Yenagoa is the capital of Bayelsa State, which was created in 1996 in the heart of the Niger Delta. The state is the homeland of the Ijaw people, and much of it is made up of rivers, creeks, mangroves and swamp forest.
The city sits on the Epie Creek and has grown quickly from a small town into a state capital. Water shapes daily life here: many communities in Bayelsa are reached mainly by boat, and fishing is central to the local economy and kitchen.
Top things to do in Yenagoa
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Relax at Oxbow Lake
Oxbow Lake, on the edge of Yenagoa, is a calm natural lake formed by an old bend in the river. Its banks are used for picnics, boat rides, fishing and weekend outings.
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Take a boat through the creeks
Boats from Yenagoa's jetties travel along creeks lined with mangroves and raffia palms to fishing villages and riverine towns. Travel in daylight and wear a life jacket.
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Watch a regatta
Ijaw communities celebrate with boat regattas, where decorated canoes, paddlers in matching outfits, drummers and masquerades race and parade on the water.
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Visit Nembe and Brass
The historic trading kingdoms of Nembe and Brass, near the Atlantic coast, are reached by boat from Yenagoa. Both played major roles in the palm oil trade of the nineteenth century.
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Eat Ijaw seafood
Try fresh fish pepper soup, fisherman soup, kekefiyai (a plantain pottage) and bole with fish. Roadside grills sell fish, plantain and yam in the evening.
Festivals and culture
Ijaw festivals are known for regattas, masquerades and music, often held in riverine communities around Yenagoa. December brings homecomings, concerts and parties in the city.
Food to try
Try kekefiyai, fisherman soup, pepper soup with fresh catfish, native soup with periwinkles, bole and fish, and kpokpo garri.
Best time to visit
November to March is the driest period and the best time for boat trips. Bayelsa gets heavy rain for most of the year, and some areas flood during the peak of the rainy season.
Getting around
Taxis and tricycles cover the city, and boats serve riverine communities. Yenagoa is about two hours by road from Port Harcourt, and Bayelsa has an airport near the city.
Questions about Yenagoa
What is Yenagoa known for?
Yenagoa is known as the capital of Bayelsa State and the Ijaw heartland, for its creeks and Oxbow Lake, and for its seafood.
How far is Yenagoa from Port Harcourt?
About two hours by road, depending on traffic.
How do I find events in Yenagoa?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, festivals and free events in Yenagoa on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
