Opinion
BAYELSA STATE@28 :A GLANCE AT NIGER- DELTA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET
BAYELSA STATE@28
A GLANCE AT NIGER- DELTA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET
By Tobouke JEMINE
On this day, October 1,1996, the Glory of All Lands was carved out from Rivers State by the Sani Abacha-led military regime.I am still wondering how she shared the same birthday and Independence-month with Nigeria.
Bayelsa State is one of the newest states in Nigeria. Interestingly, the name “Bayelsa” is derived from the first few letters of the major local government areas that formed the state: Brass, Yenagoa, and Sagbama.
A billion thanks to the founding patriots: Bayelsa State is a creation of sweats, sacrifices and perseverance. And it is located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, acknowledged for its rich oil reserves and unique cultural heritage.
Today, my lenses are fixed on its natural elegance, environmental splendours, rich culture, treasured history, festivals, wildlife, and waterways that offer diverse opportunities for both domestic and international visitors and investors. It is a potential hotspot for tourism.
Bayelsa is home to a vast network of rivers, creeks, and lush forests, providing breathtaking natural landscapes for eco-tourists. Oxbow Lake situated in the capital city of Yenagoa, is a popular spot for relaxation and recreational activities like boating, fishing, and picnicking. The serene environment makes it ideal for nature lovers.
The River Nun of Gabriel Okara’s poetry is a vital waterway, offering scenic boat rides and opportunities to explore the flora and fauna of the region. The River Nun is historically significant as it was one of the key routes for the slave trade during the dark chapters of the White man in Africa.
Bayelsa’s extensive mangrove forests are not only ecologically important but also offer adventure opportunities such as canoeing, birdwatching, and nature photography. The forests serve as a home to rare and endangered species, making it an exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Glory of All Lands has diverse wildlife, including primates, reptiles, and aquatic species. John Alla, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism is working on developing these reserves and sanctuaries to attract visitors interested in the biodiversity of the Niger Delta.
The state is a home to a rich cultural heritage rooted in the traditions of the Ijaw people, one of the major and oldest ethnic groups in Nigeria. This cultural heritage provides an array of opportunities for cultural and historical tourism.
Bayelsa celebrates various traditional festivals, such as the Seigbein Fishing Festival , the Ogori Ba Festival, Masquerade Festivals, and others with pomp and grandeur. These festivals showcase traditional music, dance, cuisine, and the deep connection the Ijaw people have with the water, attracting tourists interested in experiencing indigenous cultures.
The Isaac Boro monument commemorates the life of Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, one of our most revered and prominent figures in the history of Niger Delta struggle. The memorial attracts visitors interested in learning about the historical and political development of the region.
In Bayelsa State, we have many historic towns like Brass, which was a hub for European traders and missionaries during the colonial period, there are remnants of colonial-era architecture and stories that could be part of historical tours. And there are glories for the eyes at Akassa Lighthouse and Peace Park?
With its extensive network of rivers, creeks, and the Atlantic coastline, the State offers ample opportunities for water-based tourism.The Agge, Orobiri, Amazor, Brass Beaches offer stunning views of the coastline. The Commissioner is putting in work to make sure the clean and inspiring beaches are developed to attract both leisure travelers and adventure seekers interested in activities like fishing and surfing.
Given its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Bayelsa State is ideal for deep-sea fishing, which could appeal to tourists looking for sport fishing. Boat cruises along the various rivers and creeks also present opportunities for leisure and exploration.
The Nembe waterways are another coastal area with beautiful creeks, perfect for boat rides. This part of Bayelsa provides access to traditional riverine settlements, where tourists can explore the local culture and way of life.
Bayelsa’s agricultural sector also holds potential for tourism, particularly with its cultivation of fish, cassava, plantain, and palm oil, these and its rich fishing culture, and fish farms would be developed by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism into tourist attractions where visitors can learn about aquaculture, local fishing techniques, and the production of seafood delicacies.
The state hosts a wealth of palm oil and cassava plantations that would be opened up for guided tours where tourists experience how palm oil and cassava products are processed. This form of agro-tourism would also include culinary experiences involving local dishes made from cassava and plantain.
Bayelsa offers untapped opportunities for adventure tourism, especially given its natural terrain and riverine environment. The numerous rivers and creeks are perfect for activities like kayaking and canoeing, providing thrilling experiences for adventure tourists.
