Impact of Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro’s Festival on Niger Delta People

Abstract

The existing literature on the Niger Delta issue generally presents a broad narrative of ethnic and regional struggles for self-determination, often portrayed through a series of distinct events. The case of Isaac Boro stands out as the first instance of armed rebellion against the Nigerian state, marking him as a source of inspiration for both violent and nonviolent Niger Delta activists. His legacy of fighting for the emancipation of his people has been immortalized through an annual festival where his struggles are recounted. However, Boro's significance varies among different groups. While many view him as a hero who instilled a lasting philosophy and ideology within the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region, his influence is interpreted differently by others. Despite this, a critical gap exists in the literature; the impact of this annual festival on the region has not been adequately explored. This research aims to address that gap by examining the effects of the Isaac Boro Festival on the Niger Delta people. The significance of this study lies in its potential to illuminate the festival's role not only as a cultural commemoration but also as a vehicle for social cohesion, political awareness, and economic impact within the Niger Delta. By exploring how the festival influences collective identity, resilience, and socio-political consciousness, the research contributes valuable insights to understanding the multifaceted impact of cultural events in regions with histories of struggle and activism. A descriptive research methodology, allowing for an exploratory approach to gather a representative understanding of the subject, has been employed to investigate the festival's influence on the region.