Amassoma from the time of the Eastern Nigeria government to the days of Rivers State, before Bayelsa State was created, has been referred to as the biggest rural settlement in the Niger Delta.
This settlement annually celebrates a fishing and feasting festival from the last day of May every year. This year, 2023, the festival kicked off on the 31st of May 2023 with a church service and a procession around the town by women on the 1st of June.
The festival which will last till the 11th of June is loaded with many cultural and social activities.
Today, the 2nd of June is the opening ceremony. The festival, which heralds the new yam harvest season of the settlement, also has the ceremonial opening of the Amassoma Lake for fishing. The fisherman who catches the biggest fish is normally given a prize.
In the days of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, as Governor, the festival was fully sponsored by the Bayelsa State Government but after his tenure, the sponsorship has reverted to the indigens, individual men and women of goodwill and the general public.
This year, a sum of over N12.3m has been donated out of a budget of over N20m.
The Chairman of the Festival Committee, Chief Dr. Mrs. Douyi Alalibo and the members have been able to navigate the political, social, and business environment to raise the funds.
Notable donors are the Bayelsa State Ministry of Tourism N1.8m and Chief Timipere Sylva N5m. More donations are still being expected and still coming in.
Once again today, the 2nd of June, being the opening ceremony, many notable guests are expected to grace the occasion. Many cultural groups, including the international award-winning dance group, the Egbelegbele Cultural Group, masquerade, and traditional wrestling, are billed to entertain guests at the Government Secondary School, Amassoma field.
All Amassoma Indigenes, friends, well wishes, lovers of culture, politicians from all the parties, and top government officials have been invited and are expected to grace the occasion.
Come and witness the Amassoma Seigbein Oge 2023. One of the flagship festivals of Bayelsa State.
