It was a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region as the nine mandate States of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) assembled in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Monday, for the Niger Delta Arts and Culture Expo.
Tagged “Rhythms of the Niger Delta: Music, Dance, and the Heartbeat of our People,” the event featured colourful display of traditional music, dance, pageantry, and comedy, drawing the top brass of the Commission and cultural enthusiasts from across the region.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, chaired the event. He was represented by Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State on the NDDC Governing Board.
In his welcome address, Chief Ogbuku described the expo as a powerful demonstration of the unity that binds the people of the Niger Delta, stating that the event proved culture remains an enduring force that no technology can replace.
“Today, you have showcased unity in diversity in the Niger Delta. Today, you have shown that culture cannot be wished away by any technology in the world. Today, you have shown that there is love in the Niger Delta. Today, you have shown that you are not just a member of the Niger Delta but that you appreciate what you have,” Ogbuku said.
“You have exhibited the mantra that is keeping Nigeria together—unity in diversity has been brought to bear today. We must keep this flag flying,” he added.
The NDDC boss assured the people of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to the development of the region, noting that significant progress had been recorded in project delivery across the nine mandate states.
“We are committed to serving excellently. Projects and various programmes are going on, and as we speak, the story has changed. With your love, your encouragement, and your commitment, we will achieve even more.”
He expressed optimism about the future of the cultural festival and extended an invitation to all participants to the next edition.
The wife of the Managing Director, Dr. Mrs. Amaba Samuel Ogbuku, was a special guest at the event.
In her remarks, she celebrated the people of the Niger Delta for their beauty, resilience, and love, urging them to continue to uphold the spirit of togetherness that the expo sought to promote.
“We are so beautiful, so loving, we do not take things for granted. In our diversity, we have shown unity. Thank you so much. Remember who we are.
“This is done once a year to bring us together, to show love to one another, and to make us realize that we are nothing but one—one love, one accord, one purpose as Niger Deltans,” she asserted.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by directors of the Commission, who commended the initiative as a vital platform for cultural preservation and regional integration.
The expo featured fiercely contested competitions in both dance and pageantry.
In the women’s group dance category, Akwa Ibom State dazzled the judges and audience alike to claim first place, followed by Ondo State in second, and Rivers State in third.
For the beauty pageantry, Bayelsa State emerged victorious, with Edo State securing second place, while Akwa Ibom State and Rivers State tied for third.
In the cultural troupe display, Bayelsa State again took the top spot, Edo State came second, and Rivers State finished third.
