NBM of Africa Convention sparks major business boom in Abakaliki
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Abakaliki, Ebonyi – Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and market vendors all experienced notable boosts as delegates and visitors flooded Abakaliki, for the 46th NBM of Africa national convention and 19th annual lecture.
The multi-day event, centered around the theme, "NBM of Africa Resilience in Adversity: Strengthening Humanitarian Efforts", drew thousands of attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, thereby attracting a surge of economic activities to the Ebonyi state capital.
According to hospitality business owners, local hotels and guest houses in Abakaliki were fully booked by visitors who filled accommodations, ranging from budget lodges to upscale hotels.
"The 36 rooms here (hotel) were fully occupied despite being far from the event venue.
"If only the convention can be happening in Abakaliki every year, it will be a big thing for us who are into hotel business because we rarely experience events of this magnitude", hotelier, Mr. Ezeike Gabriel told our correspondent
Ezeike noted that the convention spurred job creation, as he had to hire temporary staff to meet the heightened demand for services like cleaning, and catering.
Also, vendors reported a sharp rise in sales of food items, clothing, and traditional African crafts, as attendees sought souvenirs and daily necessities.
A food vendor, who identified herself as Mrs. Ijeoma Nwaka said the convention also catalyzed a boom for local markets, and some modern trading hubs in Abakaliki, describing the period as “a golden opportunity”.
Nwaka explained that her restaurant and food stand adjacent to the event venue experienced an influx of customers, even as the event’s emphasis on promoting African culture further encouraged the patronage of local delicacies.
Transportation services in Abakaliki also reaped significant benefits, with taxi drivers, tricycle operators, and motorcyclists popularly known as Okada experienced a surge in customers.
The need to ferry delegates between event venues, hotels, and local attractions kept transport workers busy around the clock, as one Okada rider told our correspondent that he earned nearly double his usual daily income during the period.
"The first day of the event I work till day break, and I know how much I made", the Okada rider said
Additionally, a fashion designer who deals on already-made African attires confirmed that he sold most of the wares displayed at the 'Mammy market', an area designated for marketing during the period of the convention.
According to an official of Ebonyi State government who was part of the convention, the occasion further highlights the potential of large-scale events to drive economic development in regional centers.
"the event not only boosted revenue for us as a state, but also showcased Abakaliki's capacity to host major gatherings.", the official, who do not want to be named told BENDEL Mirror
The convention which commenced last Thursday August 7th, is expected to end on Sunday August 10, 2025.