The Atlantic coast provides a unique environment for scuba diving and snorkeling. This aspect of tourism could be harnessed to attract water sports enthusiasts from across the world. Given the rich aquatic life, the state could host national or international fishing competitions, promoting the state as a hub for sport fishing.
Bayelsa has the potential to become a hub for leisure tourism, with the possibility of developing luxury resorts, hotels, and leisure centers.Developing eco-friendly resorts along the beaches or near the rivers could attract tourists looking for relaxation amidst nature. These resorts could offer activities such as fishing, bird watching, nature trails, and local cultural experiences.
The state can also develop film tourism by promoting the beautiful and diverse landscapes for film productions. This could attract filmmakers looking for natural settings, further boosting the local economy. Currently, one of our own Nollywood veteran actor, Elaweremi Pereke Elaweremi with his Ijaw Africa Movies movement is doing an enormous justice to the Ijaw entertainment industry.
Bayelsa state is truly blessed with remarkable talents and potentials in the entertainment arena. The wealth in this sector could be further explored and utilized by a partnership between the government and private institutions likes King Pereama Freetown, Chief Barrister Smooth, Alfred Izonebi, Asu Ekiye, Timaya, and upcoming brands like FC the Storyteller, Erema Yanga, Mc Kidikidi, and others — not forgetting the living legacies of late legends like the beloved King Robert Ebizimor as sources of cultural inspirations and creativity.
There is no doubting the fact that Bayelsa State’s tourism potential is immense but largely underdeveloped, and the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, recognizing these realities and equipped with the required insights and competence, is putting resources in place to make an enduring magic out of the tourism potentials of the state.
Of equal importance is the fact that, to make a significant tourist destination out of Bayelsa State, there is the need for massive infrastructural development, investment in hospitality, and active promotion of its tourism resources and potentials both locally and internationally. And the private sector is needed in this drive to make a wonderland out of the Glory of All Lands.
May God Almighty continue to grant the Commissioner of Tourism, Hon. John Alla, the grace and wisdom to fulfill the blueprint of his ministry to the last letter, and may God bless Bayelsa State, the Jerusalem of Ijaw Nation, and the Nature’s Haven of Niger Delta.
Again, congratulations to the land of glory.
Opinion
Dr. Mulade Laments Poor Developmwntal State of Delta Oil-producing Communities Despite Huge 13% Accruals
By: Divine Perezide
The living conditions and developmental stayts of Delta citizens have once again come under review in comparing dividends versus 13% derivation funds amidst other federal allocations. Observers believe that the people of Delta State have continued to suffer untold hardship despite the 13% oil derivation funds accruable to the oil-rich State, popular human and environmental rights activist.
CAddi his voice to this assertions is Comrade Chief Dr. Mulade Sheriff, a foremost environmental rights and good governance advocate.
According to Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu kingdom, an oil-prospecting Kindom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, “the funds do not translate into significant development in oil-producing communities, where residents often experience environmental degradation, poor infrastructure and neglect from goverment at all levels”.
The activist alleged that “the sufferings of Deltans are aggravated by those who manipulated the 13 percent derivation to the detriment of others, especially the host communities”.
Mulade made the assertions while speaking with journalists at the Africa for Peace Games village, Ugolo/Osubi, in Okpe Local Government Area on Sunday.
He said, “People of oil producing communities are wallowing in untold hardship as the reality affects all Deltans who should ordinarily benefit massively being part of oil producing states such as Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Bayelsa, Abia, Ondo, Imo, Anambra, and recently, Lagos State.
“So far, nothing has been done as regards N1.3trillion Naira of the 13% Derivatives paid to the Delta State Government within the eight years tenure of the immediate past governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“Despite the bold steps taken by stakeholders, the case has suffered some setback becuase of political interferenc. But the push is not over.
“The Niger Delta region is still suffering from massive infrastructure decay, widespread poverty and environmental degradation, among numerous others as the 13% Percent derivation funds are not used for the development of oil-producing and bearing communities.
“The funds are now budget tools being used by most of the states, instead of using the funds for the actual purpose they were meant for”.
Mulade spoke further, “Delta State is a major beneficiary of the 13% derivation fund which is a constitutional provision in Nigeria that mandates 13% of the revenue generated from natural resources be allocated to the oil-producing states.
