Governor Okpebholo Advocates for Ayakoro Community to Produce Next Bayelsa Governor
Ayakoro, Bayelsa – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has expressed support for the Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area, stating that they deserve the opportunity to produce the next governor of Bayelsa State. The governor made these remarks while serving as the chairman at the 67th anniversary of the Ayakoro Annual Festival, known as Eyal Obeyin 2025, held on Sunday in the Ayakoro community.
During the event, which celebrated the heritage and history of the community, Okpebholo credited the ongoing development and the Operation Light Up Niger Delta initiative to the efforts of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and a respected son of Ayakoro.
“When I saw the underdevelopment in my community, I asked God to raise us a man that would bring development, and today I am that governor,” Okpebholo stated. He emphasized that the achievements recorded by Dr. Ogbuku justify Ayakoro’s claim to governorship, adding, “For the great things Dr. Ogbuku is doing in this community and the entire Niger Delta, Ayakoro community deserves to produce the next governor of Bayelsa.”
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who served as a co-host and the Deputy Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro, reflected on the significance of the festival, which commemorates their ancestors who relocated due to coastal erosion. He praised the wisdom of their forefathers in safeguarding the community from potential disasters.
Ogbuku urged the community to take ownership of the facilities constructed by NDDC, reinforcing the importance of collaboration with local stakeholders to protect and maintain these developments. He remarked, “We don’t like a situation where the communities make things difficult for contractors. If the contractors decide to leave, it’s your community that will suffer.”
In his speech, Senator Benson Agadaga, who represents Bayelsa East, lauded the NDDC for its committed efforts and progress in the region. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Ayakoro forefathers, urging community members to continue honoring their legacy through the festival.
The Paramount Ruler of Ayakoro, His Royal Highness Righteous Inegbagha, opened the festivities, explaining that the Eyal Obeyin festival was designed to honor the founding fathers and commemorate the significant relocation of the Ayakoro community from its former settlement in 1958.
The weekend celebration included traditional dance displays, boat regattas, and wrestling competitions, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Ayakoro community. Governor Okpebholo, Dr. Ogbuku, and other dignitaries were recognized and thanked for their participation in this important event.