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By Amos Odeh, Yenagoa
The Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, was filled to the brim penultimate weekend when communities from the eight local government areas in Delta State converged to celebrate the ‘Delta Cultural Day.’
For the first time, Itsekiris, Urhobos, Ukwanis, Ika Ibos, Ijaws and Isokos assembled to exhibit their rich cultural heritage, and in attendance were traditional rulers, chiefs and who is who from the various ethnic nationalities in Delta State.
Speaking at the occasion, the Bayelsa State commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Iti Orugbani, expressed delight and commended the organizers for deeming it fit to use the cultural day to attract Deltans from all parts of the state to unite and interact, noting that culture has always been unifying force.
He said that Bayelsa State has thrown its weight behind the event, while assuring that henceforth the state will be fully involved. He urged organizers of the cultural day, which witnessed its maiden edition, to make it an annual event.
According to Dr Orugbani, Bayelsa State has robust tourism policy, which has seen cultural festivals among communities being classified into first and second classes, while the sum of one million Naira and two million Naira respectively given out.
He described Deltans living in Bayelsa State as not only exemplary in their conduct, but also very hard working, industrious, enterprising and living in peace with their host communities.
Orugbani said “Deltans are peace loving with harmonious relationship with their host and hardly associate with crimes and criminality.”
The commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Orugbani, was accompanied to the epoch making occasion by other top government functionaries among which were, the special to the governor on Political Matters (2), Hon Gabriel Ogbara, special adviser to the governor on Non-Indigenes Matters, Chief Johnson Onuma, and Hon Kuro Yennye, technical adviser to the governor on NDDC Affairs.
In his welcome address, the president of the Delta Community, ASP Ambrose Obi, said culture is a unifying factor as it identifies, promotes and foster togetherness among people with shared values and orientation wherever they are, adding that as indigenes of Delta State resident in Bayelsa State, they are more or less at home considering their affinity and contiguity.
He said “It is said that some of our people have lived here long before the creation of Bayelsa State on October 1st in 1996 by late Sani Abacha. Others have been here even before Delta State was created on August 28, 1991 by President Badamasi Babangida regime.”
He noted that as they showcase the rich cultural diversity of Deltans living in Bayelsa State, they are not unaware of the cultural similarity between Bayelsa and Delta states, adding that “In fact, they are intertwined.”
He said, “this ceremony other than preserving the rich culture and tradition of Delta State will serve as impetus for peace in Bayelsa State they lived and do business as the occasion is much more than pomp and ceremony as it is going to combine fun fare with business opportunities, friendship and an avenue for peace advocacy.
“It is my belief that at the end of this ceremony every participant and guests will go home with a better appreciation of the good people of Delta State and how hospitable we are. Continue to be good ambassadors of Delta State and support the Prosperity government of Senator Douye Diri,” he said.
Also, president of Delta Youths in Bayelsa State, Senior Comrade, Gift Kome, expressed appreciation to all that supported and attended the occasion and prayed that God will replenish their source.
Bayelsa State governor’s representative in Delta and Edo states, Barr Tams Oporomo, identified culture as the people’s way of life, as exemplified by cultural displays of Deltans residing in Bayelsa, adding that culture promotes peace, love, unity and togetherness among a people as against crime and criminality which affect peace and loveliness.
He noted that from what is shown today it means that Deltans residing in Bayelsa State live in love and harmony with their host and have been contributing to the development of the state and implored them not to relent in this regard.
While the royal father of the day, King Joshua Apoyi Aweyu, the Okobaro 1 of Urhobo in Bayelsa, commended the organizers for packaging the cultural day to show the unity and love among Deltans residing in Bayelsa State and used the opportunity to appeal to non-indigenes to be law abiding as called on the state governor to recognise the strength and population of the Urhobos residing in Bayelsa State and consider them for appointment.
President of Urhobo Progress Union, Bayelsa State chapter, Olorogun Charles Oruru, and vice chairman, Olorogun Gabriel Phrorhire, expressed joy and satisfaction over the success of the maiden edition of the Delta Cultural Day, while trusting in God that next edition would be better.
They noted that the event would create more awareness and commended the Bayelsa State government, represented by the commissioner for Culture and Tourism, for promising to assist financially in subsequent editions since it would be an annual event.
Bishop Mike Okpokpo and other clergymen from Delta State were among the dignitaries that were present and prayed for progress and sustainable relationship between Deltans living in Bayelsa State and their host.
