Bayelsa State#Local Government Areas

During the 20th century, demanding a new, majority-Ijaw state to be drawn in the Niger Delta Region became common. Between 1941 and 1956, numerous Ijaw nationalist organizations supportive of an Ijaw-majority state in Southern Nigeria were founded. Isaac Adaka Boro, a prominent Ijaw rights activist during the 1960s who was born in Oloibiri, attempted to proclaim a "Niger Delta Peoples Republic" in 1966.{{Cite book|last=T.|first=Akinyele, R.|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/752210539|title=Isaac Adaka Boro: patriarch of minority activism in the Niger Delta|date=2006|publisher=University of Lagos, Faculty of Arts|isbn=978-075-054-1|oclc=752210539}}{{Cite web|title=Overview of Bayelsa State|url=https://www.nigerdeltabudget.org/new/index.php/overview-of-bayelsa-state|access-date=2021-03-09|website=Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group|language=en-gb|archive-date=2021-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422103532/https://www.nigerdeltabudget.org/new/index.php/overview-of-bayelsa-state|url-status=dead}}{{Cite book|last=Organ.|first=Thomson Reuters Herausgebendes|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/946102050|title=Social sciences citation index.|oclc=946102050}} Bayelsa State was created out of Rivers State on 1 October 1996{{Cite web|title=Bayelsa – History & Culture – Bayelsa State Government|url=https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/our-history/|access-date=2022-02-11|language=en-US|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118151557/https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/our-history/|url-status=dead}} by the Sani Abacha military government. Its name was derived from the first few letters of the names of the major local government areas from which it was formed: Brass LGA (BALGA), Yenagoa LGA (YELGA) and Sagbama LGA (SALGA).{{Cite web|url=http://www.ngex.com/nigeria/places/states/bayelsa.htm|title=Learn About Bayelsa State, Nigeria {{!}} People, Local Government and Business Opportunities in Bayelsa|website=Overview of Nigeria {{!}}NgEX|language=en|access-date=2018-07-29}}

On 20 November 1999, the Nigerian military committed what is now referred to as the Odi massacre. The death toll remains disputed to this day, though Nnimmo Bassey, executive director of Environmental Rights Action, claims that nearly 2500 civilians were killed.{{Cite web|title=Trade and human rights in the Niger Delta {{!}} Pambazuka News|url=https://www.pambazuka.org/governance/trade-and-human-rights-niger-delta|access-date=2021-03-09|website=www.pambazuka.org|date=3 March 2016 }}{{Cite web|date=2017-12-16|title=Odi massacre: Anyone with tribal marks on their chest was slaughtered, corpses littered everywhere –Bolou, former Bayelsa commissioner|url=https://punchng.com/odi-massacre-anyone-with-tribal-marks-on-their-chest-was-slaughtered-corpses-littered-everywhere-bolou-former-bayelsa-commissioner/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Punch Newspapers|language=en-US}}

In response to environmental degradation in the state caused by the oil industry, movements such as the "Rise for Bayelsa{{Cite web |title=Rise for Bayelsa - Learn more of Bayelsa and her people |url=https://forbayelsa.com/ |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=Rise for Bayelsa |language=en}}" campaign have emerged to push for protecting the local water supply.{{Cite web|title=Rise for Bayelsa|url=https://silverfish.tv/rise-for-bayelsa|access-date=2021-03-07|website=SILVERFISH FILMS.|language=en-GB}} In 2019, the Bayelsa State government launched the first formal inquiry into the crisis of oil pollution in the state.{{Cite web|title=Nigeria: Bayelsa state launches new inquiry into the environmental and human damage caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta|url=https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/nigeria-bayelsa-state-launches-new-inquiry-into-the-environmental-and-human-damage-caused-by-oil-spills-in-the-niger-delta/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Business & Human Rights Resource Centre|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Nigeria's oil-rich Bayelsa State opens inquiry on spills|url=https://www.worldoil.com/news/2019/3/27/nigerias-oil-rich-bayelsa-state-opens-inquiry-on-spills|access-date=2021-03-09|website=www.worldoil.com}}

