The Niger Delta Creative Industry Expo is set to take place in Asaba, Delta State, from December 1 to 5, with thousands of creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, brands, and policymakers expected to participate. The five-day regional expo, themed "Inspiring Ideas, Empowering Creators, Shaping Futures," is organized by Mega Fun Plus Limited. The event aims to bring together creatives, entrepreneurs, young people, investors, brands, policymakers, and industry leaders from the Niger Delta and beyond.
The expo will feature practical training, creative-industry masterclasses, a Creators Bootcamp, artificial intelligence and technology sessions, business and entrepreneurship development programs, exhibitions, live showcases, networking opportunities, and certificates. The program will cover several segments of the creative economy, including film and television, content creation, fashion, design, graphic design and branding, comedy, photography and videography, music production and DJing, radio and podcast production, as well as events and talent management.
According to Ogusbaba Akpobome, the Convener/Project Director, the event will begin on December 1 with a flagship Conference and Awards program expected to bring together practitioners, policymakers, investors, brands, and innovators from across Nigeria's creative economy. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, special guest addresses, industry conversations, and networking, with discussions focusing on the future of the creative economy, technology and artificial intelligence, investment, market access, and regional collaboration.
The ND CRE8 Awards will recognize outstanding creatives, icons, organizations, and other contributors to the industry. The opening day is expected to be the biggest gathering of creative professionals in the Niger Delta, with leading creatives, entrepreneurs, media personalities, and other influential guests expected to attend. A major component of the expo will be the ND CRE8 Business and Investment Hub, which will provide a platform for creatives and entrepreneurs to gain business knowledge, improve their financial literacy, explore access to finance, register enterprises, participate in pitch sessions, and connect with investors and relevant institutions.
The expo will place significant emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, reflecting changes taking place within the global creative industry. The focus is intended to equip young Nigerians with relevant digital skills to help them compete and participate more effectively in the evolving creative economy. According to Akpobome, the region has abundant talent but requires a stronger ecosystem capable of connecting creatives with knowledge, technology, investment, brands, and markets.
The initiative will encourage stronger collaboration among governments, private-sector organizations, development institutions, investors, media organizations, and creative practitioners, with the goal of creating a more connected and productive creative ecosystem in the region. The organizers have called for partnerships with government institutions, corporate and financial organizations, development agencies, technology companies, media houses, creative-industry leaders, investors, and brands.
The expo is expected to contribute to broader efforts to position the Niger Delta as a major contributor to Nigeria's creative and digital economy. Registration for young creatives, entrepreneurs, students, innovators, and other participants is free, subject to capacity and registration requirements. The event aims to serve as a regional platform where young people can learn, build connections, create, conduct business, and develop sustainable futures from their talents.
Key points
- The Niger Delta Creative Industry Expo aims to create practical opportunities for young creatives and entrepreneurs across the nine Niger Delta states.
- The event will feature practical training, creative-industry masterclasses, and a Creators Bootcamp.
- The expo will focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to equip young Nigerians with relevant digital skills.
