Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi on Friday joined Senator Henry Seriake Dickson at a homecoming celebration in Bayelsa State, where both leaders participated in a traditional boat regatta in Dickson’s hometown of Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area.
The event, held on October 30, brought together political leaders, supporters and community members for a celebration of Ijaw cultural heritage. Obi and Dickson joined local boatmen and traditional warriors in a procession along the community waterways, featuring traditional boats and cultural displays.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), travelled to Yenagoa to attend the ceremony honouring Dickson, the party’s national leader and former Bayelsa State governor. The visit also provided an opportunity for political engagement with party members and supporters.
During his address, Obi criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as limited engagement with Bayelsa State, claiming that the President had spent more than 260 days abroad without spending a night in the state. He promised that an administration under his leadership would maintain closer contact with communities across the country.
Obi also outlined proposed infrastructure plans for the Niger Delta, including efforts to upgrade ports in Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, construct the long-delayed Ibaka Seaport in Akwa Ibom State and establish a new port in Bayelsa. These were presented as commitments under his proposed development agenda.
Dickson, in turn, pledged to work with Obi to pursue the proposed Agge Seaport project if the NDC wins the 2027 presidential election. He said the project could support Bayelsa’s economic development and strengthen the state’s participation in maritime activities.
The celebration concluded with the traditional canoe war game and boat regatta in Toru-Orua. Obi congratulated Dickson on his homecoming and thanked the party leadership and Bayelsa residents for the reception and organisation of the event.