From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, has described as impressive the steady growth of the Bayelsa entertainment industry.
He singled out the yearly Okpoama International Beach Carnival at Brass Island’s, Brass Local Government Area, as one of the emerging global entertainment hubs that has contributed immensely to the steady growth of the country’s entertainment industry.
Sylva, also a former Minister of State Petroleum Resources, spoke at the yearly Okpoama International Beach Carnival, where he commended the performances of Patoranking, Nyanya, Spiro, and other emerging musical and comic artists who stormed Bayelsa to thrill guests, tourists, and residents who attended the carnival.
He said, “The best of our country’s musical talents performed and enjoyed the ambience of Brass Island. Indigenous musical prospects were given the chance to perform alongside internationally recognised stars in a deliberate act of raising their stock.
“Ultimately, the dream of making Okpoama a proper, globally recognised tourism destination is in sight.”
Okpoama International Beach Carnival has always paraded top musical and comic artists yearly and attracted a multitude of tourists from within and outside the state.
In the time past, Timaya, Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage were among the top artists who identified with and thrilled visitors at previous events.
The event has always presented an indispensable opportunity for people outside the state to enjoy Bayelsa hospitality and savour local state delicacies.
The 2025 Okpoama International Beach Carnival, which MC Senibo coordinated as the Master of Ceremony, is usually organised by Sylva’s team and political associates, including Dr Kojo Sam, to highlight the potential of Okpoama and Brass Island as a destination of choice for tourists.