Diri Calls 4 Corporate Firms Support @ Odi Ogori Ba Uge

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on corporate organisations operating in the state to support the promotion and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the people by sponsoring cultural festivals as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Hotnews gathered that the Governor made the appeal on Monday while declaring open the 69th edition of the Odi Ogori Ba Uge International Festival held in Odi community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

Governor Diri described the Odi Ogori Ba Uge Festival as a significant cultural event deeply rooted in the history, identity and economic survival of the Odi people, stressing that such festivals deserve sustained support from the private sector to ensure their continuity for future generations.

According to the state helmsman, the festival symbolizes unity, resilience and the triumph of the people over a mysterious buffalo that once terrorised the community and prevented residents from carrying out their farming and other socio-economic activities.

He commended the Odi community for preserving and immortalising this important chapter of their history through the annual celebration, noting that the festival serves as a reminder of the courage and determination of their forebears.

Governor Diri, however, expressed concern over the heavy dependence of cultural festivals on government funding, urging banks, companies and other private organisations operating in Bayelsa to become active partners in promoting the state’s cultural heritage.

“I am happy with what you are doing but it is not yet enough. I want to see the private sector as part of the sponsorship of festivals like this in our state. I want to see banks in Bayelsa sponsoring activities like this.

“Celebrations like this across the world do not depend on government as they are mostly private sector sponsored. But in our situation, organisers often depend on government,” he said.

The Governor also urged participants and younger generations to understand the historical significance behind cultural festivals rather than seeing them merely as occasions for merriment.

He explained that the Odi Ogori Ba Uge Festival commemorates the bravery of hunters and community members who united to eliminate the dreaded buffalo that had held the people hostage for years by preventing them from accessing their farms and means of livelihood.

“I know the story behind this festival that hunters with their skills brought down a buffalo that prevented people of the community from going to farms. I believe that God used the hunters and the people to free themselves from the buffalo.

“This celebration actually means freedom for the people, who were imprisoned by a buffalo, and in unity they fought back. It was because the people of this community wanted freedom that they came together,” Governor Diri stated.

The 69th Odi Ogori Ba Uge Festival attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, cultural groups, youths, women, guests and visitors from within and outside Bayelsa State, showcasing the rich traditions and enduring cultural identity of the Odi people.

~ Hot News Reporters
Tuesday, 28 July, 2026