Bayelsa @30: Gov. Diri Says Cultural Carnival Will Promote Ijaw Unity, Heritage, Declares Annual Celebration

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the Ijaw cultural heritage as rich and beautiful, noting that the people of the state must continue to preserve, promote and project their culture to the world.

Hotnews reports that Governor Diri stated this on Tuesday at the Ox-Bow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa during the second day of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.

The celebration featured a colourful cultural carnival that attracted thousands of Bayelsans and visitors, with participants drawn from communities and local government areas across the state.

The cultural procession, which commenced from Igbogene, moved through major streets in the state capital before terminating at the Ox-Bow Lake, where cultural displays, traditional performances and other activities were held to mark the historic anniversary.

Speaking at the event, Governor Diri stressed that the Bayelsa@30 celebration was not a platform for partisan politics, noting that the anniversary belonged to all Bayelsans irrespective of political affiliation, background or social status.

According to him, the 30th anniversary provided an opportunity for the people to come together, celebrate their common identity and reflect on the journey of the state since its creation on October 1, 1996.

The Governor said the celebration had no political undertone, but was designed to unite the people and showcase the history, culture, achievements and aspirations of Bayelsa State.

He called on Bayelsans to see the anniversary as a collective celebration of their heritage and shared destiny, stressing that the development of the state required the contributions of everyone.

Governor Diri said, “Bayelsa@30 is for every Bayelsan. It has no political colouration. It is a celebration of the glory of all lands, and all hands must be on deck to celebrate our state.”

He further announced that the cultural carnival would henceforth be held annually, explaining that such a celebration would provide a platform for successive generations to appreciate and preserve the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people.

The Governor noted that the annual event would not only celebrate culture but also promote unity, peaceful coexistence and the socioeconomic potential of Bayelsa State.

He described the cultural displays as a demonstration of the richness and beauty of Ijaw culture, adding that the people were hardworking and proud of their heritage.

“We are very hardworking people and today, we are showcasing our rich Ijaw cultural heritage,” the governor said.

Governor Diri also emphasized the importance of transmitting the state’s cultural values to younger generations, noting that culture remained an important component of the identity and history of any people.

He said making the Cultural Day an annual event would enable Bayelsans to continually celebrate their traditions while creating opportunities for cultural groups, young people and communities to participate in activities that promote their heritage.

The colourful carnival featured various cultural troupes representing different communities and local government areas, with participants appearing in traditional attires and displaying dances, music and other aspects of Ijaw cultural expression.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, members of the national assembly, top government functionaries, traditional and community leaders, as well as leaders and representatives of various local government areas, participated actively in the cultural carnival.

The Governor’s declaration that the Cultural Day would become an annual event, is expected to establish a lasting tradition through which Bayelsans can celebrate their culture, strengthen unity and promote the heritage of the Ijaw people for generations to come.

~ Hot News Reporters
30th September, 2026