The inaugural Niger Delta Creative Industry Expo, ND CRE8 EX 2026, is scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State, from Tuesday, December 1 to Saturday, December 5, 2026.
The five-day event, organised by Mega Fun Plus Limited, is expected to bring together thousands of creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, brands and policymakers from the Niger Delta and beyond.
The expo is themed “Inspiring Ideas, Empowering Creators, Shaping Futures” and is designed to create practical opportunities for young people and creative entrepreneurs across the nine Niger Delta states.
Its programme will include practical training, creative-industry masterclasses, a Creators Bootcamp, artificial intelligence and technology sessions, business development programmes, exhibitions, live showcases, networking opportunities and certificates.
The expo will cover several areas 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, events and talent management.
The opening day on Tuesday, December 1 will feature a flagship Conference and Awards programme involving industry practitioners, policymakers, investors, brands and innovators.
The conference is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, special guest addresses, industry conversations and networking focused on the future of the creative economy, technology and artificial intelligence, investment, market access and regional collaboration.
The ND CRE8 Awards will also recognise outstanding creatives, organisations and other contributors to the creative industry.
Convener and Project Director Ogusbaba Akpobome said the expo would include a Business and Investment Hub aimed at helping creatives develop the knowledge required to build sustainable enterprises.
“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,” Akpobome said.
He said artificial intelligence and emerging technologies would also receive significant attention because of their growing influence on the global creative industry.
“The expo will also place significant emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, reflecting the rapid changes taking place within the global creative industry,” Akpobome said.
The organisers said the programme is intended to help young Nigerians acquire relevant digital skills while creating avenues for them to connect with markets, investors, brands and other industry stakeholders.
Akpobome said the Niger Delta possesses substantial creative talent but requires a stronger ecosystem capable of connecting creatives with knowledge, technology, investment, brands and markets.
The expo is consequently designed to function beyond a conventional conference or entertainment gathering by creating a regional platform where young people can learn, build connections, create, conduct business and develop sustainable careers from their talents.
The organisers are seeking partnerships with government institutions, corporate and financial organisations, development agencies, technology companies, investors, brands and other creative-industry stakeholders.
Registration for young creatives, entrepreneurs, students, innovators and other participants is free, subject to available capacity and registration requirements.
With its focus on skills, technology, investment and market access, ND CRE8 EX 2026 is positioned by its organisers as a regional platform for strengthening participation in the Niger Delta’s creative and digital economy.
