In a bid to drive economic growth and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta International Festival & Trade Expo (NDIFTE), in partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, has partnered to host a mother of all trade expo and investment summits.
The twin event, the Niger Delta International Festival & Trade Expo and Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is expected to hold in Warri, Delta State in December 2024 and in Akwa Ibom State in May 2024, respectively.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja shortly after signing an MoU with the Ministry, the founder of NDIFTE, Amb. Kenule Nwiya, said the festival and trade expo were strategically designed to give back to the people of the region by way of economic empowerment, rich cultural display, trade expo and more.
The Permanent Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Shuaib Belgore, signed the MoU on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Abubakar Momoh.
“We will have the charity medical outreach, as well as lots of empowerment programmes in line with the festival’s show structure.
“Of course the empowerment is something that we have designed to enhance small, medium scale enterprises and empower our people in this sub-sector of the economy. That is not all, people that promote our local foods, they will also be empowered.
“There will be a lot of pitch around this cycle, they will showcase their local foods, local fabrics and whatever it is that oils the wheel of their economy. This is what we intend to do and this is the kind of empowerment that has sustainable integration,” he stated.
According to Amb. Nwiya, this was in pursuit of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 1, which borders on the eradication of extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less $2.15 a day.
He emphasised that building a sustainable means of livelihood is the world standard practice, which NDIFTE pushes for.
He also urged other stakeholders and investors to partner with his organisation to re-invigorate the cultural and economic life of the people.
Other events put in place to stir proper grassroot engagement include; boat regatta, wrestling competition, beauty pageant, festival parade and trade fair.
Others are festival golf tournament, novelty football match, polo tournament and more, all heralding the event to showcase the rich culture of the people.
