Gov. Diri Hails 34th Obunem Epie Festival as Symbol of Unity, Cultural Preservation in Bayelsa
By Chris Mark
The 34th edition of the Obunem Epie Festival ended in grand style on Saturday, July 4th, 2026 at the Central Epie Secondary School Field, Opolo-Epie, Yenagoa, with Bayelsa State leaders praising it as a platform for unity, cultural preservation and youth empowerment.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, Governor Douye Diri commended the Epie Kingdom for fostering unity across political, religious and generational lines.
“We see people from PDP, both new and old, APC, NDC, ADC. We are all here and that is the unity that Senator Diri preaches and that’s why this gathering is commendable,” he stated.
He also noted the presence of Christians and Muslims, adding, “We have dropped all that has been pushing us left, right and center and we have come together to say we are one.”
The Governor emphasized cultural preservation and intergenerational learning. “This is the best way to preserve our culture. Children of Epie, from far and near, are gathered here, they will learn first hand our history and culture,” he said.
He described the singing of the national anthem in the Epie language as “extremely commendable” and urged continued efforts toward language preservation. Bayelsa, he added, is indebted to the Epie people for supporting peace, progress and development.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Bar. Blankson Osomkime, described the festival as more than an ancestral celebration. “For centuries it has served as a period when we showcase the unique culture of our kingdom,” he stated.
He warned that culture is a strategic asset for development. “No society can develop meaningfully if it loses its cultural foundation. Epie culture, its language, its tradition, its communal spirit and its deep rooted respect for unity are not relics of the past. It is a strategic asset for the future.”
Osomkime said the future of the kingdom rests with its youths, calling for a shift “from celebration to empowerment” through skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, education, leadership grooming, and exposure to digital and creative industries.
“If we fail to empower the youth we will be celebrating culture without continuity,” he said. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for its focus on youth development and economic inclusion.
Chief Host, His Royal Highness Eniya Nengibo, Ogborogbo XII, Obeneken of Opolo-Epie Community, said the festival is “a symbol of identity, history, culture and tradition.”
“This is more than a festival. It is a carnival.It brings the people together. It tells our story. It shows we have a history, a culture, and a tradition,” he stated. He noted that the presence of members from all political parties proves the festival “binds the community beyond politics.”
The monarch urged youths to sustain the tradition, thanked dignitaries for their support, and called on the local government committee to “build on the momentum of the festival” as “an instrument of development and unity.”
The Obunem Epie Festival, now in its 34th year, brings Epie indigenes together annually between June and July to celebrate heritage and discuss community development.
