By Abdulrahman Abdullahi

National News – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the people of the state to take pride in their cultural heritage and actively preserve it for future generations.

The governor made the appeal through his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, at the grand finale of the 2026 Gbarain Uzu (New Yam) Festival held in Ogboloma community, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Diri described culture as a vital tool for preserving the identity, history and unity of a people. He urged young people across the state to embrace the Ijaw language and traditions, stressing that cultural festivals provide an opportunity to learn and promote the rich heritage of the Ijaw nation.

According to him, the Uzu Festival, which rotates among communities in Gbarain Kingdom, reflects the kingdom’s shared history and should be used to strengthen cultural values and unity.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the peaceful disposition of the people of Gbarain Kingdom and their continued support for his administration, while thanking God for the area’s agricultural wealth.

He noted that beyond its oil and gas resources, Bayelsa is richly blessed with fertile land capable of supporting agriculture, describing the new yam celebrated during the festival as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and the prosperity of the people.

Diri urged residents not to neglect their cultural identity, warning that many people only appreciate their traditions after leaving their communities for foreign countries where other ethnic groups proudly display their cultures.

“We must use this festival as an opportunity to learn, preserve and promote our culture because no one else will teach us our history if we fail to do so ourselves,” he said.

In his remarks, the Ibenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, King Funpere Akah, thanked God for His blessings upon the kingdom and commended guests for participating in the age-long celebration.

The monarch highlighted the kingdom’s abundant natural resources, including oil and gas, and appealed to the Bayelsa State Government and multinational oil companies operating in the area to invest more in infrastructure and community development.

He specifically called on the government and Renaissance Africa Energy Company, formerly Shell, to collaborate on the dualisation of the Igbogene–Polaku Road, describing the highway as being in a deplorable condition.

Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, said the 2026 edition of the festival marked significant progress in the celebration, expressing optimism that next year’s event would be even bigger.

Earlier, the Amananaowei of Ogboloma, His Royal Highness Akeri Reginald-Okoro, welcomed guests and described the grand finale as a historic event and a celebration of cultural rebirth.

The highlight of the festival was the traditional breaking and eating of the roasted Aya Buru (New Yam), followed by prayers offered by King Funpere Akah for a bountiful harvest and continued peace and prosperity in Gbarain Kingdom.

Among the dignitaries present were the member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Oforji Oboku; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Olby Nigeria Limited, Chief Osomkime Blankson; the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, King Peremobowei Erebulu; and the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene Community, Prof. Augustine Ikein.