******Creative Economy: Obaigbena to Champion Niger-Delta CRE8 EXPO 2026 As Grand Patron
******Niger-Delta Creative Industry EXPO 2026 to take place December 1-5, 2026 in Asaba As Group Invites Eminent Deltans, Niger-Deltans, Nigerians to Event
****As Group Commends Founder of THIS DAY Newspaper for Accepting Grand Patron Position, Urges Support from Critical Stakeholders
By Victor Bieni, Asaba
Ogusbaba Akpobome, The Convener/ Project Director, Mega Fun Plus Limited, a Creative professionals across the Niger Delta, have hailed the decision of the Chairman of THISDAY Media Group and Founder/Chairman of ARISE News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, to accept the role of Grand Patron of the Niger Delta Creative Industry Expo, ND CRE8 EX 2026.
Royal Paradise Media (News Online) learnt this from Mr. Ogusbaba Akpobome in a telephone conversation with our reporter today being on Tuesday, September 21, 2026 as he commended the development.
Speaking to our reporter, Mr Ogusbaba Akpobome has stated that the creative community described Obaigbena’s acceptance as a major boost to the region’s emerging creative economy and a strong vote of confidence in the young talents building careers, businesses and livelihoods from their creative abilities.
He said: “Creative Industry Stakeholders said Obaigbena’s extensive experience in media, journalism and global business, coupled with his contribution to creating platforms that project Nigerian voices to audiences at home and abroad, would provide additional visibility, credibility and opportunities for the creative industry initiative”.
In the words of Mr Ogusbaba Akpobome: ‘”The event has Mega Fun Plus Limited as the organizers of ND CRE8 EXPO 2026, scheduled to hold from December 1 to 5, 2026, in Asaba, Delta State. The five-day expo is expected to bring together creatives, young talents, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and major brands from across the nine Niger Delta states”.
“The organisers believed that the Niger Delta is widely recognized for its oil and natural resources, its greatest asset remains its people, particularly its growing population of young Nigerians who are building careers in music, film, comedy, fashion, content creation, photography, radio, podcasting, animation, gaming, design, advertising and technology”.
“As the Convener and Project Director of the expo, I, Ogusbaba Akpobome use this medium to commend Obaigbena’s acceptance of the patronage which demonstrated the impact established leaders could make by deploying their influence, experience and institutional platforms to create opportunities for emerging talents”.
“However, talent alone would not be enough to unlock the full economic potential of the creative sector, rather young creatives require targeted investment, professional training, modern equipment, mentorship and access to larger domestic and international markets”.
“We therefore called on chief executive officers, business owners, financial institutions, development organisations, government agencies, brands and private investors to support ND CRE8 EX 2026 through sponsorships, strategic partnerships, training equipment, scholarships, technology infrastructure and direct equity investments”.
“I also urge successful Niger Delta indigenes at home and in the diaspora to invest in the next generation of creative entrepreneurs, describing such investment as critical to building a stronger, more diversified and sustainable regional economy”, Mr Ogusbaba Akpobome concluded.