Bayelsa State has one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in Nigeria.{{Cite web|date=2019-04-23|title=Bayelsa woos oil, gas, other investors|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/bayelsa-woos-oil-gas-other-investors/|access-date=2021-09-17|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2019-04-23|title=Bayelsa woos oil, gas, other investors|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/bayelsa-woos-oil-gas-other-investors/|access-date=2021-09-11|website=Vanguard News|language=en-US}} As a result, petroleum production is substantial in the state. Even though Bayelsa State is well-endowed with natural resources, the state "enjoys very minimal dividends from its oil wealth due to the structural inequities in the national revenue allocation system in the practice of fiscal federalism in the country".{{Cite web|last=Ikein|first=Augustine|date=2004|title=Economic Development Agenda for the Bayelsa State of Nigeria: An Advisor's Opinion|url=http://www.jsd-africa.com/Jsda/spring2004/articlepdf/Arc%20-%20Ikein%201.pdf|url-status=live|website=Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107143811/http://www.jsd-africa.com/Jsda/spring2004/articlepdf/Arc%20-%20Ikein%201.pdf |archive-date=2009-01-07 }}

Bayelsa has a riverine and estuarine setting.{{Cite web |title=Overview of Bayelsa |url=https://www.nigerdeltabudget.org/overview-of-bayelsa/

|website=Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group |access-date=30 May 2023}} Many communities are almost (and in some cases) surrounded by water, making them inaccessible by road. The state is home to the Edumanom Forest Reserve, in June 2008 the last known site for chimpanzees in the Niger Delta.{{Cite web |page=76 |url=http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADN536.pdf |title=Nigeria Biodiversity and Tropical Forestry Assessment |publisher=USAID |date=June 2008 |access-date=2010-09-18 |archive-date=28 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428234759/http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnadn536.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Other important cities besides Yenagoa include Akassa, Lobia, Wilberforce Island (the location of the Bayelsa Airport), Amassoma and Ogobiri (the host communities of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Eniwari, Ekeremor, Aliebiri, Anyama-Ogbia, Anyama-Ijaw, Peretoru, Twon-Brass, Egwema-Brass, Kaiama, Nembe, Odi, Ogbia, Okpoama, Brass, Oporoma, Korokorosei, Otuan, Koroama, Okolobiri, Obunagha, Ogboloma, Sagbama, Olugbobiri, Peremabiri, Ekowe, and Swali.

The Akassa Lighthouse has stood since 1910.{{Cite web |title=Since 1910, a Lighthouse in the Creeks |url=https://folio.ng/since-1910-a-lighthouse-in-the-creeks/ |website=Folio Nigeria |access-date=17 August 2020}}

Bayelsa has a tropical monsoon climate with yearly temperature of {{convert|28.64|°C|°F|disp=or}}, which is 0.82 percent lower than Nigeria's averages. The state typically receives about {{convert|2900|mm|in|0|disp=or}} of rain and has 296.16 rainy days (81.14% of the time) annually.{{Cite web |title=Bayelsa, NG Climate Zone, Monthly Weather Averages and Historical Data |url=https://tcktcktck.org/nigeria/bayelsa |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=tcktcktck.org}}

The Bayelsa region experiences tropical monsoon weather. All year long, there are high temperatures and a lot of rain. With an average humidity of 82% and a UV-index of 6, it is dry for 47 days out of the year.{{Cite web |title=Bayelsa weather and climate ☀️ Best time to visit 🌡️ Temperature |url=https://www.besttravelmonths.com/nigeria/bayelsa-4042926/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=www.besttravelmonths.com |language=en}}

