Community introduction:
Factsheet:
Location
Ogoniland, Gokana LG, Rivers State
Population
62,000
History
Bodo literally means “because of the sea”. Bodo was founded by Gberedeela, grandson of Gbgerebunudom who migrated from Koro-koro and settled first in Gioko then in Bodo.
Ethnicity
Ogoni and also Ibibio, Igbo, Hausa.
Language
Gokana dialect of Khana group.
Employment
Mostly fishing but also petty trading, carpentry, dress making, barbing, masonry, driving, hair dressing, metal working, civil service.
Partner
Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD).
Bodo Community
Bodo is a predominant community in Ogoniland, Rivers State, with 62,000 inhabitants and 35 villages. The community believes that their ancestors migrated from Ghana. The vast majority of the community are Ogoni but other ethnic groups are represented including Ibibio, Igbo and Hausa. The sea has played an important role in the development and growth of the community with fishing and farming providing employment. Although still significant as occupations, the people of Bodo City now work in a broad range of trades and services including petty trading, metal work, masonry and the civil service. Bodo’s geographic position influenced its development and the community had the first pilot and the first doctor in Ogoniland.
In 2006 the community emerged from a violent conflict between two politicians over power sharing. Our STAND partner CEHRD began an engagement with the community in November 2006. In 2008 a STAND centre was established in Bodo.
Bodo community gallery:
Bodo river bank
