Unyeada Fishing Festival - Ijok-Irin

14/05/2026

WELCOME TO EGBORMUNG COMMUNITY IN RIVERS STATE WHERE A TRADITIONAL "NJIJA" FISHERMAN SOUP IS A COMPLIMENTARY CUISINE

The culinary culture of the Egbormung community in Unyeada Kingdom and indeed the Andoni (Obolo) people of Rivers State is deeply rooted in their riverine environment, shaped by the waterways and estuaries of the Niger Delta.

As a traditionally fishing people, the Andoni culinary experience revolves around fresh seafood, prepared with locally sourced ingredients such as palm oil, pepper, scent leaves, and indigenous spices that give their meals a rich and distinctive flavour.

The foundation of Andoni cuisine includes a wide variety of seafood such as fish, prawns, crayfish, crabs, periwinkle (ntutut), cockles (uron), conch (oloko), oysters (efie), and occasionally octopus (ofrikoso). These ingredients are often prepared in quick, richly seasoned dishes that reflect the people’s close relationship with the rivers and creeks that sustain their livelihood.

One of the most revered traditional delicacies is Njija Soup, a rich and highly respected seafood soup that is peculiar to Egbormung Town, a typical fishing settlement situated along the Eastern Delta estuaries within Unyeada Kingdom. In Egbormung culture, it is customary to welcome visitors and guests with the traditional Njija Soup, a gesture that symbolizes hospitality, honour, and communal warmth.

HOW TO PREPARE IT

This is fresh, small silver colored fish, also referred in Andoni as Njija, kotus, or ipko.
Before cooking, they usually require cleaning before cooking. It is also one of the best fish that gives nutrients in the body because of the other fresh proteins that's been prepared alongside the fish.

LIST OF INGREDIENTS

1)Small Silver color fish.(Njija, kotus, ipko)
2) Fresh small shrimps (ikot)
3) fresh small Crab(uka)
4) sent leaf
5) Red onion
6) fresh pepper
7) salt
8) Palm oil
9) seasoning/ Maggi
10) A cup of water.

Visit Egbormung in Andoni LGA and get a mouth watering complimentary cuisine!

14/05/2026

03/05/2026

ADULTHOOD RITE OF PASSAGE IN UNYEADA KINGDOM – “NTIBI OYET”

Rites of passage occupy a central place in traditional African society, as they shape the cultural identity and way of life of the people. Every stage of life is marked by specific rituals and formal processes that signify growth, responsibility, and social acceptance.

In Unyeada Kingdom, one of the most important of such traditions is the Ntibi-Oyet ritual. This is a significant Obolo (Andoni) cultural practice performed to mark the transition of a male child into adulthood. It is widely celebrated among Obolo communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States of Nigeria.

The Ntibi-Oyet rite is traditionally observed at the end of each fishing season, often during the autumn period. It forms an integral part of the popular Ijok-Irin Festival, also known as the Unyeada Fishing Festival, where the community gathers to celebrate heritage, unity, and continuity.

Key Aspects of the Ntibi-Oyet Ceremony
Purpose

The Ntibi-Oyet ceremony serves as a public declaration of maturity for young men, typically between the ages of 15 and 20. It signifies that they have attained the required level of discipline, cultural upbringing, and responsibility expected of adult males in the community.

Ritual Process

Prior to the Ijok-Irin Festival, participants are selected from the various towns and villages within Unyeada Kingdom. These selected youths undergo a period of traditional cleansing and are prepared for initiation.

They are then secluded and groomed by elders for three days at “Ebon Udan”, the ancestral square. During this period, they are instructed in the customs, moral values, and responsibilities of adulthood, as well as the expectations of community life.

A crucial component of the initiation is their induction into the Unyeada Kingdom Traditional Military School, locally known as “Ogbo-Anange.” This institution, reintroduced in 1960 by Late High Chief J. R. Mbira (Unye Obolo III), serves as a training ground where initiates are exposed to discipline, courage, and the philosophy of unconquered strength, inspired by the legacy of the
legendary King Otuo of Unyeada Kingdom.

Ijimangi Procession / Public Appearance

In the early hours of the Ijok-Irin Festival, following the completion of their seclusion, the initiates are ceremonially reintroduced into society as fully formed adults.
Before their public presentation, each participant is gifted a fadon of traditional George wrapper by their family, which is worn around the bare body as a symbol of honor, identity, and cultural pride.

At approximately 5:30 a.m., the sounding of the ceremonial cannon signals the commencement of the procession. Elderly men lead the initiates—now regarded as graduands—in a dignified warrior parade through the towns and villages of Unyeada Kingdom. This procession, known as the Ijimangi, symbolizes their transition, strength, and readiness to serve the community.

Status and Privileges

Upon completion of the rite, these young men are formally recognized as:

* Responsible members of society
* Eligible for marriage
* Capable of defending their community as
warriors
* Bearers of honor and dignity for their
families

Traditionally, the rite also grants them the right to own personal fishing equipment such as canoes and nets, symbolizing economic independence and their readiness to contribute meaningfully to the welfare and sustainability of the community.

29/04/2026

The "King of the Fish" award, locally known as Ogwuisi-Mbom, is a prestigious traditional honor bestowed upon the fisherman who catches the largest fish during the annual Obolo (Andoni) Traditional Fishing Season which culminates during the annual Unyeada Fishing Festival (Ijok-irin) in the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Here are key details about this tradition:

Significance:
In Obolo (Andoni) tradition, catching the largest fish represents strength, bravery, and dexterity, similar to hunting a leopard. It is a celebration of the community's rich cultural heritage as skilled fishermen.

The Award:
The winner receives a royal blessing and award from the Okaan-Ama (King) of Unyeada Kingdom.

