AMASHOWCASE
r's note
Obolo itiki!
Prepare yourselves for an even grander celebration at the forthcoming festival next year, set to take place between the 4th and 5th of July biennially! And in case you haven't heard, I have been bestowed with a native sobriquet - 'Ujagwun': a title that emanates a regal essence, accentuating my newfound identity as a cherished member of the Unyeada Kingdom. Embracing the profound significance of this Obolo name, which translates to "the beautiful child", I proudly bear the mantle of Ujagwun, a symbol of the warm local connections that await you along the enchanting pathways of Andoni
spectacle that is increasingly rare in our modern times when indigenous cultures are under threat.
We were compelled to publish this comprehensive showcase report on the extraordinary festivities, recognizing that a mere social media post would not suffice to convey the depth of our experience
Don't miss our bonus read about our quick visit to Ikuru Atlantic beach. There's also a French caption for some articles, let us know if you'd like to see more of that in subsequent publications. Stay connected with us so we can keep you updated on all the exciting things happening in the vibrant Niger Delta region
"Profitez
du voyage!"
Tamunotonye Pamela
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DIRECTOR
- Tamunotonye Pamela
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO
- Kalada Briggs (Pixpectiv)
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- TubotamunoFranklin
- Chibuike Great
- Gogo Abel Ujile
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- Edmond Opuagulaya
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- Yolanda Daniel
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- Eritage Africa
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HISTORY
Contributor: Gogo Abel Ujile
The Unyeada Fishing Festival, also known as Ijok-irin, is an annual event celebrated by the Unyeada people in the Andoni Local Government of Rivers State The event typically climaxes on the 5th of July at Oyetile Square in Unyeada, the ancestral town of the Unyeada Kingdom in southern Nigeria
The age-old festival holds great significance for the Unyeada people as it marks the end of the fishing season and heralds the beginning of a new one
The history of the festival dates back several decades, with its origins rooted in the community's prowess in fishing practices and customs in the Niger Delta region Unyeada fishing folks, who are found not only in the oil-rich Niger Delta of Nigeria but also in the Bakassi Peninsula, Republic of Cameroon, and other West African countries, gather annually at the end of the fishing season to celebrate their biggest harvest and give thanks for a successful fishing journey. It is a tradition amongst the Unyeada fishermen not to solely eat or sell their biggest catch Instead, such a catch will be preserved, usually smoked, and must be presented before the King (Okaan-Ama) of the Unyeada Kingdom for traditional blessings and recognition during the festival
In recent times, the festival has evolved into a spectacular tourist attraction, bringing together people from far and near to commemorate the rich cultural and fishing heritage of the Unyeada people
During the festival, various activities and events take place, including traditional fishing competitions, boat regattas, cultural performances, music and dance, exhibitions, and food stalls offering fresh seafood dishes
The festival is a time for the community to come together, share stories and experiences, and honor the important role that fishing plays in the town's economy and culture.
The Ijok-irin marks a significant moment in the Unyeada people's calendar, signaling the transition from one fishing season to the next and symbolizing hope and prosperity for the year ahead. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration for the fishermen and residents of the Unyeada Kingdom
Want to experience Unyeada Fishing Festival 2025? Plan ahead!
Local and foreign visitors are invited to attend the Unyeada Fishing Festival. Join our local tour list for reminders, travel packages, accommodation arrangements and guides to make your festival experience unforgettable. Explore other exciting festival tours in the Niger Delta and Africa with us
Simply email ask eritage@gmail com or WhatsApp +2348107601636 to join We look forward to welcoming you!
Festival2024 CelebratesRich CulturalHeritageand SkilledFishermen
Written by: Tamunotonye Pamela
The town of Unyeada, located in Andoni, Rivers State, Nigeria, came alive on Friday, 5th July 2024, as it celebrated the annual Unyeada Fishing Festival, also known as Ijokirin in the native Obolo language. This longstanding tradition, which has been cherished for hundreds of years, holds significant cultural value to the community, as highlighted by
Pastor Chief Timothy W. Ntideng, General Secretary of the Unyeada Kingdom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
The day's festivities kicked off in the early hours of the morning with the traditional canon firing signaling the start of the activities
A high-spirited parade of young men, symbolizing their transition into adulthood to join the 'ogbo-anange', showcased vibrant displays of tradition, including singing, chants, and dances that resonated throughout the town. As the day progressed, the festival entered its second phase at noon, featuring a decorative showcase of traditional fishing tools and the rare aquatic catches of the courageous Unyeada fishermen. The exhibition wowed spectators with displays of live mega-sized fresh fishes, large adult dolphin teeth, water antelope tusks, and other fascinating treasures from the sea.
Le festival de pêche d'Unyeada 2024 célèbre le riche patrimoineculturel et les pêcheurs talentueux.
La ville d'Unyeada, située dans l'État de Rivers, au Nigeria, s'est animée le vendredi 5 juillet 2024, lors de la célébration du festival annuel de la pêche d'Unyeada, également connu sous le nom d'Ijok-irin dans la langue locale Obolo. Cette tradition ancestrale, qui est chérie depuis des centaines d'années, a une valeur culturelle significative pour la communauté, comme l'a souligné le Pasteur Chef Timothy W Ntideng, Secrétaire Général du Conseil Suprême des Rois Traditionnels du Royaume d'Unyeada
Les festivités de la journée ont débuté tôt le matin avec le traditionnel tir de canon annonçant le début des activités. Une parade animée de jeunes hommes, symbolisant leur passage à l'âge adulte pour rejoindre l'ogboanange, a présenté des spectacles vibrants de tradition, incluant chants, danses et chants qui ont résonné dans toute la ville.
