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ASABA — Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort will on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, formally inaugurate the Newton Jibunoh International Convention Centre (NJICC), a state-of-the-art facility designed to position Asaba as a leading destination for conferences, cultural exhibitions, environmental dialogue and corporate events.

The convention centre, located within the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort at the Asaba International Airport complex, is expected to attract policymakers, academics, environmental advocates, business leaders and cultural stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.

The opening ceremony, scheduled for 12 noon, will be attended by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Highness Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON; and the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, CNOL, JP. Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, PhD, FCA, is also expected at the event.

According to organisers, the NJICC boasts a modern main auditorium, an upper-level documentary and exhibition gallery, a library and a museum, all designed to blend contemporary architecture with Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of the inauguration will include the unveiling of the Ado Bayero Gallery by the Emir of Kano and the unveiling of the centre’s main hall by the Asagba of Asaba. Guests will also witness the premiere of a documentary on the life and achievements of renowned environmentalist and explorer, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, alongside an art auction, mural unveiling, book presentations, spoken word performances and cultural displays.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Jibunoh described the convention centre as a symbol of Africa’s capacity to preserve its heritage while driving innovation and development.

“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,” he said.

The facility is named after Dr. Jibunoh, an internationally acclaimed environmentalist, explorer and founder of FADE Africa and the DIDI Museum, Nigeria’s first privately owned museum. Over the decades, he has gained global recognition for his advocacy against desertification, environmental sustainability campaigns and contributions to the arts.

Dr. Jibunoh has represented Nigeria at major international climate change summits in Bangkok, Copenhagen and Cancun, while also authoring several books, including Me, My Desert and I, Bridging the Sahara Desert: A Different Perspective, Hunger for Power and How Little We Are: A Collection of Thoughts.

Organisers noted that the choice of June 17 for the inauguration was deliberate, coinciding with the United Nations’ World Desertification and Drought Day. This year’s theme, “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore,” aligns closely with Dr. Jibunoh’s lifelong campaign against desertification and environmental degradation.

As part of the event, there will be a review of Me, My Desert and I, which chronicles the environmentalist’s daring Sahara Desert expeditions and near-death experiences.

The NJICC is envisioned as a premier centre for environmental advocacy, policy discussions, research, education and artistic expression, serving as a lasting legacy aimed at promoting sustainable development across Nigeria and the African continent.

Founded by Dr. Newton Jibunoh and named in honour of South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Gardens & Resort has become a notable tourism and cultural destination in Delta State, offering accommodation, recreation, conservation initiatives and platforms for community engagement.