KPAIKPAI FESTIVAL OF THE EKOWE PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN IJAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE

ABSTRACT This study examined the Kpaikpai Festival of the Ekowe People in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. This research was undertaken in other to bring to light all the incidents and events that takes place during the Kpaikpai Festival of the Ekewo people. The scope of the study is Ekowe community and their Kpaikpai festival. Ekowe is situated at the heart of Bomo kingdom referred to as Bomo central, sharing boundaries with Ikianbiri in the South, Polobugo in the West and Ologbobiri in the East, all located in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The study made use of both primary and secondary data sources. The primary sources include the use of oral traditions and oral history. While the secondary sources on the other hand include books, journals, articles, magazines, newspapers and others. Related literatures where reviewed. The findings of this study showed that the Ekowe people have numerous economic activities which includes fishing, farming, canoe carving, palm wine tapping and so on. The results further revealed that the festival originated from a man named Ekeu who, in the 19th century, is said to have accidentally founded the Ekowe community. The Festivals hold great cultural significance for the Ekowe community and the broader Izon Nation. The Kpaikpai festival act like stress relievers and helped them balance their emotions. It also provides an opportunity to reduce friction and brings estranged friends and relatives together in a bond of love. Nothing brings people together in Ekowe community like the festival. The Kpaikpai festival of the Ekowe people preserves the culture of the people through the cultural activities, singing and dancing and other events that are undertaken during the festival. In conclusion, the Kpaikpai festival has contributed socially, economically and politically, to the life’s of the Ekowe people.