_THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BAYELSA STATE._
-By Paul Damgbor
Nickname – The Glory of all Lands .
Yenagoa, the vibrant capital city of Bayelsa State, is poised to warmly welcome an estimated 350 Distinguished Media Executives and Directors from the Broadcast, Print, and Online Industries across Nigeria.
This gathering promises to ignite fresh ideas and foster collaborations that will shape the future of Media in our Nation.
It’s a Confab that will inspire the needed change, celebrate innovative ideas that would stimulate the economy and beef up strategies for sustainable development and National Growth .
A transformative journey taking place in the heart of the Niger Delta .
Significantly, Bayelsa State will be playing host to the *20th Anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Guild of Editors.
With a population of over 2.2 million people* (2016 forecast), Bayelsa State sits precariously at the brink of the Atlantic Ocean, spanning a *landmark of about 21,108.4 square km*.
A drive of approximately 546 km from Lagos State takes about 8 to 9 hours.
The distance is similar if you’re traveling from Abuja by road.
Bayelsa is a land rich in natural resources and breathtaking rainforest beauty.
With an impressive contribution of about *40% of Nigeria’s oil and gas* to the federation account, it stands as a beacon of potential.
The primary occupation, fishing, showcases the resilience and richness of life, with *over 200 species of fish* thriving in its waters, embodying the spirit of sustenance and abundance.
Their major food is *_kekefia_* – made from Plantain recipes. “Bole” is a popular delicacy within the Niger Delta region.
Bayelsa State stands as the proud epitome of the Ijaw Nations, a vibrant tapestry woven from a rich cultural heritage.
This remarkable region, where the major language is *Izon*, is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Kolokunu, Eketiama, Biseni, Atissa, and Igbriran.
Each community contributes unique traditions and stories, creating a harmonious blend of voices that resonate with the spirit of resilience and unity.
Bayelsa is not just a place; it is a celebration of identity and cultural richness that inspires all who call it home.
It was *Created in Rivers State in 1996* by the then Military Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha. It has the least number of Local Govt. Areas in Nigeria ( *8 LGAs).*
The survey also reveals that the Poverty index is unfavorably high.
This year’s ANEC Chief Host is Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Governor.
Coincidentally, it was in the month of November 16, 2019 Election in Bayelsa State that Governor Diri emerged victorious in the Governorship Race in his first tenure.
His triumph came through a Supreme Court verdict that disqualified Mr. David Lyon, the APC Gubernatorial Candidate, over certificate irregularities involving his Deputy.
The *Theme of the Conference tagged : “Economic Growth and Development Strategies in Resource-Rich Country* “, will provide the fulcrum of robust deliberations “aimed at addressing the challenges of the Nation’s economy and the Media space.
Key Experts , Actors and Players from various Sectors” shall graced conversation on possible way out of the Country’s onerous challenges.
Among those expected to led discussion at the Conference are : Vice President Kashim Shettima , Minister of Information and National Orientation , Mohammed Idris , National Security Adviser (NSA) -Nuru Ribadu ,etc .
While the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief,THIS DAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena is to chair the Conference.
The Confab kicks off from *Wednesday, the 6th, to Saturday, the 9th of November, 2024.
Welcome to Bayelsa State –
The Glory of all Lands.
Compiled by:
Paul Damgbor
PH.
