SOCIO-RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE EFI FISHING FESTIVAL OF THE SABAGREIA PEOPLE IN KOLOKUMA OPOKUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT BAYELSA STATE

The study examined the socio-religious significance of Efi Lake fishing Festival of the Sabagreia people in Kolokuma Opokuma Local Government Bayelsa State. The researcher employed historical, sociological and phenomenological methods to guide the study. The researcher collected data by consulting secondary sources which are the consultation of published books, books on the social religious and Efi Lake fishing Festival of the Sabagreia people in Kolokuma Opokuma Local Government Bayelsa State. The researcher also explored the internet for relevant essays or articles written on topics that relates to the essay caption. The data collected was carefully analysed to avoid any distortion of the facts. The researcher's personal experience also played a vital role in the analysis and writing of this research study. The socio-religious significance of Efi Lake fishing Festival to the people of Sabagreia is predicated on its symbol as a resource for peace. The lake as a cultural resource is an enactment of love, unity, security and stability in the community. Through celebration of its fishing festival, people of all work of life from far and near to the town come to celebrate with the Sagbagreia people . Besides the peace Efi brings, it also serve as a veritable cultural heritage of the people as the lake’s festival and other uses have been handed down from one generation to another. This trend has helped to preserve not only the history of the people but also reminds the people of their relationship with the people of Gbarain clan in a way. Irrespective of this significance, the lake has overtime been threatened by certain man-made factors and natural environmental alterations.