NDDC Celebrates Niger Delta’s Rich Cultural Heritage At Thriving Arts Expo

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has successfully hosted a vibrant Arts and Culture Expo in Port Harcourt, bringing together cultural troupes from all nine Niger Delta states to celebrate the region’s rich and diverse heritage.

The event, themed “Echoes of Our Heritage: Celebrating Niger Delta’s Rich Cultural Legacy,” showcased the region’s unique traditions, going beyond mere entertainment to highlight their profound significance.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, emphasised the critical need to preserve and promote the Niger Delta’s cultural identity.

“Africans are known and respected for their culture,” Ogbuku stated, “and the Niger Delta possesses an enviable heritage that must be protected.”

The Expo, he explained, served as a powerful reminder of the region’s identity and a platform to share its cultural wealth with the world.

The Expo featured a captivating array of traditional music, dance performances, and a thought-provoking lecture delivered by renowned actor and scholar, Dr. Samuel Dede.

Dr. Dede challenged the perception of cultural festivals as mere entertainment, advocating for events that authentically reflect the struggles, resilience, and social advocacy of the Niger Delta people.

He emphasized that cultural heritage encompasses much more than performances, including rites, traditions, indigenous knowledge, political beliefs, language, food, art, and even digital expressions that will shape the future.

Attendees were treated to a dazzling display of colourful dance presentations by women’s groups and cultural troupes from across the nine states, showcasing the incredible diversity of the region’s artistic expressions.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding dance troupes and the winners of the Mr. and Mrs. Niger Delta contest for their contributions to promoting Niger Delta culture.

The NDDC’s initiative underscores a commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Niger Delta region, highlighting its significance not only for entertainment but also for its role in shaping the region’s identity and future.

The success of the Arts and Culture Expo suggests a promising path toward a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Niger Delta’s rich cultural legacy.