Big Embarrassment As Nigeria’s Delegation Fails To Show Up At Int’l Summit Attended By Tinubu
Idris Ayo Bello, the Co-Founder of Wennovation Hub, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s poor representation at the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, lamenting that the country’s booth was left unmanned despite official delegations attending the event.
Bello, who shared his experience on X, said he was disheartened to find Nigeria’s stand empty while other countries showcased their economic potential.
According to him, despite the likelihood that officials received an estacode to travel to Japan, no one was present to represent the country.
Feeling compelled to salvage the country’s image, Bello said he informally assumed the role of an “Honorary Consul,” taking charge of the Nigerian stand to engage curious visitors.
He said, for hours, he fielded diverse questions from international delegates and investors, ranging from agriculture and real estate to oil and gas, manufacturing, and even fashion.
Bello also disclosed that his impromptu representation caught the attention of Nikkei Asia, one of Japan’s leading financial publications, which interviewed him on why Nigeria remains a strategic partner for Japan, particularly in the context of shifting global trade dynamics sparked by the Trump administration’s trade policies.
Bello stated, “I hate to show negative things about Nigeria but it is sad that Nigeria is the only unmanned booth at TICAD9 in Japan. Upon all the folks who probably got estacode for coming to Japan.
“So ashamed I have now designated myself as Honorary Consul and taken over the booth to engage visitors.
“It’s been a few hours now fielding questions and inquiries on all topics under the sun from crops to real estate to wigs to chemicals to LnG to sports.”
“Thank God for residual knowledge from the life of an Afropreneur. Even had to do an interview with NikkeiAsia on why Nigeria is the choice partner for Japan in the light of the Trump administration’s trade wars,” he added.
Last Wednesday, the State House announced that President Bola Tinubu would depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil.
It noted that the President would stop over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan.
“In Japan, President Tinubu will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in the City of Yokohama from August 20 to 22,” the statement said.
With the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” TICAD9 will focus on Africa’s economic transformation and improvements in the business environment and institutions through private investment and innovation.
It will also promote a resilient and sustainable African society for human security, peace, and stability.
“In addition to attending plenary sessions on themes linked to the conference, the Nigerian President will hold bilateral meetings and meet the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria,” the statement added.