During the official opening remark, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Israel U.Otuo IX JP, OkaanAma and Paramount Ruler of Unyeada Kingdom represented by Oro-Uboon (Chf.) Eugene L. Elleh, Chairman Otuo King Makers Assembly, expressed his gratitude to the government for recognizing the Unyeada Fishing Festival as a tourism hotspot in Rivers State. In response, Barr. Tomonialadieokuma Ishmael (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Culture and Tourism) applauded the efforts of the 33 communities of Unyeada Kingdom for consistently organizing the Unyeada fishing festival for centuries. He noted that, "the elephant sanctuary is known. The Ikuru beach is known; the coastal line of Andoni is also known... We (the government) are thinking of a ferry from Andoni to São Tomé and Príncipe that will further develop good tourism in the area"
"We came here to see this thing (the Unyeada Fishing Festival) and we have seen it Everything here we have seen will be reported to the governor; he will be aware of what we are doing here and in no distance time, the name of Unyeada will be on the globe".
Chief
And
Sponsors of the 2024 Unyeada Fishing Festival: Chf (Pst ) Prince Isaiah Simoen OroAtankpo,(The Oro-Atankpo1) of Unyeada Kingdom)
Amb Bartholomew Ephraim (Njenyisi 1 of Unyeada Kingdom
Unyeada fishermen exhibit rare sea treasures and their traditional fishing tools at the festival.
Guest Exhibitor:
Mr. Victor Otuka, Curator, National Commission for Museum and Monuments
Port Harcourt
Other central cultural highlight of the festival was the ceremonial presentation of the traditional salad 'ogo' to visitors. According to the tradition, elderly women performed a captivating dance as they carried the tray of spicy palm oildrenched fish meal to offer to the king regent, who represented the king of Unyeada Kingdom. This traditional ritual added a touch of heritage and respect to the event as the Ogo traditional salad was then presented to dignitaries in attendance
Master of Ceremony, MC Octopus, acknowledged the presence of highprofile government officials, traditional rulers, visitors from neighboring communities, the Ijaw nation, and Andoni's sons and daughters who traveled from afar to partake in the celebrations The festival buzzed with excitement, as traditional music, masquerade displays, and vibrant dances filled the atmosphere with joy and camaraderie.
Ogo is a special traditional dish usually served to important visitors. It is prepared with dry fish, bush pepper, and palm oil Traditionally, only menopausal women are allowed to present this meal to visitors as women of childbearing age are considered 'unsuitable' 10
Un point culminant culturel central du festival était la présentation cérémoniale de la salade traditionnelle 'ogo' aux visiteurs. Selon la tradition, des femmes âgées ont effectué une danse captivante alors qu'elles portaient le plateau de repas de poisson trempé dans de l'huile de palme épicée pour l'offrir au régent du roi, qui représentait le roi du Royaume Unyeada. Ce rituel traditionnel a ajouté une touche d'héritage et de respect à l'événement, car la salade traditionnelle Ogo a ensuite été présentée aux dignitaires présents.
Le maître de cérémonie, MC Octopus, a reconnu la présence de hauts fonctionnaires du gouvernement, de chefs traditionnels, de visiteurs des communautés voisines, de la nation Ijaw et des fils et filles d'Andoni venus de loin pour participer aux festivités Le festival était animé par l'excitation, la musique traditionnelle, les démonstrations de masques et les danses vibrantes remplissaient l'atmosphère de joie et de camaraderie.
GALLERY
In summary, Unyeada Fishing Festival 2024 was a vibrant and culturally-rich event that paid homage to the people's heritage, celebrated skilled fishermen, and brought the community together in a spirit of joy and tradition
Hosted by the warm and welcoming people of Unyeada; the festival was a resounding success.
IKURU ATLANTIC BEACH MUNIFICENCE
Written by: TuboTamuno Ogbari Franklin, Tamunotonye Pamela Daniel
Tubo: Our visit to Ikuru beach in Andoni, Rivers State was a thrilling adventure that I couldn't resist experiencing once more since I was in the area. As part of the Eritage Africa team, we had embarked on a trip from Port Harcourt to Unyeada to witness the Unyeada Fishing Festival. Luckily, the ancient town where the celebration took place was just a short 10KM drive to the breathtaking Atlantic seafront (Kalaibiama 2) in Ikuru. Eager to pass the time before the festival's afternoon session,
I convinced the team to make a quick drive to the beach. Less than 20 minutes later, we arrived at the entrance the pathway that led to Ikuru Atlantic beach. Initially, a group of locals approaching our car was somewhat unsettling, but they explained that the stop and search was a security measure to verify visitors' identities and ensure safety in their peaceful community. We were directed to meet with the youth leader at the Ikuru town square, just a minute's drive away. The friendly face greeted us and, after a brief conversation inquiring about our visit, he warmly
To get from Port Harcourt to Ikuru Atlantic beach in Rivers State, you will start by heading south on Aba Road towards the coast Continue on Aba Road until you reach the junction for Akpajo/Eleme Turn right at the junction and follow the road towards Akpajo/Eleme until you reach the junction for Okrika/Ogu Turn left at the junction and continue on the road towards Okrika/Ogu until you reach the junction for Ikuru Turn right at the junction and follow the signs or ask for directions to Ikuru Atlantic beach once you are near the town of Ikuru. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours from Port Harcourt to Ikuru Atlantic beach, depending on traffic and road conditions Drive safely, obey all traffic rules, and enjoy your visit to Ikuru Atlantic beach!
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