{{Weather box

| single line = yes

| metric first = yes

| collapsed = yes

| location = Bayelsa State

| temperature colour = pastel

|Jan record high C = 40.0

|Feb record high C = 42.0

|Mar record high C = 39.0

|Apr record high C = 39.0

|May record high C = 38.0

|Jun record high C = 36.0

|Jul record high C = 32.0

|Aug record high C = 32.0

|Sep record high C = 34.0

|Oct record high C = 34.0

|Nov record high C = 36.0

|Dec record high C = 39.0

|year record high C = 42.0

|Jan high C = 35.69

|Feb high C = 34.42

|Mar high C = 33.5

|Apr high C = 33.54

|May high C = 32.48

|Jun high C = 30.14

|Jul high C = 28.52

|Aug high C = 28.65

|Sep high C = 29.18

|Oct high C = 30.72

|Nov high C = 32.53

|Dec high C = 34.39

|year high C = 31.98

|Jan mean C = 30.8

|Feb mean C = 30.41

|Mar mean C = 30.0

|Apr mean C = 29.96

|May mean C = 29.13

|Jun mean C = 27.42

|Jul mean C = 26.28

|Aug mean C = 26.35

|Sep mean C = 26.73

|Oct mean C = 27.65

|Nov mean C = 28.91

|Dec mean C = 29.98

|year mean C = 28.64

|Jan low C = 24.19

|Feb low C = 25.26

|Mar low C = 25.77

|Apr low C = 25.71

|May low C = 25.2

|Jun low C = 24.08

|Jul low C = 23.53

|Aug low C = 23.5

|Sep low C = 23.78

|Oct low C = 24.13

|Nov low C = 24.72

|Dec low C = 24.38

|year low C = 24.52

|Jan record low C = 19.0

|Feb record low C = 21.0

|Mar record low C = 22.0

|Apr record low C = 24.0

|May record low C = 22.0

|Jun record low C = 20.0

|Jul record low C = 19.0

|Aug record low C = 20.0

|Sep record low C = 19.0

|Oct record low C = 20.0

|Nov record low C = 21.0

|Dec record low C = 20.0

|year record low C = 19.0

|rain colour = green

|Jan rain mm = 56.33

|Feb rain mm = 127.78

|Mar rain mm = 182.43

|Apr rain mm = 226.58

|May rain mm = 302.0

|Jun rain mm = 339.79

|Jul rain mm = 388.13

|Aug rain mm = 293.59

|Sep rain mm = 379.35

|Oct rain mm = 340.96

|Nov rain mm = 204.2

|Dec rain mm = 57.05

|unit rain days = 1.0 mm

|Jan rain days = 10.45

|Feb rain days = 19.09

|Mar rain days = 27.45

|Apr rain days = 26.27

|May rain days = 27.82

|Jun rain days = 29.09

|Jul rain days = 30.27

|Aug rain days = 28.0

|Sep rain days = 29.27

|Oct rain days = 29.09

|Nov rain days = 26.91

|Dec rain days = 12.45

|Jan humidity = 64.94

|Feb humidity = 73.23

|Mar humidity = 77.34

|Apr humidity = 78.4

|May humidity = 81.11

|Jun humidity = 85.19

|Jul humidity = 86.07

|Aug humidity = 83.96

|Sep humidity = 85.37

|Oct humidity = 84.72

|Nov humidity = 81.46

|Dec humidity = 68.96

|year humidity = 79.23

| source = tcktcktck

}}

Bayelsa State has mostly received the effects of climate change due to environmental degradation and high levels of carbon emissions.{{Cite web |title=Bayelsa Most Affected By Climate Change Due to Environmental Degradation, Says Diri - THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/01/15/bayelsa-most-affected-by-climate-change-due-to-environmental-degradation-says-diri?amp=1 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}{{Cite web |last=Igoni |first=Daniels |date=2022-10-25 |title=Flood: Atiku gives Bayelsa N55m, says climate change real |url=https://punchng.com/flood-atiku-gives-bayelsa-n55m-says-climate-change-real/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}

Bayelsa State has been described as one of "most polluted places on Earth after decades of oil spills that have hurt farming and fishing."{{cite web |title=Nigeria's Aiteo halts up to 50,000 bpd oil output after leak |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/nigerias-aiteo-shuts-production-oml-29-due-oil-leak-2024-06-19/ |website=Reuters |access-date=24 February 2025}}

This is a black hazardous carbonate substance that pollutes the area due to its illegal burning of crude oil (locally called Kpo-fire). This carcinogenic chemical causes illnesses such as lung cancer, skin irritation, allergies, respiratory tract infections, eye problem, etc. Its effect is also meted on the environment as it causes air pollution, soil pollution, water pollution which has led to the death of both plants, humans and animals.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-28 |title=Anxiety as strange black soot envelops Yenagoa |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/12/anxiety-as-strange-black-soot-envelops-yenagoa/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}

