The Ogu Community in Atubo, Attisa, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, last Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation, peace, and community development as it celebrated the annual “Uge Adiafa” New Yam Festival, tagged “Ogbolo ’26.”
Held at St. John’s Primary School Field, Ogu, the colourful festival served not only as the traditional commencement of the yam harvest season but also as a tribute to the community’s illustrious son and founder of the Uge Adiafa Festival, His Majesty, Late King Fedrick Aduku Simangi Ogbotom-Edede IV.
The celebration brought together sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers, academics, youths, and other guests in a display of thanksgiving, cultural performances, and renewed communal solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, the traditional head of the community, HRH Bishop (Dr.) Akuegbe Paul, expressed delight at the massive turnout, describing the festival as a symbol of thanksgiving to God, cultural identity, and unity among the people.
He noted that, beyond celebrating a successful farming season, the festival honours the enduring legacy of the late monarch, whose vision established the Uge Adiafa Festival as a platform for preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The Guest of Honour, Professor Nedie Patience Akani of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, and South-South Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Society for Microbiology, commended the community for embracing reconciliation and unity.
“This is my first time attending this New Yam Festival. I came because of the good things happening in this community,” she said.
“Before now, there were quarrels in the community, with court cases here and there, brother fighting against brother. But today, God has united us. It is a wonderful thing to be united because where there is no unity, there can be no progress in the home, family, or community.
“I thank the paramount ruler for making today’s celebration a reality,” she added.
The event also featured inter-compound cultural competitions, with Yenikabu II Family emerging overall winner. Bongata Family came second, while Abrima Family finished third.
Eleven Compound Chiefs, alongside their respective Head Compound Women Chiefs, were also coronated.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included HRM King J. Olotu Erepamo, the Ebenanawei of Akamabubu Kingdom, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State; HRH Barrister Morris Lagos, Paramount Ruler of Ikibiri Community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State; HRH God’swill Arab Simeon, Ebeni-Isisibo of Atissa Kingdom; HRH Sir Anderson J. Olumo, Ebeni-Otubo of Atissa Kingdom, and his wife, Mrs Tarila Anderson Olumo; HH Mission Obugu, Deputy Head of Ogu Community; and the wife of the Ebeni-Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, Mrs Diemeze Victor Awala.
The Atlantic Bell reports that for the people of Ogu, the festival was more than a celebration of the first harvest. It underscored the importance of preserving cultural traditions, strengthening communal bonds, promoting reconciliation, and passing cherished values from one generation to another, ensuring that the legacy of their forebears continues to inspire future generations.
