26/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Comrade Apinaowei Gesiebi led Gbarain Youths Federation Executives Commends Youths, Stakeholders as 2026 Gbarain Uzu (Ayaburu Fi Uge) Festival Ends Successfully
The Gbarain Youths Federation has commended the youths of Gbarain Kingdom for their exemplary conduct, discipline, hospitality and unwavering commitment to peace throughout the successful celebration of the 2026 Gbarain Uzu (Ayaburu Fi Uge) New Yam Festival.
The Federation noted that the peaceful atmosphere recorded throughout the festival once again demonstrated the maturity, unity and cultural pride of Gbarain youths, whose cooperation contributed immensely to the success of one of Bayelsa State’s oldest and most celebrated cultural festivals.
This year’s festival was hosted by Ogboloma Community under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Chief Reginald Akere Okoro, Paramount Ruler of Ogboloma Community, while the Central Planning Committee was ably chaired by Chief Tuaweri Inemoye, whose dedication ensured the smooth coordination of all festival activities.
The festival commenced on Tuesday, 15th July 2026, with a Thanksgiving Service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ogboloma, where the people of Gbarain gathered to appreciate God for another successful farming season and abundant harvest.
The thanksgiving service was immediately followed by the colourful Gbarain Unity Walk, which witnessed massive participation from youths, elders, women, community leaders and other stakeholders across the Kingdom. The Unity Walk symbolized the beginning of the festive calendar and reaffirmed the commitment of the Gbarain people to peace, unity and communal development.
Activities continued throughout the festival period and climaxed with the colourful grand finale held on Saturday, 25th July 2026, attracting traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community stakeholders and numerous guests from within and outside Bayelsa State.
The event was led by His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Gabriel Funpere Akah, the Ibenanaowei of the Ancient Gbarain Kingdom, whose fatherly leadership continues to preserve the rich customs, traditions and cultural identity of the Gbarain people.
The festival also welcomed His Excellency, Chief Dr. Pastor Peter Akpe, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour. His presence underscored the importance of preserving Bayelsa’s cultural heritage and promoting unity among the people.
Serving as the Royal Father of the Day was His Royal Majesty, King Shedrack Erebulu Peremobowei, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, whose participation further strengthened the long-standing relationship between neighbouring kingdoms.
Among other distinguished personalities present were: High Chief Doubara Kumouku, the Youth Governor of Bayelsa State and NDC Aspirant for the Office of Member Represnting Yelga/Kolga Fedral Constituency, Hon. Pastor Esther Saiyou Martins, Incoming Member representing Yenagoa Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Hon. Dr. Ebi Dickson; Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo; and Hon. Reuben Ebimiyeowei Okoya alongside numerous political leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders.
One of the major highlights of the grand finale was the conferment of the prestigious traditional title of Pinauwurau I of Gbarain Kingdom on His Highness, Barrister Osomkime Edwin Blankson, Bayelsa State Director of the City Boy Movement, in recognition of his exemplary leadership, humanitarian service and commitment to societal development.
In addition to the traditional title, the Ogboloma Council of Chiefs honoured Barr. Blankson with a Humanitarian Award in appreciation of his outstanding compassion, selfless service to humanity and remarkable contributions to the welfare of the people.
Barr. Osomkime Edwin Blankson attended the event alongside Hon. Lucky Prince Youbogha, Director of Transport, Government House; Hon. Ogeibiri Orubebe, Ekeremor Local Government Area Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors; Barr. Inemoye Maxwell Brown, Legal Adviser, City Boy Movement, Bayelsa State; Hon. Ebiegberi Diri, Director of Finance, City Boy Movement, Bayelsa State Chapter; Hon. Opukiri Alawei, Yenagoa Local Government Area Coordinator of the City Boy Movement; and members of the OEB Political Family.
Also lending their support to the celebration was Oforji A. O., who commended the people of Gbarain Kingdom for preserving and promoting their cultural heritage, describing the festival as a cherished celebration that strengthens unity, reflects the rich traditions of the Kingdom and reinforces the bonds connecting generations of Gbarain people.
The Gbarain Youths Federation sincerely appreciates His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Gabriel Funpere Akah, His Royal Highness, Chief Reginald Akere Okoro, Chief Tuaweri Inemoye, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Pastor Peter Akpe, His Royal Majesty, King Shedrack Erebulu Peremobowei, Hon. Pastor Esther Saiyou Martins, Hon. Dr. Ebi Dickson, Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo, Hon. Reuben Ebimiyeowei Okoya, His Highness, Barr. Osomkime Edwin Blankson, Hon. Lucky Prince Youbogha, Hon. Ogeibiri Orubebe, Barr. Inemoye Maxwell Brown, Hon. Ebiegberi Diri, Hon. Opukiri Alawei, members of the OEB Political Family, the Ogboloma Council of Chiefs, security agencies, community leaders, women, youths, volunteers, cultural groups, media organisations and every individual whose contributions ensured the remarkable success of the festival.
The Federation equally congratulates His Highness, Barr. Osomkime Edwin Blankson, on his well-deserved conferment as Pinauwurau I of Gbarain Kingdom and recipient of the Humanitarian Award.
As the 2026 Gbarain Uzu (Ayaburu Fi Uge) Festival comes to a successful close, the Gbarain Youths Federation calls on all sons and daughters of the Kingdom to sustain the spirit of peace, unity, love and mutual respect demonstrated throughout the celebration, while remaining committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage handed down by our forefathers for generations yet unborn.
Signed
Gbarain Voice Media
Official Media Outfit of the Gbarain Youths Federation
Compiled by:
Miss Dipamoere A Seighotei
Public Relations Officer
Gbarain Youths Federation
