The Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre arrives at a time when cities and regions compete not only through physical infrastructure but through their capacity to attract ideas, talent, investment, partnerships, and transformative conversations. Great cities are built not merely by roads and buildings but by institutions that stimulate thought, encourage collaboration, and inspire progress. This centre is destined to become one such institution.
As we celebrate this achievement today, I wish to commend most profoundly the mastermind, Dr Newton Jibunor, the management of the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort, the project promoters, investors, development partners, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and every individual whose expertise, dedication, and sacrifice contributed to the successful realization of this landmark project… Your efforts have created far more than a building… You have created a platform for possibilities…. You have created an institution that will contribute to the intellectual, cultural, environmental, and economic advancement of our society… You have created a legacy… To our young people, let this centre inspire you to dream boldly… To our business community, let it encourage you to invest confidently in Asaba… To our leaders and institutions, let it remind us that visionary projects have the power to transform communities and redefine destinies.
Protocols
IT gives me immense pleasure and profound satisfaction to join distinguished guests from across Nigeria and beyond on this historic occasion marking the official opening of the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre (NJICC), located within the beautiful Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort at the Asaba International Airport Complex.
Today is not merely the unveiling of a magnificent edifice. It is the unveiling of a vision. It is the celebration of enterprise, imagination, environmental consciousness, cultural advancement, and a collective determination to position Delta State and Asaba as a leading destination for global engagement, conference tourism, and sustainable development.
This event represents a defining milestone in the evolution of our dear Delta State. It is a landmark moment that speaks to the convergence of tourism, culture, environmental advocacy, economic development, and intellectual exchange. The opening of this world-class convention centre reinforces the growing stature of Asaba as a city of opportunity, innovation, hospitality, and strategic importance within Nigeria and across the African continent.
The Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre arrives at a time when cities and regions compete not only through physical infrastructure but through their capacity to attract ideas, talent, investment, partnerships, and transformative conversations. Great cities are built not merely by roads and buildings but by institutions that stimulate thought, encourage collaboration, and inspire progress. This centre is destined to become one such institution.
Its location within the prestigious Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort is particularly symbolic. Nelson Mandela remains one of the most enduring global symbols of courage, reconciliation, visionary leadership, and service to humanity. It is therefore fitting that a facility designed to foster dialogue, understanding, innovation, and cooperation should stand within an environment that bears his illustrious name.
Across several decades, Dr. Jibunoh has established himself as a globally respected environmentalist, explorer, philanthropist, and advocate for sustainable development. His remarkable expeditions across some of the world’s most challenging deserts were not undertaken in pursuit of personal glory but as a passionate campaign to draw international attention to the devastating effects of desertification, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Long before environmental sustainability became a global imperative, Dr. Newton Jibunoh was already sounding the alarm on the urgent need to protect our planet and preserve it for future generations. Through his extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment, and selfless advocacy, he has become a powerful voice for environmental stewardship and ecological responsibility.
Today, by associating this convention centre with his name, we do more than honour an individual. We immortalise a set of values – resilience, courage, service, environmental responsibility, and commitment to the common good. We create a permanent reminder that true greatness lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves but in what we contribute to humanity.
The Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre is therefore not only a venue; it is a statement of purpose.
It is a declaration that Asaba is ready to welcome the world.
It is a declaration that Delta State is prepared to occupy its rightful place as a hub for conference tourism, cultural exchange, business engagement, academic discourse, and international cooperation.
It is a declaration that development and sustainability must walk hand in hand.
This magnificent facility possesses the potential to become one of the leading centres for international conferences, corporate summits, policy dialogues, cultural exhibitions, educational programmes, institutional gatherings, and strategic engagements in West Africa. Through the activities that will be hosted here, new partnerships will emerge, investments will be attracted, ideas will be exchanged, and opportunities will be created for our people.
The economic implications are substantial. Conference tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry. Every major conference, exhibition, symposium, and international gathering generates activity across multiple sectors -hospitality, transportation, entertainment, commerce, technology, and local enterprise. Consequently, this centre is not merely an architectural achievement; it is an economic catalyst capable of stimulating growth, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities for countless individuals and businesses.
Beyond economics, however, lies an even greater opportunity.
This centre can become a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment.
A platform where scholars engage with policymakers.
A meeting place where innovators collaborate with investors.
A forum where cultures interact with mutual respect and understanding.
A space where solutions are developed for local, national, and global challenges.
As traditional institutions continue to evolve in the twenty-first century, we are reminded that our responsibility extends beyond the preservation of heritage. We must also become active partners in development, advocates for education, promoters of innovation, and champions of sustainable progress.
As we celebrate this achievement today, I wish to commend most profoundly the mastermind, Dr Newton Jibunor, the management of the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort, the project promoters, investors, development partners, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and every individual whose expertise, dedication, and sacrifice contributed to the successful realization of this landmark project.
Your efforts have created far more than a building.
You have created a platform for possibilities.
You have created an institution that will contribute to the intellectual, cultural, environmental, and economic advancement of our society.
You have created a legacy.
To our young people, let this centre inspire you to dream boldly.
To our business community, let it encourage you to invest confidently in Asaba.
To our leaders and institutions, let it remind us that visionary projects have the power to transform communities and redefine destinies.
To all who will gather here in the years ahead, may this convention centre serve as a place where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and solutions emerge.
As we formally commission the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre today, let us do so with hope, pride, and confidence in the future.
May every conference held here expand knowledge.
May every dialogue foster understanding.
May every partnership generate prosperity.
May every gathering contribute to peace, sustainability, and human progress.
And may this institution stand for generations as a proud symbol of excellence, innovation, environmental consciousness, and the limitless possibilities that arise when vision is matched with action.
On behalf of the people of the Kingdom of Asaba, I congratulate the management of Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort, celebrate the remarkable legacy of Dr. Newton Jibunoh, and welcome all our distinguished guests to this historic occasion.
May God bless the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre.
May God bless Asaba.
May God bless Delta State.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you for your kind attention.
