In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Thursday 10th July, 2025 held a vibrant Arts and Culture Day celebration in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region and highlighted the commission’s commitment to fostering regional development and preserving the region’s cultural identity.
The celebration began with a colorful procession from the Port Harcourt Polo Club to Yakubu Gowon Stadium, featuring staff from NDDC, Top government official, Indigenes from the Niger Delta Region and cultural troupes from nine Niger Delta states. The troupes, dressed in their traditional attire, showcased their unique cultural heritage through captivating dances, music, and masquerade performances that stirred nostalgia and reverence.
The event highlighted the region’s diversity and unity, with each state showcasing its distinct cultural identity. From Akwa Ibom to Bayelsa, Cross River to Edo, Ondo to Delta, Abia to Imo, and Rivers, the cultural troupes displayed their rich heritage, emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural preservation in the Niger Delta region.
Notable indigenes from the Niger Delta gathered in large numbers from the different Niger Delta states for this celebration. Top government officials were also in attendance, adding to the significance of the event. Chief Ayiri Emami and his entourage were also present, further highlighting the importance of the occasion. As a Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of A & E group, Chief Emami’s presence underscored the commission’s commitment to engaging with the region’s cultural and development initiatives.
In his remarks, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku highlighted the commission’s commitment to fostering regional development and identity. He emphasized that the celebration marked a significant milestone in NDDC’s journey, demonstrating its dedication to promoting the region’s cultural heritage and sustainable development.
The Arts and Culture Day celebration was part of NDDC’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, which aim to showcase the commission’s achievements and commitment to the Niger Delta region’s growth and development. The celebration emphasized the importance of unity and cultural preservation in the region, highlighting the need for collective efforts to promote the region’s development.
As part of the celebrations, NDDC also organized a Health and Fitness Walk, themed “Celebrating 25 Years of Impact with Every Step!” The walk aimed to promote health, unity, and a vibrant Niger Delta, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to the well-being of the region’s inhabitants.
The 25th-anniversary celebrations showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Niger Delta through various forms of art and culture. The event reinforced the region’s valuable heritage, evoking a sense of nostalgia that will be cherished for generations. As NDDC continues to make a difference in the region, its commitment to promoting the Niger Delta’s cultural heritage and sustainable development remains unwavering.
“NDDC Celebrates 25 Years of Cultural Heritage and Development in Niger Delta”