Ministry of Culture Bayelsa State

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, BAYELSA STATE

The Ministry of Culture, Bayelsa State, hereby announces the retirement from service of the Director of Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Andrew Ebi Kirifagha, who formally hands over today after years of dedicated service.

In line with the provisions of the 1998 Edict establishing the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, which empowers the Honourable Commissioner for Culture to appoint a Director of the Council subject to the approval of the State Executive Council, the following development has been made:

In the presence of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Madam Tonye Koroye, alongside other senior staff of the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Hon. Keku Godpower, has approved the appointment of Mrs. Blessing Ayibaina Duba, a Level 17 officer and a highly respected senior staff of the Council, as the Acting Director of the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture, pending the formal approval of the State Executive Council.

Mrs. Duba’s appointment is a testament to her experience, dedication, and longstanding contribution to the growth of arts and culture in Bayelsa State.

The Ministry also wishes to specially commend Mr. Andrew Ebi Kirifagha for his impactful leadership as Director. Under his stewardship, the Council recorded remarkable achievements, including winning several trophies and championships that brought pride and recognition to Bayelsa State. His legacy of excellence and commitment to cultural development will remain commendable.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Blessing Ayibaina Duba on her well-deserved appointment and wish her a successful tenure in office.

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Bayelsa State…

Happy Birthday Honourable Commissioner Sir…

On behalf of the entire staff of the Ministry of Culture, we warmly congratulate the Honourable Commissioner for Culture on the joyous occasion of your birthday.

Your exemplary leadership, passion for cultural preservation, and unwavering commitment to promoting our rich heritage have continued to inspire us all. Under your guidance, the Ministry has recorded remarkable progress, fostering unity, creativity, and pride in our cultural identity. Your vision, humility, and accessibility make working with you rewarding and motivating.

As you celebrate today, we pray that God Almighty grants you good health, renewed strength, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service to the people. May this new year of your life bring greater achievements, fulfillment, and divine favor in all your endeavors.

Once again, happy birthday, Honourable Commissioner. Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and loyalty.

Signed:

Madam Tonye Koroye
Permanent Secretary
Minsitry of Culture…

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
From the Office of the Permanent Secretary,
Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture
Madam Tonye Koroye

Good morning distinguished colleagues, cultural stakeholders, and the esteemed people of Bayelsa State.

As a State that has won the NAFEST Championship back-to-back—including our remarkable victory last year—Bayelsa has consistently demonstrated excellence, unity, and unmatched cultural strength. It was therefore a profound shock when the information on the postponement of NAFEST 2025 reached us in Enugu, where I was present with some Ministry staff and members of our cultural contingent fully prepared to participate in this year’s festival.

Despite the unexpected development, I want to use this medium to sincerely appreciate our dear Governor, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, for his continuous support, his fatherly guidance, and his unwavering commitment to the cultural advancement of our people. His Excellency’s consistent encouragement has been the backbone of our successes over the years.

I also wish to specially congratulate and appreciate our Honourable Commissioner for Culture, who has returned safely from Enugu after leading our formidable Bayelsa cultural troops. The Honourable Commissioner represented the State with dignity, ensured the welfare of our contingent, and provided strong leadership throughout our stay until our orderly return home. We are grateful that all members of our delegation have returned safely.
(Photos below)

As we all know, the postponement was announced by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy following careful assessment of the national mood in light of recent insecurity incidents across the country. While the news is disappointing, especially given the level of preparedness of over 28 states who had already arrived in Enugu, we understand and respect the decision.

The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. Asika Obi, also addressed culture stakeholders, expressing deep appreciation for the resilience and commitment of all contingents. He encouraged us not to lose hope, reminding us that every disappointment carries its own silver lining and that greater prospects lie ahead for our nation’s cultural sector.

On behalf of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture, I commend all our cultural ambassadors for their discipline, patience, and unwavering readiness to showcase our heritage once again. Bayelsa remains proud, prepared, and ever committed to promoting national unity through culture.

We look forward to the announcement of NAFEST 2026 and assure our people that Bayelsa will continue to represent with excellence whenever we are called upon.

Bayelsa will always stand tall.
Our culture remains our pride.

Earlier today, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Madam Tonye Koroye, joined other Permanent Secretaries to attend the 14th Bayelsa State Annual Thanksgiving Service.

It was a moment of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to the continued progress and prosperity of our dear state.

🎉 Birthday Felicitations to a Distinguished Administrator 🎉

On behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Hon. Keku Godpower, we heartily celebrate and extend our warmest birthday wishes to our esteemed Permanent Secretary, Madam Tonye Koroye.

Your unwavering dedication, wisdom, and commitment to excellence have continued to inspire the entire Ministry of Culture. On this special day, we celebrate your life, leadership, and the many remarkable contributions you have made toward the growth and progress of the ministry.

May this new year of your life bring you greater grace, sound health, divine favour, and unending joy.

Happy Birthday, Madam Tonye Koroye! 🎂🎈
Your hard work and leadership remain deeply appreciated.

— Hon. Keku Godpower
Honourable Commissioner for Culture