This is a common annual problem in Bayelsa because it is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The rise of seawater is the major cause. The flooding has affected many communities, properties and human lives.{{Cite web |last=Report |first=Agency |date=2018-09-16 |title=Flood hits Bayelsa communities, settlements, renders many homeless |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/284002-flood-hits-bayelsa-communities-settlements-renders-many-homeless.html |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}} Almost all areas in Bayelsa state are affected by flooding but Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa areas of Bayelsa state are more prone to flooding as it affects these areas yearly.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-09 |title=Diri faults NEMA's report, insists entire Bayelsa is flood-prone |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/09/diri-faults-nemas-report-insists-entire-bayelsa-is-flood-prone/ |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}} Poor town planning is another major cause of flooding in Bayelsa State.{{Cite web |last=News Express |title=Environmentalists identify cause of flooding in Yenagoa |url=https://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/41887-Environmentalists-identify-cause-of-flooding-in-Yenagoa |website=News Express}}

As of August 2022, the state was stricken with a flood, displacing over 1.3 million people and destroying livestock and properties.

This is one of the major environmental issues in Bayelsa State due to the activities of major oil companies.{{Cite web |last=Nwafor |date=2021-11-27 |title=Oil spill: We can't breathe, we're dying of hunger — Bayelsa communities lament |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/oil-spill-we-cant-breathe-were-dying-of-hunger-bayelsa-communities-lament/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}} Oil spillage has affected farmlands, aquatic life and the health of the people.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-27 |title=Oil spill: We can't breathe, we're dying of hunger — Bayelsa communities lament |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/11/oil-spill-we-cant-breathe-were-dying-of-hunger-bayelsa-communities-lament/ |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}} Almost every day, Udengs Eradiri is informed of another oil spill in Bayelsa state, in the Niger Delta.

He said Bayelsa used to be green, you could go to a farm or go fishing and have a very impressive harvest. You would spend hours in the water and have a handful of fish. Today, he added, you can spend the whole day without catching a glimpse of a fish.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-06 |title='This place used to be green': the brutal impact of oil in the Niger Delta |url=http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/dec/06/this-place-used-to-be-green-the-brutal-impact-of-oil-in-the-niger-delta |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}

Another major environmental issue in Bayelsa state is air pollution (SOOT). Today, many people in Bayelsa state lament that they cannot breathe due to the exposure of emissions of soot, a hazardous black amorphous carbon that has almost completely polluted the air in the areas.{{Cite web |date=2022-01-05 |title=Soot pollution in Rivers, Bayelsa: All hands must be on deck |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/soot-pollution-in-rivers-bayelsa-all-hands-must-be-on-deck/ |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US}}

However, stakeholders in the affected areas had in 2018 reportedly initiated a campaign with the common refrain; "Save Rivers from this soot of death", in the Rivers state region.

Bayelsa State's natural resources include:{{Cite web |last=Ikenwa |first=Chizoba |date=2020-01-13 |title=List of Natural Mineral Resources Found in Bayelsa State |url=https://nigerianinfopedia.com.ng/natural-resources-found-in-bayelsa-state/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Nigerian Infopedia |language=en-US}}

• Natural gas
• Crude oil{{Cite web |last=Jeremiah |first=Urowayino |date=2019-04-23 |title=Bayelsa woos oil, gas, other investors |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/04/bayelsa-woos-oil-gas-other-investors/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}
• Salt

• Cassava
• Coco-yam
• Plantain
• Timber
• Maize
• Rice
• Yam
• Sugar-cane
• Oil palm

The Catholic Church comprises parts of Bomadi Diocese (1991)[https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dbmdi.html Bomadi (Diocese)] under Bishop Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo (2009),[https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/begbebo.html Bishop Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo] a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Benin City.{{fact|date=May 2024}}

Major roads include the Isaac Adaka Boro Expressway 17 km north from Yenagoa to join A2 the Elele-Alimini-Patani East-West Rd east to Rivers State at Mbiama and northwest across the Forçados River to Delta State by the 850 m bridge (2014) at Patani.

Waterways are essential for transport as many communities are not accessible by road.

Bayelsa Airport on Wilberforce Island opened in 2019, with international flights approved in 2021.Yenagoa

The major language spoken is Ijaw with dialects such as Kolokuma, Nembe. Other languages include Epie-Atissa, and Ogbia. Like the rest of Nigeria, English is the official language.

