Diri Charges Bayelsans To Preserve Cultural Heritage

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reiterated the need for the people of the state to preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage as a legacy for younger and future generations to emulate and practice.

Hotnews reports that the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Gbarain Uzu New Yam Festival held in Ogboloma community under Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

Governor Diri described culture as the identity of a people, stressing that festivals such as the Uzu celebration promote unity, preserve history, and strengthen communal bonds.

He urged youths across the state to embrace the learning and speaking of the Ijaw language, noting that cultural festivals provide an opportunity to deepen knowledge of the people’s traditions and cultural values.

He explained that the Uzu Festival, which is celebrated rotationally among communities in Gbarain Kingdom, symbolizes the shared heritage and unity of the kingdom, urging residents to use it as a platform for promoting and preserving the rich Ijaw culture.

The state helmsman also expressed gratitude to God for blessing Gbarain Kingdom with fertile land and abundant agricultural resources, describing the new yam as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and prosperity.

He commended the people for their peaceful disposition and continued support for the prosperity administration of Senator Douye Diri.

In his remarks, the Ibenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, King Funpere Akah, thanked God for His blessings upon the kingdom and appreciated guests who attended the annual festival.

He emphasized the importance of the celebration in promoting and preserving the cultural identity of the people for future generations.

The monarch also highlighted the kingdom’s rich oil, gas, and agricultural resources, calling on the Bayelsa State Government and multinational oil companies, including Renaissance Africa Energy Company, to invest more in the development of the area.

He specifically also appealed for the dualization of the Igbogene–Polaku road to improve transportation and support economic growth and development in the kingdom basically.

~ Hot News Reporters
Tuesday, 28 July, 2026