Ekpetiama Monarch Marks 10 Years on Throne as Bayelsa Community Celebrates New Yam FestivalThe Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State on Saturday, celebrated the 2026 Okoloda Aya Buru Fi Uge (New Yam Festival) alongside the 10th coronation anniversary of its monarch.The festival, themed “Our Culture, Our Pride,” was held at the Gbaratoru Town Hall in Yenagoa Local Government Area.Speaking at the event, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, said the festival symbolises unity, peace and gratitude for a bountiful harvest.He urged residents to forgive one another and embrace peaceful coexistence to ensure greater prosperity and harvests in the future.According to him, insecurity and communal conflicts would have made it impossible to celebrate the festival in such an atmosphere of peace.Dakolo commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting peace and reconciliation across communities, noting that Ekpetiama had benefited from the initiative.He also applauded the government for developing infrastructure, including the airport and road projects within the kingdom.The monarch, however, appealed for the construction of a pavilion to accommodate the growing number of participants at future festivals.Representing Gov Douye Diri, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Dr Peter Akpe described the festival as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw people.He emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous languages, warning that languages face extinction when they are no longer spoken.The deputy governor recalled legislative efforts to promote the teaching of the Ijaw language in primary schools when he was a lawmaker.He urged communities to take deliberate steps to revive and sustain their cultural heritage.Akpe also highlighted the economic potential of yam cultivation, noting claims of its health benefits and prospects for agricultural development.He said the state government remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote culture, agriculture and tourism.Congratulating Dakolo on his 10th anniversary, he prayed for continued wisdom and successful leadership.The deputy governor further called on communities experiencing chieftaincy disputes to embrace dialogue and peaceful resolution.He assured residents that the state government was working to address outstanding traditional leadership issues across Bayelsa.Member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency, Hon Oforji Oboku, described the festival as colourful and inspiring.He said cultural festivals promote love, unity and peaceful coexistence among communities.Oforji praised the women of Ekpetiama Kingdom for their commitment and contributions to the success of the celebration.Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon Abraham Ingobere, said the festival remains a symbol of identity and heritage.He urged indigenes to preserve traditional values and pass them on to future generations.Ingobere pledged continued legislative support for cultural initiatives across the state.The Amananaowei of Gbaratoru Community, Igonia Ibolo XI, described the event as a turning point for the festival.He said this year’s harvest was one of the largest recorded, reflecting the blessings and hard work of the people.Ibolo expressed optimism that future editions would attract wider recognition and participation.Also speaking, Peremobowei Erebulu, a traditional leader said the continued celebration demonstrated the resilience of the kingdom’s culture and traditions.He noted that the impressive display of farm produce reflected the community’s enduring commitment to agriculture.Erebulu urged residents to remain united and peaceful, expressing confidence that Ekpetiama could become a major yam-producing and exporting hub in the future.
