From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
High Chief Ebiango Egain has commended the people of Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for celebrating the age long cultural festival of their forebears.
According to Egain, the celebration, which brings together sons and daughters of the community, including the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, is a testament to the community’s rich cultural heritage.
He expressed joy and gratitude to be part of the celebration. “It is a thing of joy for the Ayakoro people,” he said, recalling the community’s history and the significance of the festival.
He noted that, the festival commemorates the community’s relocation to its present site, threatened by erosion, and is a celebration of gratitude to God for the wisdom given to the leaders to discover the new settlement.
When asked about the relevance of the festival in modern times, Egain emphasized the importance of community gatherings, citing biblical teachings. “Even the Bible says do not despise the gathering of the children of God,” he said, noting that the festival brings together people from all walks of life, fostering unity and togetherness.
On the relationship between Christianity and culture, Egain believes that they can coexist harmoniously. “Christianity and tradition, the ways of the people, go hand in hand, as long as you are doing things that are not inimical to God, it is acceptable by God,” he said.
