The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Friday held an arts and culture parade along the major streets of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, as part of activities markings its 25th anniversary celebration.
The street parade featured representatives from the nine states constituting the Niger Delta region including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers States.
Representatives of the states, with their carnival floats, moved from the Port Harcourt Polo Club in GRA, Port Harcourt, through Mummy B Road and Stadium Road before ending the show at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the event, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the parade was to create friendliness among the people of the Niger Delta region.
“We are here today to foster conviviality amongst ourselves as the people of the Niger Delta; to network amongst ourselves, to build relationships and to bond as a people. That is why people have come from different states; maybe, people who have never met themselves before are here to celebrate the Niger Delta.
“Just the way we did during the sports festival, which was the first of its kind, we are here today in Port Harcourt to still build conviviality amongst ourselves, love among the people of the Niger Delta. We might differ in tribes, but Niger Delta is one, Nigeria is one,” Ogbuku said.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, said the event has provided opportunity for Niger Deltans to showcase their rich culture.
“This is remarkable as we come to showcase the diversity of the Niger Delta region. We are here to enjoy ourselves, we are here to show that the Niger Delta is rich in tradition and culture,” Ebie said.