“As one of the country’s most significant oil-producing states, Delta State consistently receives the highest share of the derivation fund among all eligible states.
“In the first five months of 2025, Delta received ₦185.16 billion, the largest allocation among the nine oil-producing states.
“Between June 2023 and May 2024, Delta State’s share amounted to ₦211.69 billion.
“The state also received a significant 29% of the total 13% oil derivation funds distributed across the country from 2015 to 2023.
“The funds do not translate into significant development in oil-producing communities, where residents often experience environmental degradation, poor infrastructure and abject poverty.
“Delta State had reportedly withheld a large portion of the derivation funds from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the agency responsible for developing oil-producing communities”.
It will be recalled that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Stakeholders Forum recently despatched an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu raising similar allegations.
Its quiet unfortunate that DESOPADEC currently exist on newspapers, paid media houses and has become a tool for government to compensate political foot soldiers, he lamented.
By: Derick Peretengboro
Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist Obinna Iyegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, has delivered an inspiring message to young Nigerians, urging them to channel their energy into overcoming poverty rather than engaging in unhealthy rivalries.
In his advice, Obi Cubana emphasized that true growth is not determined by how long someone has been pursuing a venture but by how effectively they execute it. He cautioned youths against unnecessary competition, stressing that in life, “overtaking happens,” and as such, everyone should be treated with respect and important.
“The race isn’t between you and anyone, but against you and poverty forever, and be a role model to the next generation,” he said.
The message was shared during his visit to Enviable Tricycles, Enviable Transport, and Enviable Logistics Ltd., where he highlighted the need for resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence as key tools for empowerment and nation-building.
Observation note that Obi Cubana’s call resonates at a time when young Nigerians are seeking practical ways to navigate economic challenges and build sustainable futures.
Opinion
“Dr. Otuaro’s Successful Deployment Of Over 142 Niger Deltans For Onshore And Offshore Postgraduate Studies Highly Commendable” – Ozobo
Call for support towards Otuaro
By Divine Perezide
Popular Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin, known within his close circle as the ‘king of the dragons,’ has expressed deep satisfaction with the leadership style of Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro PhD, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), especially for the timely deployment of 142 beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom on Offshore Scholarship.
Ozobo said Dr. Dennis Otuaro has upgraded the face to the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty programme for ex-agitators which was completely bastardized by the previous administrations, adding that Otuaro’s people-centric leadership as PAP Administrator has set the agency apart to to envy of all. He also wondered if any other agency of the Federal Government has performed well like the PAP is currently doing.
While commending him, Ozobo said Dr Otuaro is detribalised, accommodating, most friendly and performing administrator of the programme, adding that the PAP beneficiaries, critical stakeholders and all Niger Delta youths should encourage him to do more for the beneficiaries of the program.
He also appealed to people with genuine concerns and challenges to approach Otuaro through the appropriate channels, adding he has shown demonstrable will to address every genuine concerns relating to the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Ozobo, alias the ‘senior advocate of the Niger Delta oppressed people’ also urged Dr. Dennis Otuaro to continue his good works and should not listen to the campaign of calumny by sponsored voices by enemies of Niger Delta, assuring that all well-meaning Niger Deltans were behind him.
The activist further congratulated the successful delegates, urging them to use the opportunity to build their future and avoid engaging in activities that could truncate their studies abroad by the foreign authorities.
Recall, Dr. Otuaro earlier emphasised that the students were carefully placed in competitive and professional courses designed to contribute to socio-economic growth, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the initiative aimed to bridge the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta region.
However, at the flag-off event, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to PAP for the opportunity, promising to make good use of the training and serve as worthy ambassadors of their families, communities, and the Niger Delta. Some officials, including the Technical Assistant to the PAP Administrator, Edgar Daniel, and the Head of PAP’s Education Department, Dr. Charles Ariye, delivered talks on social and cultural challenges, diplomatic and security considerations, and academic demands of studying in the UK.
The programme has also distributed laptops to scholarship recipients to support their research and academic work abroad. PAP’s focus on human capital development in the Niger Delta region is expected to yield long-term benefits, contributing to the area’s socio-economic advancement.
Ozobo’s commendation speaks volumes of the positive impact of PAP’s efforts under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.