Languages of Bayelsa State listed by LGA:{{Cite news|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/country/NG|title=Nigeria|work=Ethnologue|edition=22|access-date=2020-01-10}}

• Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Nigerian politician and governor of Bayelsa State
• Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Solid Minerals, Transport and Petroleum resources{{Cite news|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/12/diezani-alison-madueke-scored-another-firs/amp/|title=Diezani Alison-Madueke scored another firs [sic]|date=2014-12-02|work=Vanguard News|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-US}}
• General Owoye Andrew Azazi, Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria), Chief of Defense Staff under President Olusegun Obasanjo and National Security Adviser under President Goodluck Jonathan
• Noah Sarenren Bazee, professional footballer who plays for Bundesliga side Hannover 96{{Cite web|title=Noah Bazee biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture|url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/15766/noah-bazee|access-date=2021-09-12|website=www.manpower.com.ng}}
• Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Nigerian Civil War hero (Nigerian Army){{Cite web|url=http://www.gamji.com/article4000/news4657.htm|title=Who Killed Adaka Boro|website=www.gamji.com|access-date=2018-07-30|archive-date=24 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724163427/http://www.gamji.com/article4000/news4657.htm|url-status=dead}}
• Timi Dakolo, musical artist{{Cite news|url=https://praisemama.com/artists/timi-dakolo/|title=TIMI DAKOLO|work=PraiseMaMa.com|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730110833/https://praisemama.com/artists/timi-dakolo/|archive-date=2018-07-30|url-status=dead}}
• HRM Edmund Daukoru, Nigerian Minister of State for Energy, former Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in 2006{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamji.com/article6000/NEWS6840.htm|title=Edmund Daukoru|website=www.gamji.com|access-date=2018-07-30}}
• Henry Seriake Dickson, former governor and politician
• King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former governor of Rivers State, HRM{{Cite web|url=http://www.waado.org/Environment/FedGovt_NigerDelta/BayelsaInvasion/IjawsReactToInvasion/DieteSpiffReflectsOnInvasion.html|title=Former Military Governor Diete-Spiff Reflects On Background Problems of the Invasion|last=Society|first=Urhobo Historical|website=www.waado.org|access-date=2018-07-30|archive-date=19 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219212259/http://www.waado.org/Environment/FedGovt_NigerDelta/BayelsaInvasion/IjawsReactToInvasion/DieteSpiffReflectsOnInvasion.html|url-status=dead}}
• Senator Douye Diri, businessman, politician and lawmaker; governor of Bayelsa State{{Cite web|title=Hon. Douye Diri biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture|url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/16700/hon-douye-diri|access-date=2021-09-12|website=www.manpower.com.ng}}
• Timini Egbuson,{{Cite web |last=Mongina |first=Night |date=2024-08-19 |title=Timini Egbuson's net worth, background, biography and career |url=https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1606792-timini-egbuson-net-worth-background-biography-career/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}} Nollywood actor
• Dakore Egbuson-Akande{{Cite web |last=NIFSummit |title=Dakore Egbuson-Akande - Nigerian International Film & TV Summit |url=https://nifsummit.com/eko-star/awardees/dakore-egbuson-akande |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=nifsummit.com |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |last=Golub |first=Kate |date=2020-10-15 |title=Dakore Akande bio: Most interesting facts about the Nollywood star |url=https://www.legit.ng/1374467-dakore-akande-biography-age-family-net-worth-marriage-movies.html |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}} Nigerian actress
• Tamara Eteimo, also known by her stage name Tamara; from Angiama, Southern Ijaw local government of Bayelsa state; R&B singer-songwriter and actress{{Cite web|title=Tamara Eteimo biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture|url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/15992/tamara-eteimo|access-date=2021-09-12|website=www.manpower.com.ng}}
• Dan Etete, Minister of Petroleum Resources{{Cite news|url=https://blerf.org/index.php/biography/etete-chief-dan-lauzia/|title=ETETE, Chief Dan Lauzia|date=2017-02-03|work=Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-US}}
• Finidi George, Super Eagles player{{Cite news|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201003240473.html|title=Nigeria: Eagles, Black Stars Will Survive Group Stage -Finidi|date=2010-03-24|work=This Day (Lagos)|access-date=2018-07-30}}
• Daniel Igali, Canadian Olympic gold medalist and world wrestling champion{{Cite news|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/daniel-igali-obscurity-wrestling-stardom/|title=DANIEL IGALI - From obscurity to wrestling stardom - The Nation Nigeria|date=2016-07-03|work=The Nation Nigeria|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-US}}
