The Commission emphasised the significance of celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, spoke on the Commission’s support for music and culture at the inaugural Niger Delta Cultural Music Festival (NIDCUM Fest), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) described the event as a convergence of culture, music and development.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Pius Ughakpoteni, spoke on the theme: “Empowering Youth and Celebrating Culture.”
He said NIDCUM Fest was more than just a cultural extravaganza, noting that it was a manifestation of NDDC’s unwavering commitment to the future of Niger Delta.
Ogbuku remarked: “It is a platform where our differences become a source of strength, and our unity is celebrated through the universal language of music.
“This sentiment underpins the festival’s core mission of fostering appreciation and understanding among the region’s diverse population.”
Ogbuku made it clear that NIDCUM Fest was not merely a celebration but a commitment to ensure that traditional music and art forms were passed down to future generations.
He urged elders of the region to share their wisdom and encouraged youths to connect with their cultural roots.
The NDDC boss acknowledged the economic potential of cultural tourism.
He expressed commitment to boosting local economies by attracting tourists and generating revenue for businesses in the region.
He said it was not just about music but also about creating a sustainable source of income for the Niger Delta communities.
Ogbuku said further: “The festival aims to educate attendees about different cultures, broadening horizons, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering appreciation of the region’s diversity.
“It provides a stage for the region’s untapped artistic talent, offering artists and groups an opportunity to showcase their creativity and potentially turn their dreams into reality.”
He emphasised the importance of entertainment, ensuring that NIDCUM Fest created unforgettable memories through vibrant performances, joy, laughter and celebration.
A significant moment in the address was Ogbuku’s pledge to support young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region through targeted skill development initiatives.
Ogbuku stated: “We recognise that empowering our young musicians is not only an investment in their future but also in the future of the Niger Delta.”
He celebrated the transformative power of supporting cultural music talents, drawing inspiration from artists like Asu Ekiye, Burna Boy, and Yemi Alade, who had risen from the Niger Delta to achieve global recognition.
He noted that these artists became employers, creating opportunities for others and shedding light on Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
Ogbuku said he envisioned a future where the talents of the Niger Delta’s cultural musicians would enrich the world’s cultural tapestry, while uplifting the region and its people.
He therefore charged the attendees thus: “Let the harmonious celebrations begin.”
In his welcome address, the facilitator of NIDCUM Fest, Asu Ekiye, noted that “NIDCUM is a platform where we, Niger Deltans, can celebrate our cultural heritage.
“It is also a crucial step in preserving and embracing the culture that has shaped us into who we are today as a people.”
The Creative Minds of Bayelsa State, a music and cultural group, won the first prize of ₦3million, while the Ekemini Theatre Troupe from Akwa Ibom State went home with ₦2million for taking the second position.
The third prize of ₦1million went to ThankGod Enas Team, a cultural troupe from Delta State.
