28/07/2026
STATEMENT BY THE GBARAIN LADIES IN POLITICS FORUM
Women: Custodians of Culture, Builders of Community
The Gbarain Ladies In Politics Forum extends its warmest congratulations to the people of Gbarain Kingdom on the successful celebration of the 2026 Gbarain Uzu (Ayaburu Fi Uge) New Yam Festival, a remarkable cultural event that once again reaffirmed the unity, identity, and enduring heritage of our people.
The festival, which commenced on Tuesday, 15th July 2026, began with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ogboloma, followed by the Gbarain Unity Walk, where youths, women, elders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the kingdom marched together in a colourful display of peace, solidarity, and cultural pride. The celebration culminated in a grand finale on Saturday, 25th July 2026, attracting distinguished personalities from Bayelsa State and beyond.
As women of Gbarain Kingdom, we recognize that culture is not merely an annual celebration but the foundation upon which our identity, unity, values, and collective future are built. Throughout history, women have remained the foremost custodians of culture—raising children with the principles of integrity, discipline, respect, and communal responsibility while promoting peace, harmony, and sustainable development within families and communities.
The Gbarain Uzu Festival represents an enduring covenant between our people, our land, and Almighty God. It celebrates the blessings of harvest, honours the sacrifices of our forebears, strengthens the bonds among our communities, and reinforces our shared identity as one united Gbarain Kingdom. These timeless values must continue to be preserved and passed on from one generation to another.
The Forum commends the visionary leadership of His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Gabriel Funpere Akah, Ibenanaowei of the Ancient Gbarain Kingdom, whose unwavering commitment to preserving the customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of Gbarain Kingdom continues to inspire present and future generations.
We also appreciate His Royal Highness, Chief Reginald Akere Okoro, Paramount Ruler of Ogboloma Community, the Ogboloma Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ogboloma for successfully hosting this year’s festival with remarkable hospitality, excellence, and commitment.
Our profound appreciation equally goes to the Central Planning Committee, ably led by Chief Tuaweri Inemoye, for their dedication, coordination, and tireless efforts in delivering another successful and memorable edition of the festival.
The Gbarain Ladies In Politics Forum further acknowledges and appreciates the presence and support of His Excellency, Chief Peter Akpe, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; His Royal Majesty, King Shedrack Erebulu Peremobowei, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom and Royal Father of the Day; High Chief Doubara Kumouku, the Empowerment General and the New Democratic Congress (NDC) Candidate for the forthcoming National Assembly elections to represent the Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma (YELGA/KOLGA) Federal Constituency; Hon. Architect Reuben Boutuaowei Okoye, New Democratic Congress (NDC) Candidate for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; Hon. Pastor Esther Saiyou Martins, Incoming Member representing Yenagoa Constituency II in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Hon. Dr. Ebi Dickson; 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, City Boy Movement; members of the OEB Political Family; Mr. Oforji A. O., who commended the people of Gbarain Kingdom for preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage; distinguished traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, security agencies, cultural groups, media practitioners, community stakeholders, and every son and daughter of Gbarain, both at home and in the diaspora, whose presence and contributions made the festival a resounding success.
The Forum also warmly congratulates His Highness, Barr. Osomkime Edwin Blankson, on his well-deserved conferment with the revered traditional title of Pinauwurau I of Gbarain Kingdom, alongside the Humanitarian Award presented by the Ogboloma Council of Chiefs. This honour reflects his unwavering dedication to humanitarian service, visionary leadership, and community development.
As women aspiring to provide purposeful leadership within our communities and beyond, we firmly believe that political participation must never be separated from cultural preservation. A woman who understands and values her heritage is better equipped to influence public policy, promote peace, strengthen families, mentor future generations, and advocate for sustainable community development. The enduring values of integrity, hard work, respect for elders, communal living, accountability, and selfless service remain indispensable pillars for building a prosperous society.
The Gbarain Ladies In Politics Forum therefore calls on every woman and girl across Gbarain Kingdom to embrace the sacred responsibility of preserving our language, customs, festivals, moral values, and peaceful coexistence. Let us continue to mentor the younger generation, support initiatives that promote our cultural identity, and actively participate in leadership that protects and advances the interests of our people.
Together, we can ensure that the rich heritage of Gbarain Kingdom remains vibrant, relevant, and inspiring for generations yet unborn.
May Almighty God continue to bless Gbarain Kingdom with peace, unity, abundant harvests, sustainable development, and enduring progress.
Long Live Gbarain Kingdom!
Long Live the Gbarain Ladies In Politics Forum!
Long Live Bayelsa State!
Compile By Comr. Dipamoere A Seighotei
Chairperson, Gbarain Ladies In Politics Forum
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