By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Uyo
As competitions heat up at the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), organisers are adding a vibrant cultural and social dimension to the event in Uyo, with a special Golf Kitty and a star-studded Cultural Expo lined up to engage the wider community.
On Saturday, April 5, the serene greens of the Ibom Golf and Country Club came alive as over 130 golfers teed off in a commemorative Golf Kitty to mark the 25th anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the festival’s chief sponsor. The symbolic tee-off was performed by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the festival’s Managing Consultant, who emphasised the festival’s multi-dimensional impact.
“The Niger Delta Sports Festival is not just about winning medals,” Ikpokpo said. “It’s about building bridges, discovering talent, and connecting with our host communities. Events like this Golf Kitty help us foster social bonding beyond the competition grounds.”
The event drew participation from members of the Main and Local Organising Committees, as well as dignitaries from the sports and corporate sectors.
Adding more flair to the festival is the much-anticipated Cultural Expo, set for April 7 at Unity Park, popularly known as the Christmas Village in Uyo. Organisers say the event is designed to complement the sporting activities and provide a platform for creative talents to shine.
Speaking ahead of the Expo, veteran entertainment promoter Edi Lawani said the show would offer a rich blend of music, comedy, dance, and culinary delights from the Niger Delta.
“We’re creating an unforgettable experience for everyone in Uyo. It’s about celebrating our diversity and giving young artistes a chance to shine alongside established acts,” Lawani said.
Over 40 performers are billed to entertain, including headline acts like comedian Delstalker and singer Humblesmith, who are expected to inspire upcoming talents from the nine participating states.
According to Lawani, the Cultural Expo has been curated with inclusiveness in mind. “We’ve made room for female performers, female DJs, and even a female red carpet host. It’s all about giving everyone a stage,” he said.
The event will also feature cutting-edge lighting displays and large screen projections to enhance the festival feel and offer a complete entertainment experience beyond the stadium walls.
As the sporting contests continue to thrill, the social and cultural components of the NDSF are equally stealing the spotlight, reflecting the festival’s broader mission of unity, creativity, and community celebration.