By Nkechi Eze
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Friday brought together culture and political engagement as they participated in a traditional Ijaw boat regatta at Toru-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The event, organised as part of activities marking Dickson’s homecoming, featured a colourful display of Ijaw cultural heritage, with traditional warriors and war boats taking to the waterways in a celebration of the people’s history, identity and ancestral traditions.
According to a statement signed by Mr Gabriel Ukuta, Coordinator of Ofurumapepe Media, Dickson and Obi joined the procession, which showcased the rich riverine traditions of the Ijaw people.
The regatta featured traditional war boats and warriors in a display symbolising courage, unity, resilience and ancestral pride, adding cultural significance to the homecoming celebration.
For Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, the occasion provided an opportunity to experience an important aspect of the cultural identity and historical heritage of the Ijaw nation.
Among the Ijaw people, the boat represents more than a means of transportation, reflecting their longstanding relationship with the waterways, which have shaped their history, livelihoods, struggles and social identity.
The participation of the two political leaders also highlighted the intersection of cultural heritage and political engagement, as stakeholders and community members gathered to celebrate Dickson’s return while showcasing traditions that have endured across generations.
Beyond the cultural celebration, the homecoming also provided a platform for political discussions and the NDC’s development agenda for Bayelsa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a stakeholders’ rally in Yenagoa, Dickson pledged to work with Obi to ensure the execution of the proposed Agge Seaport project if the NDC wins the 2027 presidential election.
Dickson said an administration led by Obi would give renewed attention to the project, which he described as important to Bayelsa’s economic development and greater participation in the maritime sector.
“When Peter Obi becomes President, I will work with him to see that the Agge Seaport project is executed,” he said.
The former governor also disclosed that the party would unveil its development plans for Bayelsa when its leaders return for the official election campaigns.
“When we are back for the official campaigns, we will unveil the NDC plans for Bayelsa State,” Dickson stated.
He urged Bayelsans to support Obi and the NDC in the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence in the party’s capacity to present an alternative political and development agenda for the state and the country.
The proposed Agge Seaport project is expected to feature among the development issues in the party’s engagements with Bayelsans, particularly in view of the state’s maritime potential and aspirations for economic expansion.
Dickson concluded his appeal with a call for national renewal, declaring: “Nigeria must be OK.”
