A History of Ijok-Irin Fishing Festival in Unyeada Kingdom, Andoni, Rivers State

Student: Victoria JOE EYOKA (Project, 2025)
Department of History and Diplomatic Studies
University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Unyeada is one of the ancient kingdoms of the Obolo (Andoni) ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta region. There are many cultural festivals associated with the people of Unyeada, but Ijok-Irin stands out. Rooted in deep historical and spiritual beliefs, the festival serves as a unifying occasion for the people, reinforcing communal bonds and preserving cultural identity. Ijok-Irin, which can be translated as "Fishing Festival," is closely tied to the aquatic lifestyle of the Andoni people, who have historically relied on fishing as a primary source of livelihood. The festival is marked by a series of elaborate rituals, traditional music, dance, and competitive fishing activities, all of which pay homage to the gods of the waters, whom the Andoni people believe provide protection and bountiful harvests. During the festival, participants engage in various ceremonies that include the offering of sacrifices to deities, processions, and masquerades, which symbolize the spiritual connection between the people and their ancestral spirits. Potentials for cultural heritage presentation and promotion of economic development of the kingdom. The research used both the primary and secondary sources of information. The primary sources include oral interviews and archival sources while the secondary sources include written materials.

Keywords
Ijok Irin Festival Unyeada Kingdom Andoni Rivers State Rivers State culture Nigerian festivals Unyeada traditions Ogoni heritage cultural celebration history of Ijok Irin Unyeada people traditional festivals in Nigeria Niger Delta culture
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