March 25, (THEWILL) – The member representing Ogbia Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon (Chief) Godknows Obein, has lauded and commended the great and peace-loving people of Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, home town of the Managing-Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for their dedication to sustaining the annual cultural festival, the ‘Eyal Obeyin’.
He gave the commendation at the weekend while speaking with THEWILL during the 67th edition of the cultural festival at Ayakoro community.
He said, “I want to commend the Paramount Ruler, CDC leadership, and the community members for sustaining this cultural heritage.
“This annual celebration promotes harmony, collaboration, peace, and tolerance. This 2025 edition of the celebration marked the 67th anniversary of the festival.
“It embodies the spirit of resilience and determination exhibited by the community’s forebears. By celebrating this festival, the community honours their forebears’ resilience and determination in the face of adversity.”
Reiterating his commitment to pushing for legislation that improves the lives of his constituents, the Assembly member said he would also prioritise the welfare of his constituents through empowerment initiatives and projects.
The lawmaker also lauded the NDDC board for the unprecedented transformation in the Niger Delta, urging the community to continue exhibiting their hospitality and brotherliness while also rallying support for their son, Chief Ogbuku.
THEWILL gathered that the annual “Eyal Obeyin” festival is a significant cultural event in the community. It showcases the community’s rich heritage and traditions and promotes tourism.
The Ayakoro annual festival, which has become a cultural tourism component called the Eyal Obeyin crossing, was born out of the need to honour and immortalise the founding fathers of blessed memory. These founding fathers then, due to their visionary leadership style, embarked upon and accomplished such a great feat of the historic resettlement of the entire people of the Ayakoro community on the 12th of February 1958, from the old settlement to the present day Ayakoro. The visionary efforts of the founding fathers were propelled by the significant threat posed by coastal erosion, bearing in mind the untold suffering the future generations might face.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
