The Ogu Community in Otubo-Atissa, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, 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.
Guest of Honour, Professor Nedie Patience Akani of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, commended the community for embracing reconciliation and unity.
Professor Akani who is of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, of the university and a daughter of the soil had this to say.
“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 head of Ogu Community, HRH, Bishop (Dr.) Akuege Paul for making today’s celebration a reality,” she added.
The event also featured inter-compound cultural competitions, with Yenikabu II Compound emerging overall winner. Bongata Compound came second, while Abrima Compound finished third.
Eleven Compound Chiefs alongside their respective Head Compound Women Chiefs were coronated. The Woman Chief of Ogu Community, HH, Mrs Dare Tiebiri and her deputy, Chief Mrs Stella Jordan Mark were also coronated.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion include HRM King J. Olotu Erepamo,The Ebenanawei of Akamabubu Kingdom,Southern Ijaw LGA, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, HRH, Barrister Morris Lagos, Paramount Ruler, Ikibiri Community, Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, HRH, God’swill Arab Simeon, Ebeni- Isisibo of Atissa Kingdom, HRH, Sir Anderson J. Olumo, Ebeni -Otubo,Atissa Kingdom and his wife, Mrs Tarila Anderson Olumo, HH, Mission Obugu, The Deputy Head of Ogu Community and the wife of The Ebeni- Ibe of Atissa Kingdom, Mrs Diemeze Victor Awala.
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.