
List Of Local Government Areas In Bayelsa State, And Their Chairmen
Bayelsa State is located in the southern part of Nigeria and was created in 1996 from Rivers State. Its capital is Yenagoa, known for its rich culture and the Ijaw people, who are the predominant ethnic group.
The state has a major oil industry, producing a large portion of Nigeria’s oil and gas. Bayelsa features a lowland landscape with numerous rivers and lagoons. However, Bayelsa state consists of eight local government areas.
READ ALSO: List of Governors of Bayelsa State and Their Deputies
Local Government Areas In Bayelsa State, And Their Chairmen
No | Local Government Areas | Chairman | Headquarters |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Brass | Alabo Hanson Karima | Twon Brass |
2 | Ekeremor | Chief Belemu Nemine | Ekeremor Town |
3 | Kolokuma/Opokuma | Barr. Inemo Oruebimiekumo | Kaima Town |
4 | Nembe | Samuel Akalaguo | Ogbolomabiri |
5 | Ogbia | Chief Ibu Williams Mizodome | Ogbia Town |
6 | Sagbama | Richman Samuel Ebipade | Sagbama Town |
7 | Southern Ijaw | Lucky Okodeh | Oporoma Town |
8 | Yenagoa | Toby Andy | Yenagoa City |
READ ALSO: Complete List Of Bayelsa State House of Assembly Members (2024)
Which LGA Is The Capital Of Bayelsa State?
Yenagoa is the capital of Bayelsa State, and it is the main city in Bayelsa and plays a big part in the state’s administration and politics. The city became the capital when Bayelsa was created in 1996 from Rivers State.
Since then, it has grown into a lively urban center in Nigeria. Yenagoa is located in the Niger Delta region, an area known for its rivers and waterways.
Yenagoa has a strong cultural background, with the Ijaw ethnic group being the main influence. The city is filled with traditions, music, and festivals that celebrate the Ijaw culture.
One of the major events in the city is the Ijaw Day Celebration, where people enjoy local music, dances, and crafts. This festival attracts visitors from different parts of Nigeria and even from other countries to make Yenagoa a special place for cultural tourism.
Economically, Yenagoa benefits from being close to some of Nigeria’s richest oil fields. Bayelsa State is one of the largest oil producers in Nigeria, and the nearby Oloibiri oil field is famous for being the first place where oil was discovered in the country in 1956.
The city has earned a lot of revenue from the oil industry, but this wealth comes with problems. Oil spills and pollution have harmed the environment, and It has made it difficult for local communities who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.
Over time, Yenagoa has seen improvements in its infrastructure, especially with the presence of important government buildings like the Governor’s office and the State House of Assembly.
While the city has developed in many ways, it still faces challenges, especially with flooding during the rainy season due to its location.
READ ALSO: List Of Rivers State Governors And Their Deputies (1979-Present)
What Is The Largest Local Government Area In Bayelsa State By Land?
South Ijaw is the largest Local Government Area (LGA) in Bayelsa State. This LGA covers about 2,682 square kilometers (1,036 square miles) to make it the biggest by land size in the state.
Southern Ijaw is both culturally and economically important to Bayelsa. Its headquarters is located in the town of Oporoma, which is one of the key locations in the area.
Southern Ijaw is in the southern part of Bayelsa State and has a long coastline of about 60 kilometers along the Bight of Benin. Many towns and villages, like Igbomotoro, Peremabiri, and Angiama, are part of Southern Ijaw.
The population of the LGA, according to the 2022 census, was about 479,00. Most of the people are from the Ijaw ethnic group, and they live in close connection with their environment.
The economy of Southern Ijaw largely depends on fishing and agriculture, with many rivers and waterways, which are the main source of income for most people. The rich aquatic life in the region supports commercial fishing.
Agriculture is also a key activity, with many people growing crops like cassava, yam, and palm oil. In addition to fishing and farming, Southern Ijaw is also a huge part of the state because of its oil industry.
Bayelsa State is known for oil production, and Southern Ijaw has benefited from oil exploration activities. Culturally, Southern Ijaw is rich in traditions and practices that are special to the Ijaw people. Festivals and events are held often, celebrating the Ijaw heritage with traditional music, dance, and art.
READ ALSO: Complete List Of Rivers State House Of Assembly Members
Which Local Government Area Is Home To The Niger Delta University?
Niger Delta University (NDU) is located in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The university, established in 2000, sits on Wilberforce Island, about 32 kilometers from Yenagoa, the state capital.
Its location makes it easy for students from different parts of the state to access, and it is also in an area rich in culture and environmental importance. Niger Delta University offers various academic programs across twelve faculties.
These include Agriculture, Arts, Engineering, Law, and Health Sciences. The university began academic activities in the 2001/2002 school year, starting with just over 1,000 students. Today, NDU has grown to have more than 20,000 students.
Students can choose from many fields of study. For example, the Faculty of Engineering offers courses in Chemical Engineering and Marine Engineering.
The Faculty of Health Sciences provides programs like Nursing and Pharmacy. Niger Delta University has several campuses. The main one is located on Wilberforce Island, while a satellite campus in Yenagoa hosts the Faculty of Law.
These campuses are equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces. Extracurricular activities are also encouraged, with many clubs, sports, and cultural events available for students.
NDU has made a big impact on Southern Ijaw and the whole of Bayelsa State. The university has become a center for research and innovation, focusing on issues that are important to the Niger Delta, like environmental sustainability and community development.