingdom where we have chieftaincy crises like Agudama, Tombia and Akaibiri sink their differences for the sake of peace and progress,” he stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Amananaowei of Gbarantoru, His Royal Highness, Chief Igonia Dakolo, expressed delight over the impressive turnout recorded at this year’s festival.

He thanked dignitaries, guests, and members of the community for honouring the invitation and contributing to the success of the event.

The monarch described the Okolede Festival as a cherished cultural celebration that serves as a reminder of the values of hard work, communal living, and thanksgiving for a successful farming season.

A major highlight of the colourful event was the traditional presentation, breaking, and eating of the new yam, signifying the official commencement of the harvest season in the kingdom.

The ceremony was performed by the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, shortly after the symbolic presentation of the new yam by women of the kingdom led by his wife, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Timinipre Dakolo.

The festival featured cultural displays, traditional music, dance performances, and other activities that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Ekpetiama people, while reinforcing the importance of preserving the customs and traditions that define the identity of the Ijaw nation.

The event also served as a platform for renewed calls for peace, unity, cultural preservation, and increased agricultural productivity across Bayelsa State, in line with the development agenda of the Diri-led administration.

~ Hot News Reporters
Wednesday, 17, June, 2026