NDDC-Celebrates-Arts-&-Culture-Day-at-General-Yakubu-Gowon-Stadium-Port-Harcourt-with-Dr.-Samuel-Ogbuku’s-Inspiring-Opening-Speech

NDDC Celebrates Arts & Culture Day at General Yakubu Gowon Stadium Port Harcourt with Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s Inspiring Opening Speech

NIGER DELTA-PROGRESS-REPORTERS / June 10th, 2025

Dave Ikiedei Asei 

A Grand Cultural Showcase in the Heart of Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) continued its 25th anniversary celebration in grand style with a vibrant and colorful Arts & Culture Day held at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt. The event, which drew participants and spectators from all nine NDDC-member states, served as a living testament to the cultural wealth, unity, and creative vitality of the Niger Delta region. At the heart of the celebration was Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, who delivered a compelling opening speech that set the tone for the day’s festivities.

Dr. Ogbuku’s Opening Address: A Call to Preserve and Promote Culture

In his welcome address, Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the importance of preserving the region's rich cultural heritage while aligning with the Commission’s broader goals of development and inclusion. He noted that the Arts & Culture Day was not only a celebration of identity but also an opportunity to harness culture as a tool for unity and socio-economic transformation.

“Culture is the soul of our people. It binds us together, defines who we are, and inspires creativity that can be translated into economic opportunities,” Dr. Ogbuku said. “Today, we do not only celebrate dances, music, attire, and crafts; we celebrate the strength of our roots and the future we are building through our shared identity.”

He called on policymakers, cultural custodians, youth, and creative professionals to embrace the economic potential of cultural tourism, which, if properly nurtured, could become a significant source of revenue and employment in the region.

Showcasing the Diversity of the Niger Delta

The stadium came alive with a flurry of cultural exhibitions and performances. Each state represented in the NDDC—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers—mounted impressive displays of their unique traditions. Masquerades with intricately designed costumes, troupes of traditional dancers, drummers, flute players, and artisans provided a spectacle that mesmerized the crowd.

Floats representing each state rolled into the arena with majestic designs reflecting native architecture, historic narratives, and traditional livelihoods such as fishing, farming, weaving, and sculpting. A rich blend of music, from highlife to indigenous rhythms, echoed across the stadium, setting an atmosphere of celebration and pride.

Live Art, Culinary Heritage, and Craftsmanship

In addition to live performances, the celebration featured live art demonstrations and culinary showcases. Traditional chefs from different states demonstrated local cooking techniques using indigenous ingredients. Visitors were treated to delicacies like Banga soup, Afang, Owo soup, and Fisherman soup, which not only tantalized taste buds but also told stories of coastal heritage and agricultural abundance.

Stalls lined the walkways of the stadium, displaying handwoven fabrics, wood carvings, pottery, beadworks, raffia designs, and leather goods. These exhibits reflected centuries-old traditions passed down through generations and preserved by the dedication of local craftsmen and women. The Commission also used the opportunity to promote locally made products and encourage support for homegrown industries.

Youth Involvement and Cultural Innovation

One of the most striking features of the event was the involvement of young creatives. Students, emerging artists, and designers participated in choreography, poetry recitals, and fashion parades that infused traditional themes with modern expressions. A youth talent corner was set up, providing a platform for young painters, spoken-word poets, and cultural influencers to showcase their skills.

Dr. Ogbuku, in his speech, particularly acknowledged the role of the younger generation in sustaining cultural legacies. “When our youth embrace their roots and express them through innovation, we secure our future. This is why the NDDC will continue to support youth-focused cultural initiatives,” he remarked.

A Platform for Regional Unity and Peace

The Arts & Culture Day served as more than a celebration of heritage; it also promoted peace and understanding among the various ethnic groups within the Niger Delta. Through the performances and exhibitions, similarities in folklore, rituals, and traditional values across states became evident, reaffirming the interconnectedness of the people in the region.

Several dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders were in attendance, lending weight to the message of unity and reconciliation. They echoed the Commission’s call for peace, cooperation, and the revitalization of cultural institutions as tools for resolving conflicts and fostering social harmony.

NDDC’s Cultural Agenda: Beyond Celebration

The event further reinforced the NDDC’s commitment to promoting culture as an integral part of its developmental strategy. Under Dr. Ogbuku’s leadership, the Commission has shown increased interest in integrating cultural tourism, heritage conservation, and creative industry development into its project framework. This includes support for cultural festivals, training for artisans, establishment of regional museums, and investments in creative economy infrastructure.

The Managing Director revealed that the Commission is exploring collaborations with international cultural organizations and private investors to scale up cultural programs in the Niger Delta. “Our goal is to ensure that the culture of the Niger Delta becomes an internationally recognized brand—one that generates pride at home and admiration abroad,” he stated.

Awards and Recognition

To cap the event, NDDC presented awards to individuals and groups who have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the region’s culture. These included veteran traditional musicians, master craftsmen, language preservation activists, and cultural educators. The recognition highlighted the value of cultural custodians who have worked tirelessly, often without formal support, to keep ancestral traditions alive.

Conclusion: Culture as a Pillar of Regional Transformation

The NDDC Arts & Culture Day at the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium was a historic gathering that celebrated the heart and soul of the Niger Delta. Through powerful performances, colorful expressions, and inclusive participation, the event underscored the power of culture as a catalyst for unity, empowerment, and development.

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku’s leadership in conceptualizing and delivering such a culturally grounded and impactful event reflects a broader vision of development that respects the past while preparing the region for a sustainable and prosperous future. The message was clear: a culturally confident Niger Delta is a strong and resilient Niger Delta, ready to take its rightful place in the national and global cultural economy.