By Barth Ikiebe
Nigeria is set to host the maiden edition of Afrocentric Cultural Expo to unite the blacks and unlock Africa’s economy.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA, NICOCUSA, Mr Gregory Ihenacho stated this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Afrocentric Cultural Expo scheduled from November 7th to 18th, this year in Abuja.
Mr Ihenacho said the Afrocentric Cultural Expo was being organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.
According to him, “The exhibition, which would be the best of its kind, would showcase the rich cultural values and traditions of Africans and those in the diaspora, including Brazilians, Caribbean residents, Americans, South Americans, Europeans, and Asians.
Mr Ihenacho noted that the 10-day event would be a festival of Afrocentric music, fashion, heritage awards, a pageant, intellectual debate, food expo, culture, football tournament, a film festival and a global business and investment forum.
He explained that the Afrocentric Cultural Expo is projected to have a direct economic impact of about $250 million, adding that over 1,000 exhibition booths have been sold already to food vendors and medium and large-scale companies.
Mr Ihenacho stated, “The expo will foster economic development, and empower individuals through culture exhibitions and trade”.
“Through cultural exchange at this exhibition, the world will gain a profound appreciation for the richness and depth of Africa’s heritage. It is imperative that Africans take the initiative to narrate our own stories”, he noted.
According to him, “This event has the potential to be recognised as one of the ten wonders of the world, surpassing even the renowned Cochela and Festac 77 in scale and grandeur.”
The Founder of Nigerian Chamber of Commerce – USA, NICOCUSA, added that part of the benefits of the expo would be a substantial surge in tourism and direct foreign investment, which would positively impact the expansion of Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
Mr Ihenacho stated that Nigeria was chosen as the venue for the event because of its significant position as the largest black nation and global influence.
“Abuja is an ideal city for this event with world-class highways and road networks, a thriving hospitality industry, a diverse array of restaurants, and numerous tourism attractions.
“The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA was founded in May 2002 to bridge business communities in the United States and Nigeria as well as advocate for favourable trade policies and protect the Nigerian brand.
Our Correspondent reports that for centuries, Africa has given the world its resources, talent, culture, creativity, innovation, and trade. But the time has come for Africa to tell its own story, build its own economy, and reap the full financial rewards of its greatness.
