New yam feast: Cultural funfare as Yenebebeli celebrates Uge Adiafa Atissa 2024

By Toyyib Omowale

THE need to uphold culture, tradition and history was underscored last weekend as Yenebebeli, Atissa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State held its new yam festival known as Uge Adiafa Atissa at Yenebebeli Community playground. It was an atmosphere of funfare and thrills as men, women, youths and young ones thronged the playground to celebrate hard work, resilience and passion to a food crop that is a favourite stapple of most Nigerians – yam.

Dignitaries such as the state governor, Sen. Douye Diri, who was represented by his Commissioner for Works, Hon. Moses Teibowei, Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Council, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, Ogbotom Edede VII of Atissa, HRM (Sir) Godwin Gruci Igodo, former Reps member, Prof. Stephen Azaiki, the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, with Chief (Hon.) Osomkime Edwin Blankson (Aminibue I) presiding as festival chairman, among others were part of the new yam celebration.

Chairman of Uge Adiafa Atissa, Yenebebeli, Chief Blankson underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage, stressing that a community without knowledge of its history and traditions is like a tree without roots. He called for strategies to maintain the festival’s authenticity while also exploring its economic potential, including educational workshops to engage and educate the younger generation.

“As we all agree, a tree without roots can be easily uprooted by the slightest wind,” Chief Blankson said. “To this end, I applaud the leadership of Atissa Kingdom for continuing to put this (Uge Adiafa Festival) together for the benefit of all. We must ensure that Uge Adiafa Festival remains true to its cultural roots and tradition. We must also develop a marketing strategy to continue to showcase this amazing event. To hold educational workshop, to enlighten the youths and the younger generation, organize education to preserve this authenticity and harmonize its economic potentials. Most importantly, we need to document these traditional histories to prevent them from being lost to the ever flowing tide of modernization.”

A cross section of festival participants at Uge Adiafa Atissa 2024 with baskets of new yams during the celebration in Yenebebeli, Bayelsa State

A former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency Professor Steve Sinikiemm Azaiki highlighted the festival’s historical significance, noting that it was initiated in 1962 to honour the heroes of Atissa Kingdom.

“Today is a very special day,” Prof. Azaiki said, “Yenebebeli is one of the smallest communities in Epie and Atissa, but it is with pride that we remember our heroes – past and great men – that the community has produced.”

Royal father of the day, Chairman of Traditional Rulers’ Council of Bayelsa State and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Bubaraye Dakolo, spoke on the symbolic importance of the new yam festival, emphasizing that it represents the hard work and dedication of the people. He encouraged everyone to work with passion and resilience, as these qualities lead to success.

“The festival is a symbol of the hard work farmers have put in to cultivate and plant yam, and the result of it is their harvest,” King Dakolo explained. “Everything is about resilience and dedication; everybody should work hard. Do whatever you are doing with passion and you will see yourself excelling.”

While welcoming guests to his kingdom, Ogbotom Edede VII of Atissa, HRM Sir Godwin Gruci Igodo, expressed gratitude to the Atissa Council of Chiefs for their ongoing support in preserving the kingdom’s heritage. He also extended a warm welcome to all attendees, including the special guest of honour, Governor Diri, for his continuous support for the Atissa people.

“I wish to humbly welcome you all to this year’s celebration of Atissa Uge Adiafa taking place here in Yenebebeli town, Bayelsa State in particular,” Sir Igodo said. “Let me first of all welcome the special guest of honour, His Excellency the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri for his continuous support for Atissa people.”

Earlier, Chief Blankson, who chaired the event, praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his leadership, particularly in guiding the state’s youth towards peaceful negotiations with the government rather than resorting to protests. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, but emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful collaboration to realize the president’s vision for the country. He also urged support for President Bola Tinubu and his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to help achieve a brighter future for the country.

Chief Somkime Blankson shaking the hand of Ogbotom Edede VII of Atissa, HRM (Sir) Godwin Gruci Igodo after receiving Obesinivie of Atissa Kingdom title

Chief Blankson expressed deep appreciation for the peaceful conduct of Bayelsa’s youth during recent protests, noting that Bayelsa State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. He also lauded Governor Diri’s efforts in promoting cultural and human capacity development in the state.

“While I do not trivialize the current economic hardship brought to us by these policies, the president’s foremost mandate is centred on the welfare of all Nigerians, and I believe the president has vision for a better future,” Chief Blankson said. “Let us all join hands to make the brighter tomorrow envisioned by Mr. President a reality. Let us reject violence and support the president’s efforts to improve our nation.

“Coming back home, I deeply and sincerely appreciate the youths of Bayelsa state, for their peaceful disposition and orderly behaviour during the protests. This shows that Bayelsa State has been and will continuously be the most peaceful state in Nigeria. Also on exemplary leadership and governance, I am immensely pleased with the outstanding performance of our miracle governor, Governor Douye Diri in achieving unprecedented, intercultural and human capacity development in Bayelsa state.’’

The new event featured vibrant dance performances by women representing each of the 12 communities that make up the Atissa Kingdom. There was also a thrilling boat regatta and a ceremonial presentation of new yams to the king. However, the highlight of the day was a live performance by the renowned Niger Delta music icon, Barrister S. Smooth, who captivated the audience with his band’s electrifying music.

Uge Adiafa Festival, which dates back to 1962, is one of the major cultural events of Atissa Kingdom. It begins in June and culminates with a grand finale where female farmers from the 12 Atissa communities, including Ikolo, Swali, Famgbe, Yenaka, Ogu, Yenagoa, Ovom, Onopa, Agbura, Akaba, Yenebebeli, and Obogoro present their newly harvested yams to the Atissa King and his council of chiefs. This year’s celebration in Yenebebeli brought together dignitaries from across Nigeria, including politicians, traditional rulers, and industry leaders. The event concluded with the conferment of chieftaincy titles on several distinguished individuals, including Chief Osomikime Edwin Blankson, who was honoured as Obesinivie (someone always looking out for the good of the people) of Atissa Kingdom.

* Omowale, versatile radio presenter and journalist, contributed this piece from Yenagoa