Diri, Ogbuku Grace 68th Eyal Obeyin Festival in Ayakoro, Pledge Sustained Development for Bayelsa Communities

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday joined the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and the people of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia Local Government Area to celebrate the 68th edition of the revered Eyal Obeyin Festival.

The colourful annual festival, which honours the founding fathers of Ayakoro, attracted indigenes, traditional rulers, political leaders and cultural enthusiasts from across the state. The event featured captivating traditional dance displays, a thrilling boat regatta, and traditional wrestling contests, reflecting the rich heritage and cultural pride of the Tarakiri people.

Governor Diri, a son of Tarakiri Kingdom like the people of Ayakoro, described the festival as a strong symbol of unity, history and communal identity. He stressed the need to preserve cultural traditions that bind communities together and promote peace and harmony.

The governor expressed delight at the visible transformation in Ayakoro, noting that the progress recorded in the community is the result of effective collaboration between the state government, the NDDC and the people. He commended residents for their peaceful disposition and continued support for his administration’s Government of Assured Prosperity.

In his remarks, Senator Diri assured the community that Ayakoro would benefit from the ongoing Akaba–Ogu-Okodi road project, which he said would improve connectivity, enhance economic activities and accelerate growth in the area.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained development across Bayelsa State, emphasizing that no community would be left behind in the government’s drive to expand infrastructure and improve the welfare of the people.

The 68th Eyal Obeyin Festival once again showcased Ayakoro’s cultural vibrancy while reinforcing the state government’s resolve to combine heritage preservation with sustained development.