• Ernest Ikoli, journalist and pre-independence freedom fighter{{Cite news|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/unsung-heroes-of-independence-2/|title=Unsung heroes of independence - The Nation Nigeria|date=2015-10-02|work=The Nation Nigeria|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-US}}
• Dr. Goodluck Jonathan GCFR GCON, 14th president of Nigeria{{Cite web|url=http://www.gej.ng/biography|title=Biography {{!}} The Office of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan|website=www.gej.ng|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-30|archive-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730110431/http://www.gej.ng/biography|url-status=dead}}
• Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Agriculture,{{Cite web|url=https://www.legit.ng/1091118-present-nigerian-ministers-portfolios.html|title=Present Nigerian Ministers and their portfolios|author=Falae, Vivian|website=legit.ng|date=March 2017 }} Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil){{Cite web |date=2024-04-12 |title=Heineken Lokpobiri, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), to Speak at the Petroleum Club - Africa’s premier report on the oil, gas and energy landscape. |url=https://africaoilgasreport.com/2024/04/petroleum-people/heineken-lokpobiri-nigerias-minister-of-state-for-petroleum-oil-to-speak-at-the-petroleum-club/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=africaoilgasreport.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=New Ministers Assume Office |url=https://nnpcgroup.com/insights/new-ministers-assume-office |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=NNPC |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sanusi |first=Rotimi |date=2023-08-30 |title=Ministers of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil & Gas) Engage with Staff of the Ministry |url=https://fmino.gov.ng/ministers-of-state-petroleum-resources-oil-gas-engage-with-staff-of-the-ministry/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation |language=en-US}}
• Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District at the National Assembly; from Akassa in Bayelsa State of Nigeria{{Cite web|title=Ben Murray-Bruce biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture|url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/15496/ben-murray-bruce|access-date=2021-09-12|website=www.manpower.com.ng}}
• Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless, businessman, politician and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health.
• Ebikibina Ogborodi, acting registrar of NECO{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelstv.com/2021/06/03/neco-appoints-ebikibina-ogborodi-as-acting-registrar|title=Ogborodi Appointed Acting NECO Registrar After Obioma's Death|last=Egba|first=Abdullahi|work=Channels TV|date=3 June 2021|accessdate=3 June 2021}}
• Gabriel Okara, novelist and poet{{Cite news|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gabriel-Okara|title=Gabriel Okara {{!}} Nigerian author|work=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en}}
• Chief Melford Okilo, 1st governor of Rivers State, former Senator, former Nigerian Minister{{Cite news|url=https://www.brandcampaign.com.ng/governor-melford-okilo-discovered-olumba-olumba/|title=How Governor Melford Okilo Discovered Olumba Olumba Brotherhood - Brand Campaign|date=2016-09-14|work=Brand Campaign|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730110918/https://www.brandcampaign.com.ng/governor-melford-okilo-discovered-olumba-olumba/|archive-date=2018-07-30|url-status=dead}}
• Kemebradikumo Pondei, acting managing director of Niger Delta Development Commission
• Ebinabo Potts-Johnson, born in Bayelsa state; model and actress{{Cite web|title=Ebinabo Potts-Johnson biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture|url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/16130/ebinabo-potts-johnson|access-date=2021-09-12|website=www.manpower.com.ng}}
• Samson Siasia, Super Eagles player and coach{{Cite news|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/268855-268855.html|title=Bayelsa honours Samson SIasia, others|date=2018-05-18|work=Premium Times Nigeria|access-date=2018-07-30|language=en-GB}}
• Timipre Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa state, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamji.com/article6000/news7604.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730140314/http://www.gamji.com/article6000/news7604.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 July 2018|title=Masquerades and Jokers as Governors in Bayelsa State|website=www.gamji.com|access-date=2018-07-30}}
• Timaya, musical artist{{Cite journal|date=2011-09-28|title=Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards 2011|url=http://www.3-mob.com/?p=1870|journal=3-mob.com}}
• Patience Torlowei, fashion designer and artist

