Asaba Set for Landmark Convention Centre Launch as Oborevwori, Emir of Kano, Asagba Attend

Segun Atanda/

The city of Asaba is set to witness a major milestone in tourism, culture and environmental advocacy as the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort formally opens the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre (NJICC) on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The world-class convention centre, located within the Asaba International Airport complex in Delta State, is designed to host high-level conferences, corporate events, cultural exhibitions and institutional gatherings.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, will lead dignitaries to the opening ceremony scheduled for 12 noon. Other prominent guests expected at the event include Epiphany Azinge and Aminu Ado Bayero, while Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, will also attend.

Situated inside the prestigious Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort, the facility features a state-of-the-art auditorium, a documentary and exhibition gallery, a library and a museum, all designed to reflect a blend of contemporary architecture and African cultural heritage.

Highlights of the opening ceremony will include the unveiling of the Ado Bayero Gallery by the Emir of Kano and the unveiling of the main hall by the Asagba of Asaba. Guests will also witness the premiere of a documentary on the life of renowned environmentalist and explorer, Newton Jibunoh, after whom the convention centre is named.

Other activities lined up for the event include an art auction, mural unveiling, book presentations, spoken word performances and cultural displays.

During a tour of the Centre on May 25 when the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, visited on inspection in the course of the AFRICA DAY Celebration, hosted by the centre, at which he was Special Guest of Honour. A library Room is named after Soyinka, and otehr after Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Speaking ahead of the inauguration, Dr. Jibunoh described the centre as “more than a building,” saying it represents Africa’s capacity to lead in cultural preservation, environmental advocacy and community development.

The NJICC was named in honour of Dr. Jibunoh in recognition of his decades-long contributions to environmental sustainability, desertification advocacy and the arts. He is the founder of FADE Africa and the DIDI Museum, Nigeria’s first privately-owned museum, and has represented Nigeria at major international climate summits in Bangkok, Copenhagen and Cancun.

The opening date coincides with the United Nations’ World Desertification and Drought Day, a symbolic alignment with Dr. Jibunoh’s long-standing environmental campaigns. This year’s theme, “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” mirrors the advocacy focus of FADE Africa and the broader vision behind the convention centre.

The event will also feature a review of Dr. Jibunoh’s book, “Me, My Desert and I,” which chronicles his experiences and near-death encounters while crossing the Sahara Desert.

Organisers said the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre is envisioned as a leading hub for environmental dialogue, policy discussions, research, education and the arts, with the aim of inspiring future generations and promoting sustainable development across Africa.

Founded by Dr. Jibunoh in honour of Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort serves as a multipurpose destination offering hospitality, recreation and platforms for cultural and environmental engagement.