GALLERY

This is a dish served at traditional wedding ceremonies amongst the Ijaws and Kalabari in south-south Nigeria.

Music and dance are integral to Ijaw cultural expression. Traditional instruments like drums, flutes, and gongs are used during celebrations, festivals, and rituals. Dance forms vary and are often accompanied by rhythmic beats that reflect the community’s vibrant spirit.

Given their proximity to water bodies, fishing is a fundamental aspect of Ijaw life. The community’s cultural practices often revolve around the rivers and creeks, with fishing playing a symbolic role in their traditions.

The Ijaw society traditionally has a communal structure with a strong emphasis on extended family ties. Elders play a significant role in decision-making, and the community values cooperation and solidarity.

The Ijaw people have a long history of resistance and militancy, born out of a struggle for autonomy, environmental justice, and equitable resource distribution in the Niger Delta region. Faced with decades of exploitation and neglect by various governments and multinational corporations, the Ijaw have often taken a stand against perceived injustices through organized resistance and, at times, militant action.