…positions Asaba into New Era
The Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort, a prime tourism destination in the heart of Delta State, will formally open the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre (NJICC), a world-class facility purpose-built to host high-level conferences, cultural exhibitions, corporate events, and institutional gatherings in the heart of Asaba, the capital of the state.
The opening ceremony, scheduled to commence at 12 noon at the Resort located inside the Asaba International Airport, will be graced by His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State; His Royal Highness Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba; and His Royal Highness Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, CNOL, JP, Emir of Kano. His Excellency Sir Monday Onyeme PhD, FCA, Deputy Governor of Delta State, will also be in attendance.
Situated within the prestigious Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort at the Asaba International Airport complex, the NJICC features a state-of-the-art main auditorium, an upper-level documentary and exhibition gallery, a library, and a museum — each space designed to reflect a harmonious blend of modern architecture and Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The ceremony will feature the unveiling of the Ado Bayero Gallery by His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano, and the unveiling of the Main Hall by His Royal Majesty the Asagba of Asaba. Highlights of the programme include the premiere screening of a documentary film on the life of Dr. Newton Jibunoh, an art auction, a mural unveiling, book presentations, spoken word performances, and a cultural showcase.
“The Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre is more than a building. It is a statement — that Africa can lead, that our heritage deserves a world-class home, and that the work of environmental advocacy, cultural preservation, and community development must continue for generations to come.” Dr. Newton Jibunoh, OON, FNIOB, DSc
The convention centre, is named in honour of Dr. Newton Jibunoh, Explorer, Environmentalist, and Visionary whose decades of work championing environmental sustainability, desert warfare advocacy, and the arts have earned him recognition on the global stage. This man of many talents has authored many books and publications amongst which are “Me, My Desert and I”, an account of his sojourn and near-death experiences while crossing the Sahara the second time; “Bridging the Sahara Desert: A Different Perspective” – a proposed solution to open up the Sahara Desert by the construction of a Trans-Saharan Highway that will also tackle the issue of desertification; “Hunger for Power” – his autobiography and his latest release is “How little we are: A collection of thoughts” -a compilation of a number of his writings on the country and environment into an easy to read format.
He also writes weekly as a columnist for the Sun newspaper, but syndicated in NaijaTimes, Pointer newspaper, focusing on issues affecting the nation and the environment. Two things he loves dearly.
Dr. Jibunoh is the founder of FADE Africa and the DIDI Museum, Nigeria’s first privately owned museum, and has represented Nigeria at major international climate change summits including those held in Bangkok, Copenhagen, and Cancun.
The date was deliberately chosen. June 17 is “World Desertification and Drought Day”, a United Nations observance that aligns directly with the mission Dr. Jibunoh has championed for over five decades. This year’s global theme, “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” resonates deeply with the work of FADE Africa and the vision behind the NJICC.
Opening a world-class centre for environmental dialogue and advocacy on this day is both a tribute to Dr. Jibunoh’s life’s work and a call to action for the continent.
The ceremony will also feature a book review of Me, My Desert and I, Dr. Jibunoh’s personal account of his harrowing journey and near-death experiences crossing the Sahara Desert.
The NJICC is envisioned as a premier hub for environmental advocacy, policy dialogue, research, education, and the arts which is a lasting legacy dedicated to inspiring future generations and promoting sustainable development across Nigeria and the African continent.
