The Niger Delta region has been described as peaceful and conducive for investment. Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who made the assertion during the Arts and Culture Day of the commission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, explained that the day was set aside to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the oil-rich region in keeping with the NDDC Jubilee celebration.
The Arts and Culture day kicked off with a procession cum fitness walk from the Polo club in Government Reserved Area, GRA Port Harcourt and moved through Mummy B road, joining Stadium Road and terminating at the Yakubu Gowan stadium, Elekahia.
As the day implies, different states of the region took turns to parade, dance and entertain the crowd that thronged the stadium in different dancing steps.
Speaking at the occasion, Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who described the moment as an indication of peace in the region, noted that the Culture Day was for bonding and friendship among the states and the people.
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“We thought it was very necessary to organise this, as part of our twenty-five anniversary, so that people will not continue to assume negativity about Niger Delta region.
NDDC is not only about the construction of roads; we also have to intervene to promote our rich cultural heritage and promote anything that will bring about peace in the region.”
In the same vein, NDDC board Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Ebie, admitted that it was worthwhile to have different cultures of the region on display to Mark unity and progress as a catalyst to development.
In a welcome address, Chairman of the planning committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, told participants that the Arts and Culture Day formed part of the anniversary celebration.
Alabo IYAYE commended participants for showcasing their talents and contributing to the success of the anniversary.
“We are here to celebrate the Niger Delta, to celebrate our rich culture, to show the world our traditional dances”
Some of the participants expressed happiness for being part of the celebration and commended NDDC for the initiative.
The respondents asked NDDC to make regular Arts and Culture Day.
