DESCRIPTION OF SOTHERN IJAW

History

Southern Ijaw is not a city but a Local Government Area (LGA) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. However, the area has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times. The Ijaw people, who are the predominant ethnic group in Southern Ijaw, lived in small village communities and engaged in fishing, farming, and trading.

During the colonial period, the Ijaw people in Southern Ijaw came into contact with the British and were subject to various forms of exploitation, including forced labor and the imposition of taxes. In response to these injustices, the Ijaw people organized various resistance movements, including the famous Kirikiri War of 1895.

During the colonial period, the Ijaw people came into contact with the British and were subject to various forms of exploitation, including forced labor and the imposition of taxes. In response to these injustices, the Ijaw people organized various resistance movements, including the famous Kirikiri War of 1895.
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the Ijaw people continued to experience marginalization and neglect by successive Nigerian governments, despite the fact that their land was the source of Nigeria's oil wealth.

Geography

Bayelsa State is located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, bordered by Delta State to the west, Rivers State to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The state is predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw people and covers a total land area of approximately 10,773 square kilometers.
Bayelsa State is characterized by its swampy terrain, extensive river systems, and numerous creeks, making it one of the most ecologically diverse states in Nigeria. The state is home to the Niger Delta, one of the largest wetlands in the world, which is known for its rich biodiversity and is a significant source of oil and gas for Nigeria.

Economy

The major economic activities in Southern Ijaw include agriculture, fishing, and oil and gas production, with the area being home to several oil and gas companies. Southern Ijaw is a Local Government Area (LGA) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, with a diverse economy that is driven by agriculture, fishing, and oil and gas production.

Agriculture is an important economic activity in the area, with crops such as oil palm, cassava, yam, plantain, and rice being grown for subsistence and commercial purposes. Fishing is also a significant source of livelihood for the people of Southern Ijaw, with the Ijaw people renowned for their expertise in fishing.

However, the oil and gas industry is the mainstay of the area's economy,

Description of Bayelsa State

A state in the southern section of Nigeria, Bayelsa is at the center of the Niger Delta. One of the newest states in the federation, Bayelsa State was separated from Rivers State in 1996. Situated between Rivers State and Delta State, with the Atlantic Ocean dominating its southern borders, it is the largest state in Nigeria. A total of 10,773 km2 is covered by it. In total, there are eight of these divisions spread over the state. The groups are the Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Yenagoa, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, hi Brass, and Southern Ijaw. This state is located between Rivers State, of which it was a part, and Delta State. 

Within their respective ancestral towns, the Isoko and Urhobo peoples of Bayelsa State also speak their respective languages. Additionally, the Urhobo people of the Sagbama local govt region consider this place to be their ancestral home. According to the 2006 census, the state's population is the lowest of any in Nigeria's states, and it also has one of the smallest areas. Bayelsa State is located in the Niger Delta, and its riverine and estuarine environment prevents the construction of extensive road infrastructure wAithin the state itself. 

Bayelsa State is located in the oil-rich Niger Delta, hence the petroleum industry forms the backbone of the state's economy. According to estimates made in 2015, between 30 and 40 percent of Nigeria's oil came from the state, which is fitting given that it is home to the country's first oil field, Oloibiri Oilfield. The greatest gas reservoir in Nigeria is located in the state known as "Glory of all Lands," which has 18 trillion cubic feet of gas. Even though the state benefits from being the site of one of the greatest crude oil and natural gas deposits in the country, it also suffers from widespread poverty and pollution due to oil spills. 

Many people consider Bayelsa to be the origin of Ijaw customs and culture. And this isn't just lip service; State Governor Sen. Douye Diri has made it law that all state employees must dress in authentic Ijaw attire every Friday, and he's established a separate ministry for culture and national affairs. This is in addition to the frequent jingles broadcast on TV and radio that serve to educate and emphasize the significance of the people's cultural norms. The history and heritage of Bayelsa spans many centuries. 

Geography 

Waterways and estuaries characterize the landscape of Bayelsa. Most neighborhoods are cut off from the rest of the world because they sit on islands or are completely encircled by water. Edumanom Forest Reserve, located in the state, was the final Niger Delta location where chimpanzees were spotted in June of 2008. 

Yenagoa isn't the only significant city in the Niger Delta; others include Akassa, Lobia, Amassoma (home to the Niger Delta University), Eniwari, Ekeremor, Aliebiri, Peretoru, Twon-Brass, Egwema-Brass, Kaiama, Nembe, Odi, Ogbia, Okpoama, Brass, Oporoma, Korokorose 

Since its construction in 1910, the Akassa Lighthouse has served its community. 

Resource 

Natural mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, lakes, swamps, and green terrains are also popular tourist destinations in Agge. Other natural features include sandy beaches in Agge, Ekeremor Local Government, and Twon Brass in Brass Local Government. 

The Palm Beach in Agge, between the states of Bayelsa and Delta, is well-known as an extended stretch of tides that flush on the coastlines at irregular intervals, making it ideal for surfing and other water sports. Okpoama, Akassa, Deiama, and Odioma beaches are also popular destinations. 

There are lakes in Okao Toru-Orua that, if investigated, might bring in significant money for the state. These lakes include Lake Effi and Oxbow Lake. 

For instance, the woodland of Lake Okoa is characterized by wild monkeys, while the Lake Okao Toru Orua is claimed to harbor an abundance of fishes, crocodiles, various unusual birds, and fauna. 

It was discovered that the lake may be reached from Yenagoa by taking a 25- to 30-minute excursion through the jungle. 

Popular tourist attractions include the Christopher Iwowari Monument in Bassambiri, the Oloibiri Oil Museum (located at the site where oil was discovered in 1956), the Mungo Park Residence, the Akassa Slave Tunnel, the Akassa LightHouse, and the Ogidigan Deity. 

Yenagoa's Peace Park is another popular destination, and each of the city's eight local government councils hosts annual cultural events there. 

It is widely believed that the cemeteries known as "white man's graves" in Town Brass and Akassa are actually burial grounds for Europeans who perished in the Anglo-Nembe War of 1895 (also known as the "Akassa War") or from mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria. 

It is reported that some of the burials date back centuries, providing a vivid glimpse into life in the colonial era.