Bayelsa Decides 2019

Know Your Candidates Guide for 2019 Bayelsa general elections by VIOSAM

Oil-rich Bayelsa State is located in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria.The state was created on October 1, 1996 from the old Rivers State. Geographically, the state is located within latitude 4o 15’ and 5o 23’ N, and longitude 5o 15’ and 6o 45’ E. The state is bounded to the north by Delta State, to the east by Rivers State, and to the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The state capital is Yenagoa. The state occupies an area of about 21,100 Km2. The major local language of Bayelsans is Ijaw (Izon); however, some other local languages, especially Nembe, Ogbia and Epie-Atissa, are also widely spoken in the state. Bayelsa State has one of the largest crude oil and natural gas deposits in Nigeria and is also one of the greatest producers of oil and gas products in the country. Bayelsa state is divided into eight (8) Local Government Areas (LGAs). Apart from Yenagoa other important towns in the state include Akassa, Amassoma (the home of Niger Delta University), Brass, Kaiama, Nembe, Odi, Ogbia, Oporoma and Sagbama.