Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
It was celebration galore at Akaibiri in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as the people of Ekpetiama Kingdom converged and rolled out the drums to celebrate the annual Okolode Buru Fi Uge, 2023 edition under the Distinguished Chairmanship of RT.Hon. Chief Fred Agbedi, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, House of Representatives.
Speaking to Journalists at the occasion, the Special Assistant to Chief Timipre Sylva on Media, Mr. Julius Bokoru urged the Ijaw Nation to do everything possible to revive the Ijaw cultural heritage through language, dance, farming, fishing and native songs which has been the way of life of the ancestors.
He advised parents to speak the native dialet to their children and guard against the invasion of foreign culture to the Ijaw native laws, customs and traditions and congratulated the Ibedaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, HRM Bubaraye Dakolo, other Royal Fathers, Chiefs, Elders, Women groups, youths and all the good people of the Kingdom for coming together to celebrate the annual festival.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, RT. Hon. Fred Agbedi, represented by Hon Dein Binadoumene in his opening remarks stated that culture is a way of life of the people that revolves around the age long native laws, customs and traditions.
He advised the good people of EKpetiama Kingdom to uphold the tradition handed down to them by their ancestors for the unity, progress and prosperity of the Kingdom and the Ijaw nation.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of honour, Governor Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei said the festival is a period to come together and showcase our cultural heritage from food, music, dressing, songs, language and unify the people.
He noted that love fosters peace, unity and development.
He urged the people to make culture a money spinning venture and assured the Kingdom of government support to develop the area.
Earlier, the Amananaowei of Akaibiri, Chief Robert Ebi in his welcome address appreciated Governor Douye Diri for his developmental strides in the Kingdom particularly the renovation of the community school and appointment of sons and daughters of Akaibiri to position of trust in the Prosperity Administration.
He appeal to Governor Douye Diri to sand fill the community, construct more access roads, provide pipebone water and give more appointments to the people in the area
In his Okolode message, the Ibedaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, HRM Bubaraye Dakolo noted that the festival is an aged old event to uphold the dignity of our customs, laws and traditions. He said the Kingdom experience better harvest every successive year stressing that the law of sowing and reaping has been the lot of the Kingdom.
The Ekpetiama Kingdom Monarch thanked all those that contributed towards the success of the festival noting that they will continue to project, maintain and sustain the age long cultural heritage of the Kingdom emphasizing that the kingdom is blessed with illustrious sons and daughters, and viable agricultural and mineral resources.
He advised multi-national companies operating in the area to join hands with the Bayelsa State Government to development the Kingdom.
The Monarch thanked all the dignitaries for honouring their invitation.
The title of Ebekenisuome Douowei of Ekpetiama was conferred on Ebiegberi Otobo by HRM Bubaraye Dakolo in recognition of his industrial contributions to the Ekpetiama Kingdom.
Speaking to newsmen at the occasion, a title holder of the Kingdom, Chief Barr. Blankson Osomkeme stated that festival brings people of diverse background together to celebrate and promote cross fertilization of ideas emphasizing that the Ijaw nation should not spare any effort to prevent the culture from going extinct.
The Bayelsa Award winning cultural Troupe and other dance groups entertained guests at the festival.
The Pere of Kabowei Kingdom in Delta State and Bayelsa State, HRM Barr. Peremobowei Erebulu, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Iti Orugbani, Her Royal Majesty Queen Timinipere Dakolo, the Igirigi 1, King Collins Aranka, Opukun 1, HRM Mozi Agara, HRH Solomon Ebifatei, the Kolu of Koluama, Hon. Pabara Igwele, Chief William Appah, HRH Miekumo Emmanuel, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima, flag-officer Commanding Central Naval Command were among dignitaries that attended the festival.
