BAYELSA STATE

Created: October 1, 1996

Capital: Yenagoa

Main Towns: Yenagoa, Sagbama, Obi, Kauama, Oloibiri, Ogbla, Oporama, Koluama, Brass, Opokuma.

Bayelsa State was created out of Rivers State on the October 1, 1996. It is bounded to the north by Delta State, to the east by Rivers States, to the south and the west by creeks and rivers spreading through the Atlantic Ocean. There are nine local government areas in the state. They are Yenagoa, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, Brass, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Kembe.

The main occupation of the people of Bayelsa are fishing and farming.

Bayelsa State has industries like Ahoada and Yenagoa Industrial Estates; and a host of other oil companies which help in generating income for the state.

In the educational sector, the state has a lot of primary, secondary and some government tertiary institutions. Private schools are also established to encourage and improve education.

To ensure adequate health care delivery, government has established general hospitals and health centres while private clinics are encouraged.

Culturally, Bayelsa State is richly endowed. Tourist attractions include its numerous beaches, fishing festivals, the canoe war displays and boat regattas and dances.