Picture the coastal waters of Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria, shimmering under the New Year’s sun as the air fills with the rhythmic splash of boats, the vibrant chants of masquerades, and the festive hum of a community united. This is the Nwaotam Festival, an annual cultural extravaganza that transforms Opobo into a dazzling hub of tradition, history, and maritime pride. Picture colorful regattas racing across the Opobo River, masquerades dancing through the streets, and families feasting on yam dishes—held every December 31 to January 1, this festival is a vibrant celebration of the Ubani (Ibani) people’s heritage, blending ancestral rites with a modern carnival spirit. It’s a time when Opobo shines, drawing locals, diaspora, and tourists into a rich tapestry of Igbo and coastal culture.
A Tradition Born from Migration and Resilience
The Nwaotam Festival traces its origins to the Ndoki, an Igbo subgroup with deep ties to present-day Abia and Rivers States. Historical accounts suggest it began among the Ndoki, influenced by the ancient deity Ottam, a spiritual figure central to their rituals. The festival migrated to Opobo in the 19th century with Ozurumba Mbanaso—later known as King Jaja of Opobo—who founded the kingdom in 1870 as his personal estate after fleeing a civil war in Bonny. Born a slave in Amaigbo, Imo State, Jaja rose to lead the Anna Pepple Chieftaincy House, establishing Opobo as a palm oil trading powerhouse. The Nwaotam, meaning “Descendants of Ottam deity” or “Children or Ottam” in local dialect, evolved into a thanksgiving for the yam harvest and a renewal rite, reflecting the Ibani’s maritime and agrarian roots.
Celebrated annually from December 31 to January 1—shifting to January 2 if December 25 falls on a Sunday—Nwaotam aligns with the New Year, blending indigenous traditions with the Christian holiday season. This fusion highlights Opobo’s adaptability, maintaining its cultural essence while embracing a broader festive spirit, a practice also seen in Bonny, Andoni, and other Ubani-influenced areas.
Preparing for the Maritime Spectacle
Preparation kicks off in early December. Families gather yams, the festival’s staple, and women cook hearty dishes—pounded yam, pepper soup, and palm wine—while men ready boats for the regatta, a highlight of the event. Masquerades are crafted in secret, using raffia, feathers, and painted masks to honor ancestral spirits, a nod to the Ottam cult’s legacy. The community, guided by the King and chiefs, sets the date, ensuring it honours tradition and the New Year calendar.
The days before build excitement with preliminary dances and boat preparations, and the town welcomes indigenes returning from Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos, or abroad. By December 31, Opobo is alive—streets decorated, boats polished, and hearts ready for a two-day celebration blending ancient rites with modern joy.
Two Days of Regatta, Dance, and Unity
The Nwaotam Festival unfolds over December 31 and January 1, starting with a morning ceremony where the King, currently HRM. Dandeson Douglas Jaja V, offers prayers and the first yam to ancestors and God, a ritual of gratitude for the harvest. The yam, roasted and shared, marks the eating season’s start, fostering communal bonds.
The streets then erupt with the boat regatta, a thrilling race across the Opobo River, where enthusiastic men row for first place, cheered by crowds on shore. Masquerades parade through the town, their dances a mix of grace and energy, delighting children who chase them and adults who toss coins in appreciation. Cultural performances—traditional dances and storytelling—fill the day, showcasing Opobo’s artistic spirit. Food stalls serve yam dishes and palm wine, extending the festivities into the night with music and laughter, a vibrant crossover into the New Year.
A Festival with Purpose and Challenges
Nwaotam is Opobo’s cultural lifeline. The regatta and masquerades connect the living to their maritime and ancestral past, reinforcing Ibani values of gratitude and community. It unites the kingdom, pulling indigenes home and attracting tourists who marvel at its unique displays. The festival also boosts local pride, with leaders like the King promoting cultural preservation amidst modern influences.
Economically, it spurs tourism, filling markets and hotels, though it faces challenges. The Christmas overlap raises questions from some Christian factions about its spiritual elements, but Opobo’s people see it as a cultural celebration, not idolatry. Security ensures safety, addressing rare incidents, ensuring the festival’s growth as a regional highlight.
Opobo: A Kingdom of History and Harmony
Opobo, 40 kilometers east of Port Harcourt, is a historic island kingdom founded by Igbo Chief, King Jaja in 1870—named after King Opubo Pepple. Known for its palm oil trade and maritime heritage, it’s a cultural hub with ties to Bonny and Andoni. The Nwaotam Festival amplifies this legacy, drawing visitors to its vibrant waters and streets.
Tourists love the festival’s energy—regattas, food, and masquerade displays—pairing well with nearby Bonny’s LNG sites. For Opobo, it’s a chance to shine, a spectacular reminder of its roots.
A Festival That Endures
As the boats dock and the masquerades retreat, Nwaotam leaves Opobo glowing. It’s a thanksgiving, a reunion, and a cultural triumph all in one. In a changing world, this festival holds firm—a testament to Igbo and Ibani resilience. Next December 31, the rites will resume, the races will flow, and Opobo will welcome all. If you’re in Rivers State, follow the water—you’ll find a celebration that’s pure magic.
References
eTimes News Africa. (2025, January 21). 25 must-experience Igbo festivals in 2025: A cultural journey through Nigeria.
Medium. (2024, August 2). Opobo Nwaotam Festival: A vibrant festival in Opobo, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Wikipedia. (2021, August 31). New Yam Festival of the Igbo.
