The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief (Hon.) Ebi MacDonald Igbadiwei Esq., has been honoured in recognition of his contributions toward the advancement, unity and socio-economic development of Anyama Community, as well as his efforts towards the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Igbadiwei who was represented by the National Vice President II of the Congress, High Chief Ken Odiowei,  received the meritorious award during the colourful Anyama Day Cultural Festival, which brought together prominent Ijaw leaders, political figures, traditional personalities, community stakeholders, cultural groups and other guests from across the Ijaw Nation.

Receiving the award, Odiowei expressed appreciation to the people of Anyama for recognising the contributions of the INC President and the leadership of the Congress to the unity and development of the Ijaw nation.

The INC delegation at the festival included National Vice President, Dr. Felix Tuodolor; National Assistant Secretary, Barr. Marshall; Chairman of INC Western Zone, Barr. Priye Noel Kuete; Western Zonal Vice Chairman, Hon. Vita Odi; Western Zonal Publicity Secretary, High Chief Masah Godwin; and Western Zonal Treasurer, Apostle Monday Aboh, among other members of the Congress.

The presence of the national and Western Zonal leadership of the INC underscored the importance attached to the annual celebration and the Congress' commitment to strengthening unity, solidarity and cultural identity among Ijaw communities.

Beyond the presentation of the award, the Anyama Day Cultural Festival featured a colourful display of Ijaw music, dance, tradition and communal identity, with Ijaw musicians entertaining guests at the event, with popular artiste Abraham Young among other performers, who thrilled the audience.

Different Ijaw cultural troupes also took turns to showcase traditional dances, music and customs, providing an avenue for the preservation and transmission of the people's rich cultural heritage to younger generations.

The celebration equally showcased the hospitality of the people of Anyama, with prominent Ijaw leader and indigene of the community, Dr. Doodei Week, hosting invited guests and dignitaries after the festival.

At the town hall, guests were treated to meals and drinks in an atmosphere of friendship and celebration, while the gathering afforded Ijaw leaders and stakeholders an opportunity to interact, strengthen relationships and reaffirm their commitment to the collective advancement of the Ijaw Nation.

The Anyama Day Cultural Festival was also described as more than an occasion for entertainment, as it provided a platform for cultural preservation, recognition of leadership, promotion of community development and strengthening of bonds among Ijaw communities.

The participation of the INC leadership further highlighted the Congress' position that sustainable unity and development of the Ijaw nation should be strengthened from the community level through culture, solidarity and collective leadership.

The festival ended on a colourful note, with participants celebrating the rich heritage of the Ijaw people and expressing optimism that subsequent editions of Anyama Day would attract wider participation and contribute further to the cultural and developmental aspirations of Anyama Community and the wider Ijaw Nation.