The Festival: The Ijok-irin festival marks the end of the traditional fishing season, usually held between July and August.

Location: The tradition is strongly associated with Obolo people, which boosts the popular Oyorokoto fishing community often cited as the largest fishing settlement on the West African coast.

History:
The tradition is ancient, with origins tracing back to the 12th Century BC. Traditionally, it was a taboo for a fisherman to solely eat or sell his biggest catch without presenting it for this honor.

Recent Winners:
In 2023, Elder Claude Otuene from Oyorokoto won the award for catching a massive Swordfish.

28/12/2025

GROUP LAUDED THE TRANSFORMATIVE AND PEACE BUILDING EFFORTS OF ANDONI COUNCIL BOSS. HON. PRINCE LUCKY PROMISE OTUO JP.

A blue economy and ecotourism group, the Blue Safari Nigeria has commended the sincere efforts of the Executive Chairman of Andoni LGA, Hon. Prince Lucky Promise Otuo JP, for his transformative and peace building efforts. The Chief Executive Officer of the group, Ms. Precious Itolima during her tour of some tourist sites in Andoni commended the efforts of the Andoni council boss especially in his campaign to woo investors through the — a bold initiative to open up new investment opportunities, strengthen security, and accelerate infrastructure development across the LGA.
From tourism and the blue economy to youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and modern infrastructure, Rediscover Andoni sets a new direction for growth and prosperity.

Some of tourist sites visited include:
√ MANY UNTOUCHED ATLANTIC BEACHES
√ ELEPHANT/WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
√ WEST AFRICA LARGEST FISHING
SETTLEMENT
√ IJOK-IRIN FISHING AND CULTURAL
FESTIVAL
√ RELICS OF THE HISTORICAL HOUSE OF
SKULLS
√ DOLPHIN/SEA TURTLE SITES

Earlier, during a courtesy call by the group on the Andoni LGA boss, Hon. Otuo calls on investors, partners, community leaders, and the good people of Andoni to join his transformative and peace building movement, stressing that Andoni is peaceful and ready for tourism investment.
He said, "together, we will showcase Andoni to the world.
and together, we will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Andoni LGA".

30/11/2025

WELCOME TO UNYEADA KINGDOM, THE HOME OF PRACE AND PROTECTION

THE REGENT OF UNYEADA KINGDOM & ACTING CHAIRMAN,
UNYEADA KINGDOM SUPREME COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS,
CHIEF EUGENE L. ELLEH JP

IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE CHIEFS, OPINION LEADERS, WOMEN GROUPS, YOUTHS,
AND THE GOOD PEOPLE OF UNYEADA KINGDOM

HEARTILY WELCOME

THIER ILLUSTRIOUS SON, HON. PRINCE LUCKY PROMISE OTUO JP,
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ANDONI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

AND HIS ENTOURAGE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF RT. HON. IKUNYI-OWAJI IBANI, DSSRS, PH,D

TO UNYEADA TOWN
The ANCESTRAL HEADQUARTERS OF UNYEADA KINGDOM

ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF THE
RENOVATED & UPGRADED
COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL II, UNYEADA TOWN.

DATE: MONDAY, 1ST DECEMBER, 2025

ENYI MI NUN OO!

26/11/2025

*Andoni is ready!*
Join us for the Unveiling of the Andoni Carnival - “Rediscover Andoni 2025”

Date: 28 Nov. 2025

Venue::Council Field, Ngo Town

Time: Red carpet: 1 PM | Main event: 2 PM

Let’s celebrate our culture, creativity and pride.

13/07/2025

Ankara (Dragging Net) by Andoni fishermen

10/07/2025

MADE IN UNYEADA



Nypa Palm Bag
Creative Economy

08/07/2025

MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION
On behalf of the Regent of Unyeada Kingdom, Traditional Rulers, Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, Women and Youth groups and the good people of Unyeada Kingdom, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who honored us with their presence at the Unyeada Fishing Festival (Ijok-Irin) 2025.

Your participation added immense value to this year’s celebration, a vibrant display of our rich cultural heritage, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Unyeada 8people. Whether you traveled from near or far, your presence made the festival truly memorable.

We thank our traditional leaders, government officials, cultural performers, partner organizations, friends, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond. Your support strengthens our resolve to preserve and promote our ancestral traditions for future generations.

We will not forget to mention here the enormous contributions of Patrons of Ijok-Irin Festival, Chief (Pst.) Prince Isaiah Simoen Oro-Atankpo, The Oro-Atankpo 1 of Unyeada Kingdom, Amb. Bartholomew Ephraim JP. Njenyisi 1 of Unyeada Kingdom, Hon. Ijonama Mkpon Amon, Most Snr. Comrade Sampson S.Akpor, Chief A.P Ataisigwung

We also acknowledged the physical presence and support of the representative of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Barr. Diekuma Genesis, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, representative of the Sole Administrator of Andoni LGA, Jackson Sariguma Ph.D, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr.Fiibite Bibi, Mr. Ken Kobo Director Tourism, Mr. Victor Otuka, Curator National Museums and Monuments, Port Harcourt, Mrs.Aribodor Eberechi Nchelem rep. of Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Authority,
As we cast our nets into new seasons of growth and unity, may the spirit of Ijok-Irin continue to connect us all in peace, prosperity, and cultural pride.

It is on record that the organisers of the festival tirelessly put in their best to organise one the best edition of the festival.

As we cast our nets into new seasons of growth and unity, may the spirit of Ijok-Irin continue to connect us all in peace, prosperity, and cultural pride.

Chief Gogo Abel Ujile
Paramount Head of Ujile War-Canoe
Coordinator, Ijok-Irin Festival

07/07/2025