Ikpokpo Tees Off Golf Kitty as NDDC Marks 25 Years, Cultural Expo Set to Light Up Uyo
UYO/Nigeria: Managing Consultant of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, on Saturday teed off the ceremonial Golf Kitty held in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), marking another milestone in the ongoing sports and community celebration in Akwa Ibom State.
The event, which took place at the prestigious Ibom Golf and Country Club, drew over 130 golfers from across the region and was graced by members of both the Main and Local Organising Committees of the NDSF. It formed part of the festival’s broader community engagement strategy, designed to foster social networking and integration across the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Ikpokpo said the Golf Kitty was more than just a leisure activity but an expression of the festival’s wider vision. “The NDSF project sponsored by the NDDC was designed to achieve multipurpose objectives—discovering and nurturing athletes, fostering regional integration, and engaging our host communities,” he said.
Ikpokpo further revealed that the festival has introduced demonstration sports like cricket and rugby, with plans to fully integrate them into future editions. “We will continue to redesign the festival concept to accommodate more sports,” he added.
Meanwhile, preparations for the much-anticipated Cultural Expo, scheduled for April 7, are in top gear. The stage is currently being set, with rehearsals ongoing for what promises to be a vibrant showcase of Niger Delta creativity and talent.
Entertainment impresario Edi Lawani, who is curating the Cultural Expo, described the event as a platform for community engagement and cultural celebration. “We want to give the people of Akwa Ibom, the festival community, and tourists a chance to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the sports festival outside the competition venues,” Lawani said, clad in his signature shorts and backpack.
According to Lawani, over 40 artistes, including upcoming talents from the nine states, will take the stage for music, comedy, dance, and a rich array of local cuisines. He emphasized that the expo is as much about talent discovery in the arts as the sports festival is for athletics. “Just as the NDSF is poised to discover new talents in sports, the Cultural Expo is equally designed to uplift young creatives in the entertainment industry,” he said.
Established stars such as comedian Delstalker and singer Humble Smith are expected to perform at the expo, lending inspiration and mentorship to the younger generation of performers.
In a bid to ensure inclusiveness, Lawani noted that the event will also spotlight female artistes, female DJs, and a female red carpet host, underscoring the festival’s commitment to gender representation.
The Cultural Expo will be held at Unity Park, popularly known as the Christmas Village in Uyo, and will feature an elaborate lighting display and large-screen projection, promising an unforgettable night of culture, music, and celebration.
