Lake Efi: Bayelsa’s Hidden Jewel of Culture, Ecology, and Tradition

Lake Efi: Bayelsa’s Hidden Jewel of Culture, Ecology, and Tradition

Centuries-old fishing festival and nature’s marvel unite in Sabagreia’s sacred lake

By Egbema Egberi Media Special Correspondent

Sabagreia, Bayelsa State — In the tranquil heart of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area lies Lake Efi, a sacred body of water that is as culturally rich as it is ecologically pristine. Covering approximately 2 square kilometers, this natural lake in Sabagreia is regarded not only as a physical landmark but also as a spiritual and communal symbol for the Kalama people.

A Lake Born of Legend

According to oral tradition, Lake Efi was discovered by a Kalama hunter named Ukiriki, who stumbled upon the serene waters during a hunting expedition. A boundary dispute later arose between Ukiriki and a neighboring Gbarain hunter. To resolve the matter, the two were challenged to light a fire at the lake’s edge—whoever succeeded would claim the lake. Ukiriki triumphed, using dry grass and leaves, and thus the lake was forever enshrined in Kalama history.

The community continues to honor this ancestral connection through practices that blend myth, reverence, and communal unity, underscoring the lake’s enduring cultural significance.

The Lake Efi Fishing Festival: A Celebration of Spirit and Heritage

Held once every seven years, the Lake Efi Fishing Festival is one of Bayelsa’s most captivating cultural events. Declared only at the discretion of the lake’s chief priest, the festival draws sons and daughters of Sabagreia from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

During the festival, the lake transforms into a vibrant arena of canoe rides, fishing contests, and colorful boat regattas, with drums, chants, and rituals reverberating through the town. Most fascinating is the peaceful coexistence with crocodiles—believed to be spiritual guardians of the lake—which are said not to harm anyone during the celebration.

The festival is not merely for entertainment. It is a spiritual homecoming and a thanksgiving ritual to the river goddess, believed to bless the community with abundant fish and protection.

A Self-Cleansing Natural Wonder

Beyond its cultural weight, Lake Efi is an ecological gem. Unlike many water bodies in the Niger Delta, Lake Efi remains clean, thanks to a unique natural mechanism where debris is pushed to the banks, allowing the lake to cleanse itself over time.

Scientific studies confirm the lake’s high aquatic productivity and excellent water quality, as evidenced by the presence of pollution-intolerant aquatic insects and other biodiversity indicators. Seasonal flooding—typically a concern for wetland ecosystems—has been shown to have no adverse effects on the lake’s ecological balance.

A Potential Eco-Tourism Powerhouse

Recognizing its untapped potential, the Bayelsa State Government has expressed commitment to developing Lake Efi as a viable eco-tourism and cultural heritage site. With its compelling blend of folklore, tradition, and ecological integrity, the lake stands poised to become a centerpiece of sustainable tourism in the Niger Delta.

Efforts are underway to officially incorporate the Lake Efi Fishing Festival into the state’s cultural calendar, inviting global attention to this unique celebration of Ijaw identity, resilience, and reverence for nature.

Conclusion

In a time where communities seek meaning through roots, rituals, and reconnection with nature, Lake Efi in Sabagreia stands as a timeless symbol. It is not just a lake—it is a living story, a spiritual hearth, and a natural sanctuary, quietly waiting for the world to rediscover its beauty.