By Perekeme Odon
In the heart of the Niger Delta lies a state abundantly blessed with natural resources, yet impoverished in the full expression of its human capital. Bayelsa, the cradle of Nigeria’s oil wealth, remains alarmingly dependent on political patronage rather than the power of creativity, innovation, and enterprise. Unlike Lagos, Rivers, or Akwa Ibom, where industrious locals seize opportunities, nurture their talents, and transform them into sustainable ventures, Bayelsa appears trapped in a cycle of political dependence and creative inertia.
As the distinguished journalist Ovieteme George rightly lamented, too many Bayelsans have become accustomed to waiting for political appointments or financial handouts instead of pushing themselves towards excellence. This has created a society where mediocrity thrives and initiative wanes. George’s concern underscores a critical truth: you must be made before you can be given a responsibility. One must serve before one can lead. The foundation of leadership and self-reliance is preparation, not entitlement.
The Paradox of Bayelsan Brilliance
Curiously, Bayelsans outside the state are excelling across Nigeria, Africa, and even the global stage in creative arts, technology, business, and academia. From Lagos to London, these sons and daughters of Bayelsa are trailblazers. Yet, within the state, progress stagnates. The question begs: why do Bayelsans thrive everywhere except at home?
The answer lies partly in the absence of an enabling ecosystem. Creativity cannot flourish in an environment where politics overshadows productivity and where young people measure success by their proximity to political figures rather than their contribution to society. The government’s over-centralised approach to empowerment, often reduced to brief, ill-structured “three-day” trainings promising quick success, is nothing short of deception. Creativity is not microwaveable; it is a long-term investment that demands patience, mentorship, and institutional support.
Institutionalising Creative Empowerment
Bayelsa must take a cue from states that have transformed creativity into a structured economy.
✓ Akwa Ibom, under visionary leadership, established the Akwa Ibom Entertainment Forum across its 31 LGAs to identify and nurture local talent.
✓ Lagos State, through initiatives such as LACI (Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative) in partnership with Del-York Creative Academy, Project Loud Centre, Lag-UP, and Skill Acquisition Centres, has institutionalised creative education.
✓ Rivers State is building a Del-York Vocational & Creative Institute, a world-class hub set to empower thousands with industry-relevant skills.
✓ Even Ogun State, through its One Youth, One Skill initiative, is preparing its youth for self-reliance and digital innovation.
These examples illustrate how strategic government involvement focused on infrastructure, training, and partnerships can spark creative revolutions. Bayelsa can, and must, do the same.
A Call for a Bayelsa Creative Hub
To restore the Bayelsan spirit of innovation, the government should establish a Bayelsa Creative Hub for the creative economy and entrepreneurship, backed by legislation to ensure continuity beyond political tenures. This hub would serve as a talent incubator, offering training, mentorship, production support, and linkages to investors and international markets.
Moreover, the creation of a Bayelsa Leadership Academy is long overdue. The state must begin to groom a new generation of visionary leaders who understand governance beyond patronage, leaders who will prioritise service, innovation, and inclusion.
Changing the Mindset
The greatest battle lies not in policy, but in mindset. Many Bayelsan youths, sadly, have adopted a short-term mentality, seeking political stipends of ₦50,000 or ₦100,000 from political patrons, only to return to the same cycle of dependency. This “handout culture” erodes dignity, creativity, and long-term ambition. The average Bayelsan must realise that wealth and recognition are not inherited through connections but earned through consistent effort and skill development.
A Positive Path Forward
To reawaken the Bayelsan spirit, several key steps must be taken:
1. Institutionalise Creative and Vocational Education: Build accredited centres across the eight LGAs to offer structured programmes in digital skills, filmmaking, music production, fashion design, and entrepreneurship.
2. Public–Private Collaboration: Partner with industry leaders, local entrepreneurs, and Bayelsans in the diaspora to co-create sustainable creative ecosystems.
3. Mentorship and Exchange Programmes: Invite successful Bayelsans across industries, entertainers, tech founders, and designers to mentor and inspire young talents.
4. Create Incentives for Creative Startups: Offer grants, tax reliefs, and workspace subsidies for creative enterprises within the state.
5. Build a Tourism and Entertainment Economy: Invest in film festivals, music concerts, and art exhibitions to attract investors and showcase homegrown talent.
Conclusion
The Bayelsan of tomorrow must be a maker, not a mere consumer of opportunity. The government must not only empower but also institutionalise empowerment. Just as Akpabio once recalled Akwa Ibom entertainers to rebuild the cultural identity of his state, Bayelsa must reach out to its own, those shining in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond, to return home and light the torch for others.
True progress begins when Bayelsans learn to serve before they seek to lead, and when they understand that greatness is not given by politics but earned through purpose. The reawakening of the Bayelsan spirit is not a dream, it is an urgent necessity.
