Bayelsa State government has assured the people of Atissa Kingdom of its commitment to promoting tourism through their various cultural activities.
Governor Seriake Dickson stated this at this year’s New Yam Festival (Uge Adiafa Atissa) tagged “Yenagoa 2014.”
Represented by the Deputy Governor Gborinbiogha John-Jonah, the governor commended the Atissa Kingdom Council of Chiefs and the organising committee for their effort at ensuring the success of the programme.
He also eulogized the late King Fredrick Uge Adiku Simangi, the initiator and founder of the festival for bringing various communities together through the platform and urged other communities to emulate Atissa people.
In their demands, to link the Atissa communities situated at the western Bank of Ikoli bridge to national grid and the completion of the road linking Ogu, Akaba, Ogbogoro, Famgbe and Ikolo, the Governor assured that soon, their demands will be met.
Earlier, Deacon Markson Fefegha, the Commissioner of Information and Orientation said the celebration was aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Atissa people in line with the restoration agenda of government to revive the Ijaw Culture.
The Commissioner noted that, the people used the festival to revitalize the youth in the area to be more productive in the various programmes.
In his address, King Godwin Igodo, Chairman Bayelas State Council of traditional rulers described this year’s Uge Adiafa festival as unique, for the fact that Yenagoa community which is the seat of government was host.
The Ebenibe of Atissa Kingdom, who doubled as chief host, said the Atissa people must be united in other to sustain the age long culture of the festival and key to their produce in government to achieve the set goal.