Gokana

Gokana local government area is located within Rivers state, in the Southsouth geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The headquarters of the LGA are in the town of Kpor while the area comprises of several towns and villages which include Nwenbiara, Yeghe, Gbe, Goi, Barako, Kibangba, Bomu, Deken, and Bera. The estimated population of Gokana LGA is 194,713 inhabitants with the vast majority of the area’s inhabitants being members of the Ogoni ethnic sub-division. The Gokana dialect of the Ogoni language is predominantly spoken in the area while the most practiced religion in the LGA is Christianity.  The Gbere Mene of Gokana LGA is the traditional administrator of the LGA while important festivals held in the area include the Naa Bira Dae festival.

GEOGRAPHY OF GOKANA

Gokana LGA sits on a total area measuring 126 square kilometres and has several rivers and tributaries flowing through its territory. The average temperature of the LGA is 26 degrees centigrade while the average humidity level of the area is 87 percent.

ECONOMY OF GOKANA

Farming is a key economic activity in Gokana LGA with a number of crops such as plantain, oil palm, cassava, okro and banana grown in the area. Fishing is another important occupation undertaken by the dwellers of Gokana LGA with the area’s many rivers and tributaries being rich in seafood. Other important economic enterprises of the people of Gokana LGA include trade, the making of fishing nets, and the construction of canoes.

HISTORY OF GOKANA

Gokana local government area was created in the year 1991.