Lagos — The Uyo Township Stadium is in the centre of the growing capital city of Akwa Ibom state. It is next door to another crowd pulling destination-the Uyo main market. With these two popular facilities located side-by-side, there is little doubt that almost every resident of the city knew where to find the august visitors. Little wonder that finding the venue of the first ever concert involving international foreign stars was not a problem to residents of Uyo. The 10,000 capacity stadium was bursting at its seams with the crowd that thronged the place to witness the THISDAY Music Festival of Peace in the Niger Delta.

Incidentally, Uyo was were the concert train, which had previously berthed in Benin City, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Abuja and Warri came to a stop. And what a fitting end it was! The THISDAY Music Festival of Peace in the Niger Delta came with an innovation. It was the first time that an event of that magnitude would be organised simultaneously in two far-flung cities.

At the moment, Akwa Ibom state is celebrating its steady climb on the ladder of success. The Akwa Ibom International Airport is now open and these set of international artistes have the honour of travelling through the airport. The state is still basking in the glory of a Guinness World Records mention recorded last year by constituting the highest number of choral singers in the world. The 9,300 strong choir was hosted at the Uyo Township stadium.

It was with much expectation that the crowd returned to the Uyo Township stadium last Sunday. The got more than they bargained for. Almost all the artistes were in the city for the first time and they went the extra mile to give a good account of themselves.

Dede Mabiaku who set the ball rolling knew what to do to keep the interest of the crowd alive. As always, he opened the show with a tribute to his mentor, the late Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. His peculiar delivery of 'Water No Get Enemy' made popular by Fela struck the right chord with the crowd. He had just enough time for another song, which he skilfully wove around the theme of the concert. Again and again, the refrain for peace was repeated until the message sank home.

Ciara took the stage next. Her performance was a refreshing deviation from the previous artiste. Of course, the style of music was different. To the benefit of the crowd, Ciara, her DJ and tow female dancers were in a good mood to perform that night. Perhaps, she went the extra mile to reciprocate the good gesture of Governor Godswill Akpabio, his team and the people of the state who did everything to make sure they had a comfortable stay.

Right from the Akwa Ibom International Airport to the Governor's Lodge where the artiste and her team were personally received by Akpabio, it was a roll out of lavish hospitality. The Governor personally went with the team to the Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort and Hotel where they cooled off before the night's performance.

Song after song, Ciara was appreciated by a warm crowd who sang along. She could not help return the love. At several intervals, she stopped to impress her appreciation also by letting feel her love. Clad in a black skin-tight space suit with glimmering stones, the artistes and her dancers strutted, jumped and performed several acrobatic displays to the admiration of the crowd. Their performance was a total package of excellence involving good delivery of songs and well choreographed movements.

Governor Akpabio was brought on stage to give his goodwill message. Reiterating the state's commitment to lead in the peace process in the Niger Delta region, he called for love and peace among the people. While thanking the Governor and people of Akwa Ibom state for giving his company the opportunity to contribute towards the effort to bring sustainable peace back to the Niger Delta.

He was the main reason, a lot of people came to the stadium that night. When he arrived, all attention was on him. As an artiste who knows what to do in any situation, the first thing 50 Cent did on mounting the stage was to take off his red jacket and throw it into the crowd. Now that he had their attention, he set about belting out hit after hit to the admiration of the crowd. The familiarity of the audience with the songs was unmistakeable.

In another gesture of appreciation, 50 Cent would later give away his cap. Each time, he threw one of his items of clothing into the crowd, it caused a big scramble and compelled the audience to focus more on him.

Duncan Mighty was slated in the right place by the concert organisers. He did a good job of holding down the crowd after a performance by a big foreign artiste like 50 Cent. His songs are like anthemns in many Nigerian cities. Many danced until the first ray of sunshine peeped out of the black sky, not minding it was Monday morning; afterall Tuface Idiba was in the house and they had to experience him.

Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Imo Udobia said the large turn out at the concert was an indication that people of the state love good things.