Bayelsa is the hub of culture in the Niger Delta —Dickson •Honours troupe’s victory at NAFEST 2016

Sequel to the victory of the Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2016, the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has said that Bayelsa stands out as the hub of culture in the Niger Delta, particularly for its unique sights, sound and destinations.

This, the Governor said at a special dinner in honour of the state’s Council for Arts and Culture for their meritorious victory at the 2016 NAFEST in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He pointed out that the people of the state were hospitable and that they receive tourist with open arms, even as he posited that the state was a paradise of tourism; and that government was committed to promote, as well as export  tourism from the state to the international communities.

Dickson was emphatic that if tourism is well harnessed it would compete favourably with wealth derived from oil sector, even as pointed that Brazil earns its major income from the Rio International Carnival that is visited by several millions of tourist lovers all over the world.

He reiterated that Bayelsa, as the headquarter and the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation, is endowed with both natural and man-made tourist destinations, particularly the ocean view sand beaches in Brass Island, the Lake Efi in Sagbama and war canoe house boat regatta in Nembe.

Continuing, he pointed out that the Whiteman’s grave yard is a monument of sorts as their children and relatives could contribute to the state economy by paying visit to their fathers’ graves in Twon Brass, and the colonial light house in Akassa, amongst several festivals.

The Governor averred that the state’s cuisine and delicacies were also alluring to several tourist that had visited, manely the Keke Fiyai, Osin (Starch) and banger soup, and several sea foods gotten fresh from the fresh and salt waters in the state.

Dickson submitted that the Ijaw attire is also unique, as it has become an household dress style in the country, as well as the unique Ijaw dance that saw the state troupe emerge as the winner of the 2016 NAFEST in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Governor, alsoappointed Mrs. Payeboye Festus-Lokoh as the new director to pilot the affairs of the State Council for Art and Culture; and enjoined her to sustain her patriotic zeal and hardwork that led to the emergence of the state contingents as the winner of National Festival of Art and Culture (NAFEST) 2016.

He thanked them for making the state proud and promised them of his government’s unending support, even as he approved the release of funds for the preparation for the forthcoming Abuja carnival, as well as making plans to sponsor them to an international outing.

Goveror Dickson, however regretted the absence of a substantive director to pilot the affairs of the council, and immediately announced and confirmed the appointment of the acting director, Mrs. Payeboye Festus-Lokoh as the new director as she has proved to be of a reputable character and also hardworking.