Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA To Stage Biggest Afrocentric Cultural Expo In Abuja
The Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA (NICOCUSA) says it plans to unite the blacks and unlock the art economy through the celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Africa across the world.
Mr Gregory Ihenacho, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce-USA said this while briefing journalists on the forthcoming Afrocentric Cultural Expo in Awka on Wednesday.
Ihenacho said the Afrocentric Cultural Expo scheduled to hold between Nov. 7 and Nov. 18 in Abuja was being organised in collaboration with the Federal Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.
He said the exhibition which would be the best of its kind would showcase the rich cultural values and traditions of Africans and those diaspora including Brazilians, Caribbean residents, Americans, South Americans, Europeans, and Asians.
He said the 10-day programme would be a festival of afrocentric music, fashion, heritage awards, pageant, intellectual debate, food expo, culture, football tournament, film festival and global business and investment forum.
“The maiden event of the Afrocentric Cultural Expo is projected to have a direct economic impact of at least $250,000,000 and we have sold over 1,000 exhibition booths to food vendors and medium and large-scale companies already.
“The Expo will serve as the preeminent African cultural authority, facilitate the activation of creatives, 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 our heritage. It is imperative that Africans take the initiative to narrate our own stories.
“This event has the potential to be recognized as one of the ten wonders of the world, surpassing even the renowned Cochela and Festac 77 in scale and grandeur,” he said.
Ihenacho said part of the benefits of the expo would be a substantial surge in tourism and in direct foreign investment which would impact positively in expanding Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
He said Nigeria was chosen as venue for the event because of her 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 favorable trade policies and protect the Nigerian brand.
