Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, is agog with colour, music and cultural displays ahead of the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.
Bayelsa, nicknamed the Glory of All Lands, was created on October 1, 1996, and will clock 30 on Thursday.
Pre-anniversary activities have taken centre stage in the capital, with cultural floats and carnival processions along major streets. Men, women and youths adorned in Ijaw attires – George wrappers, coral beads, bowler hats and traditional fabrics – danced to traditional drumbeats.
At the Ox-Bow Lake, a spectacular boat regatta featuring decorated boats showcased the state’s rich riverine heritage.
The activities also include an Ijaw Language Summit and musical concerts, reinforcing culture as the state’s enduring legacy.
Residents say the anniversary is more than a celebration; it is a celebration of identity, unity, resilience and three decades of progress.