Due to massive overseas scholarship programs implemented by the old Rivers State in the 1970s and recent Bayelsa State governments, large numbers of Bayelsa professionals reside in Europe and North America. This is part of the general brain-drain trend affecting many African communities.{{Cite web |last=Igoni |first=Daniels |date=2022-09-26 |title=Diaspora Ijaw group partners Bayelsa on school projects |url=https://punchng.com/diaspora-ijaw-group-partners-bayelsa-on-school-projects/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}

The major tertiary institutions in Bayelsa state are:

• Bayelsa Medical University{{Cite web |last1=Owei |first1=David |last2=THEWILL |date=2022-12-14 |title=Racketeering Rocks Bayelsa Medical University |url=https://thewillnigeria.com/racketeering-rocks-bayelsa-medical-university/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=thewillnigeria.com |language=en-US}}
• Federal Polytechnic Ekeowe
• Federal University Otuoke{{Cite web |date=2022-10-20 |title=FUOTUOKE Resumption Date for Academic Activities 2020/2021 |url=https://infoguidenigeria.com/fuotuoke-resumption-date/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=InfoGuideNigeria.com |language=en-US}}
• Isaac Adaka Boro College of Education
• Niger Delta University
• University of Africa Toru Orua{{Cite web |last=Jeremiah |first=Urowayino |date=2022-04-20 |title=Former NICO CEO appointed UAT DVC |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/former-nico-ceo-appointed-uat-dvc/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}

{{see also|List of villages in Bayelsa State}}

Bayelsa State consists of eight{{Cite web |title=Bayelsa – History & Culture – Bayelsa State Government |url=https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/our-history/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118151557/https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/our-history/ |url-status=dead }} local government areas:

{{div col|colwidth=10em}}

• Brass
• Ekeremor
• Kolokuma/Opokuma
• Nembe
• Ogbia
• Sagbama
• Southern Ijaw
• Yenagoa

{{div col end}}

The state government is led by a democratically elected governor who works closely with members of the state House of Assembly. The Capital city of the state is Yenagoa.{{Cite web |last=Oguntola |first=Tunde |date=2022-09-27 |title=2023: Next President, Govs Must Get Two-thirds Spread, Says INEC |url=https://leadership.ng/2023-next-president-govs-must-get-two-thirds-spread-says-inec/ |access-date=2023-02-23 |language=en-US}}

The electoral system of Bayelsa state is selected using a modified two-round system. To be elected in the first round, a candidate must receive the plurality of the vote and over 25% of the vote in at least two-thirds of the State's local government Areas. If no candidate passes the threshold, a second round will be held between the top candidate and the next candidate to have received a plurality of votes in the highest number of local government Areas.

==See also==

• Governor of Bayelsa State
• Bayelsa State House of Assembly
• Bayelsa State Judiciary
• Chief Judge of Bayelsa State
• Bayelsa State Judicial Service Commission
• Bayelsa State Customary Court System
• Government of Bayelsa State

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Bayelsa State}}

• [https://bayelsa.gov.ng/ Bayelsa State Government Homepage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528164713/http://bayelsa.gov.ng/ |date=2023-05-28 }}
• [http://www.onlinenigeria.com/links/bayelsaadv.asp?blurb=204 Bayelsa State at OnlineNigeria.com]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110405084547/http://www.experiencebayelsa.com/ Experience Bayelsa Arts and Culture / Visitors Guide]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20091012205401/http://www.artsbayelsang.com/ Bayelsa Council for Arts & Culture]
• [http://www.adakaboro.org Adaka Boro Centre] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410231334/http://www.adakaboro.org/ |date=2021-04-10 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20141226015818/http://azaikilibrary.org/ Azaiki Public Library, Yenagoa]

{{Bayelsa State}}

{{BayelsaGovernors}}

{{Nigeria states}}

{{coord|4|45|N|6|05|E|region:NG_type:adm1st_source:GNS-enwiki|display=title}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Portal bar|Nigeria}}

Category:States of Nigeria

Category:States and territories established in 1996

Category:1996 establishments in Nigeria