Niger Delta Creative Industry Expo is set to create practical opportunities for young people and creative entrepreneurs across the nine Niger Delta states through skills development, technology, investment, collaboration, employment and access to markets.

The inaugural Niger Delta Creative Industry Expo, ND CRE8 EX 2026, is set to hold in Asaba, Delta State, from December 1 to 5, with thousands of creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, brands and policymakers expected to participate.

Organised by Mega Fun Plus Limited, the five-day regional expo is themed, “Inspiring Ideas, Empowering Creators, Shaping Futures.”

According to the organisers, the expo will bring together creatives, entrepreneurs, young people, investors, brands, policymakers and industry leaders from the Niger Delta and beyond, while showcasing the region’s talent, culture and enterprise.

The expo will feature practical training, creative-industry masterclasses, a Creators Bootcamp, artificial intelligence and technology sessions, business and entrepreneurship development programmes, exhibitions, live showcases, networking opportunities and certificates.

The Convener/Project Director, Ogusbaba Akpobome, said the programme would 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 him, the event will begin on December 1 with a flagship Conference and Awards programme expected to bring together practitioners, policymakers, investors, brands and innovators from across Nigeria’s creative economy.

He said the conference would 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.

Akpobome added that the ND CRE8 Awards would recognise outstanding creatives, icons, organisations and other contributors to the industry.

He described the opening day as potentially 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 is expected to 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,” he said.

He said the expo would also place significant emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, reflecting changes taking place within the global creative industry.

According to him, 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.

Akpobome said the region had abundant talent but required a stronger ecosystem capable of connecting creatives with knowledge, technology, investment, brands and markets.

He stressed that the expo was intended to serve as more than a conference or entertainment event, but as a regional platform where young people could learn, build connections, create, conduct business and develop sustainable futures from their talents.

The convener noted that the initiative would encourage stronger collaboration among governments, private-sector organisations, development institutions, investors, media organisations and creative practitioners, with the goal of creating a more connected and productive creative ecosystem in the region.

Meanwhile, the organisers have called for partnerships with government institutions, corporate and financial organisations, development agencies, technology companies, media houses, creative-industry leaders, investors and brands.

They said such partnerships would provide opportunities for direct engagement with thousands of young creators and entrepreneurs while supporting skills development, innovation and economic inclusion.

The organisers said the expo would 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.