Okumbiri Community Prepares for Grand Celebration of Hon. Okosikeme’s 50th Birthday

The Okumbiri community in Bayelsa State is set to host a two-day celebration to mark the 50th birthday of Hon. Okosikeme, also known as the Ebimie-Owei I of the Mein Kingdom. The celebration, which promises a vibrant display of culture, unity, and entertainment, will take place on Sunday, April 13, and Monday, April 14, 2025.

Festivities will begin on Sunday with an interdenominational thanksgiving service scheduled for 9:00 a.m. This spiritual gathering will bring together various Christian denominations across the region to offer prayers of gratitude and blessings for the celebrant. Later in the day, at 4:00 p.m., the atmosphere will turn festive and competitive with traditional wrestling matches between the Ombu and Amen communities, showcasing the strength and heritage of the local people.

The main celebration is slated for Monday, April 14, 2025. Activities will start as early as 6:30 a.m. with the arrival of several participating communities, including Ogobiri, Akede, Toru-Ibeni, Amatolo, and Kabeama. These communities, all part of the larger Mein Kingdom, are expected to join the people of Okumbiri in what organizers describe as a historic and unifying event.

At 7:30 a.m., a friendly football match will be held between the Ogobiri All Stars and Hon. Okosikeme’s friends. The game aims to foster camaraderie and light-hearted competition among local athletes and invited guests.

By 9:30 a.m., attention will shift to the waterways of Okumbiri, where an inter-community canoe race will take place. The race will include both male and female competitors from Ogobiri, Toru-Ibeni, Akede, Amatolo, Okumbiri, and Kabeama. This event is expected to be one of the major highlights of the celebration, emphasizing traditional watercraft skills and community pride.

At 10:30 a.m., a massive cultural procession known as “ogele” will be held in honor of Hon. Okosikeme. This colorful parade will involve the sons, daughters, youths, and women of the Okumbiri community, as well as admirers of the celebrant. The event is set to reflect the deep appreciation and love the people have for their illustrious son.

Entertainment will continue at 11:30 a.m. with a special performance by FC the Story Teller and his conventional crew. The group is known for its engaging storytelling and music that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta.

At 12:30 p.m., the festivities will reach another high point with a live band performance by Chief Barrister S. Smooth. The artist, who enjoys a strong following in the region, is expected to thrill the audience with his distinctive highlife melodies and popular hits.

Organizers also noted that several other side attractions, which are yet to be announced, will be featured throughout the celebration. These surprise elements are intended to keep guests entertained and immersed in the celebratory spirit.

The general public has been officially invited to attend the event in Okumbiri town. Residents and visitors are expected to gather in large numbers to honor Hon. Okosikeme, whose contributions to the Mein Kingdom have earned him deep respect and admiration.

The two-day event is not only a birthday celebration but also a moment of cultural reflection, community bonding, and the celebration of a prominent son of the Mein Kingdom.