Delta State is one of the states in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta region that houses most talents, majority of whom are under-engaged because of the lack of existing platforms for them to showcase their raw talents. From music, acting, comedy to dancing, Deltans are known to dominate the entertainment industry.

Few names like Harrison Tare Okiri popularly known as Harrysong (musician), Richard Mofe Damijo popularly known as RMD (actor), Francis Agoda A.K.A. I Go Dye (Comedian), are among Deltans that have held sway over the years in the entertainment industry. However, this dominance by Deltans, in reality, is yet to be felt at the grassroots as the benefits have not trickled down to the grassroots, where the majority of raw talents that exist are waiting to be discovered and are wasting away

Clearly, Delta State seem not to be entertainment friendly due to some factors that have led to most artistes seeking commercial relevance in other states, particularly Lagos and Rivers, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. For instance, the above big names of Deltans mentioned above ply their trade outside of the State.

Notable among the challenges facing the growth of entertainment is the issue of conflict, not just the average conflict that occur in every state in the country, but a conflict that stems from the battle for ethnic supremacy, particularly in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun that serve as the pillar house of entertainment.

The Delta Peace Concert, which held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Delta Career's College in Effurun, is one of the varied attempts that is aimed at uniting all Deltans through entertainment, most particularly of recent when political tension among the three dominant ethnic groups of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo was generating tensions.

Among the list of entertainers as indicated in the promotional fliers for the peace concert are Harrysong, Kunmie, Boyspice, Magnito, I Go Dye, Maleke, I Go Save, Oritsefemi, Orezi, Gordon's, Erigga, Meshack, Solar X, DJ AY, Daddy Showkey, TX, Baba D, Jamin, Lizberg, Holy Mouth, Funny Joe, DJ Groove, Ayobo, Solokings, Ayobo, KelvinSapp, and Holy Ake.

The peace concert, which pulled a large crowd and was freely open to all Deltans, was sponsored by the Delta State Government, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and the foremost Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), among other business brands such as Invest Now, Milespring Entertainment, and Ugomenz Electronics.

Spectators, which are largely youths with various youth bodies in the state in attendance, demonstrate that indeed entertainment can be not just an instrument to unite the youths and preach peace, but can also serve as a means to empower the youths on whose shoulders lie the solution to true peace.

As the saying goes, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop". Therefore, the Delta State Government needs to look at strategic ways it can utilize entertainment to not only create harmony in the state, but to take most of the idle talented youths from off the streets and give them a career in the entertainment industry. Partnering with the private sector to organize talent hunt shows and other competitions is one way to engage and discover talented youths in the state.

When most talented youths are engaged, it will help to reduce their dependency as well as cut down on unemployment rate, especially when empowered youths that become successful are not only able to pay tax, but are also positioned to engage other idle talented youths. These successful talented youths become a link for attracting investors, thereby boosting the revenues of government.

Therefore, like crude oil, entertainment is a resource. If well extracted through the right engagement of talented youths in the state, its positive effects will trickle down to the grassroots, and in the long run it will not only boost investments, it will also lead to the growth and development of the state.

While we commend the sponsors and organisers of the Delta Peace Concert for their efforts to revive peace and to send a positive signal to investors that Effurun, Warri and other cities in the State are safe for business, it is also our opinion that more of such peace concerts need to be organised with more stakeholders involved too. 

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