Governor Douye Diri has enjoined the people of Bayelsa State to renew their efforts to revive positive traditional norms, warning that the fast decline of the Ijaw language and indigenous farming practices must be urgently halted.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, made the call on Saturday, 13 June 2026, during the grand finale of the Ekpetiama Okolede New Yam Festival held in Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area.
The cultural celebration served as a platform for the state government to outline structural policies designed by the ASSURED Prosperity Administration to protect regional heritage. Governor Diri expressed deep concern over the preference for foreign lifestyles, which has left many young indigenes unable to speak their native tongue.
To reverse the trend, the administration has institutionalised the training of Ijaw language instructors and made the learning of the Izon language compulsory across all public primary schools in the state.
Commending the Ekpetiama people for sustaining the age-long harvest festival, the Governor urged them to expand their agricultural investments to complement the state’s strategic food security agenda.
Turning to regional stability, the state chief executive strongly admonished communities currently split by internal chieftaincy crises, specifically Agudama-Ekpetiama, Tombia, and Akaibiri, to immediately sink their differences and embrace communal peace for the collective good of the kingdom.
The ceremony featured high-level legislative and traditional representation, including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and Federal Lawmaker Hon. Oforji Abonzibe Oboku.
In his address, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, thanked the government for investing in rural infrastructure and appointments, whilst appealing for the construction of a modern community auditorium.
The cultural event concluded with the ritual breaking and eating of the new yam, presented by women of the kingdom led by Queen Timinipre Dakolo.
Source: Champion News
Image Credit: Vanguard News
