24/08/2026
CITY BOY MOVEMENT BAYELSA TAKES RENEWED HOPE MESSAGE TO FAMGBE WOMEN AT NEW YAM FESTIVAL
The Bayelsa State Chapter of the City Boy Movement has taken its message of political consciousness, community development and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the women and people of Famgbe during the community’s colourful New Yam Festival.
The annual celebration, which brought together women, traditional stakeholders, community leaders and other distinguished guests, provided an opportunity to celebrate Famgbe’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural traditions and enduring values of communal solidarity.
Speaking at the event, the State Director of the City Boy Movement, H.H. Barr. Osomkime Edwin Blankson, commended the women of Famgbe for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the community’s cultural identity and indigenous traditions.
He described the New Yam Festival as more than a cultural celebration, noting that it represents an important link between the past, present and future of the community.
According to him, the knowledge embedded in traditional agriculture, communal cooperation, respect for elders and cultural values remains relevant to contemporary society and must be deliberately transmitted to younger generations.
“Our culture is not merely a celebration of the past; it is a foundation upon which we can build the future. The knowledge of farming, community cooperation and respect for our traditions must not be allowed to disappear with one generation. We must deliberately transfer these values to our children and young people.”
Blankson also used the occasion to encourage the people of Famgbe, particularly women and youths, to become more actively engaged in the political and democratic process.
He emphasized that meaningful development requires an informed and politically conscious citizenry, urging the people to participate actively in elections and other democratic processes.
The City Boy Movement State Director further called on the people to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and its broader vision for economic growth, empowerment and national development.
He stressed that political participation should go beyond election-day voting, urging citizens to engage constructively with government, demand accountability and support policies and initiatives capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
On the issue of women and youth development, Blankson reaffirmed the commitment of the City Boy Movement to promoting initiatives that expand opportunities for these critical segments of society.
He maintained that no development strategy can be sustainable without the meaningful participation of women and young people, particularly in areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, skills development and community leadership.
He equally called on families, traditional institutions and community stakeholders to sustain Famgbe’s agricultural heritage, stressing that farming remains an important avenue for food security, economic empowerment and livelihood development.
Blankson also appealed for stronger collaboration between government, traditional institutions and citizens in advancing the development of Bayelsa State. He encouraged the people to support initiatives of the administration of Senator Douye Diri that are geared towards improving the welfare and development of communities across the state.
Also speaking at the event, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency I in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Ayebanengieyefa Egba, commended the women of Famgbe for their commitment to preserving the community’s cultural heritage through the annual New Yam Festival.
Chief Egba emphasized the importance of deliberately transmitting cultural values and agricultural knowledge to younger generations, noting that the survival of every community’s identity depends largely on its ability to preserve its heritage while adapting to changing realities.
She particularly encouraged the women and farmers of Famgbe to sustain agriculture as an important economic activity and livelihood source.
The lawmaker further urged women, youths and farmers in the community to explore and take advantage of agricultural grants, empowerment opportunities and relevant support programmes provided through the Bayelsa State Ministry of Agriculture and other government interventions.
She noted that access to such opportunities, coupled with improved agricultural practices and modern technology, could enhance productivity, create employment and strengthen household incomes.
Chief Egba therefore encouraged the women to remain active participants in the agricultural economy while ensuring that the knowledge, skills and values associated with farming are passed on to the younger generation.
Among those present at the celebration were the State Coordinator, Hon. Carter Cleopass, High Chief Promise Lawuru, popularly known as Ozigi Zaga; Dr. Sylbricks Obiriki; Elder Ogeibiri Orubebe; Hon. Ikemike Idiseye; Hon. Alaowei Opukeme; Hon. Emmanuel Okemieseyeh; Hon. Inimoye Maxwell Brown, as well as other community leaders, political stakeholders and distinguished guests.
The celebration continued in a vibrant atmosphere of cultural displays, communal interaction and festivities, as the people of Famgbe came together to honour their heritage, celebrate agriculture and reaffirm the bonds of unity that define the community.
The City Boy Movement, Bayelsa State Chapter, commended the Famgbe community for sustaining its cultural traditions and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women and youth empowerment, agricultural development, cultural preservation, political participation and inclusive community development.
The Movement maintained that preserving culture and advancing development are not mutually exclusive; rather, a society that understands and values its heritage is better positioned to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Myvonne Paul Azibato
Media and Communications
City Boy Movement, Bayelsa State Chapter
