Prominent Nigerian personalities, including veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Olori Atuwatse III and business mogul Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, gathered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for the 2026 Global Knowledge Festival.
The four-day event, held from September 17 to 20, brought together influential figures from business, entertainment, education, leadership, faith and innovation to explore opportunities for knowledge sharing and Africa’s development.
Organised by Ambassador Mfon Ekpo, founder of the Global Knowledge Centre and Chief Executive Officer of The Discovery Centre, the festival featured discussions, networking opportunities and activities designed to encourage collaboration across different sectors.
Other notable personalities associated with the gathering included Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo, Dr Nike Adeyemi and Sterling Bank’s Abubakar Suleiman.
Media personality and actress Nancy Isime hosted the festival, which attracted participants from Nigeria and beyond.
Africa’s First Global Knowledge Centre Commissioned in Uyo
One of the major highlights of the festival was the official unveiling of the Global Knowledge Centre in Uyo.
Described by its organisers as the first facility of its kind in Africa, the centre was established to provide a permanent environment for learning, research, leadership development and the exchange of ideas.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno was among the dignitaries who attended the commissioning ceremony.
Other guests included Nollywood actress Ini Edo, media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Adebola Williams and chess advocate Tunde Onakoya.
The centre is expected to continue hosting educational activities, professional engagements and collaborative programmes beyond the annual festival.
Mfon Ekpo Calls for Greater Collaboration Across Africa
Speaking about the initiative, Ambassador Mfon Ekpo emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for Africans to share knowledge and develop practical solutions to common challenges.
She maintained that Africa possesses enormous human potential but requires more platforms that connect talented individuals, institutions and organisations.
According to Ekpo, the Global Knowledge Festival was developed to encourage meaningful conversations, strengthen professional relationships and promote the practical application of ideas.
The commissioning also marked a personal milestone for the founder, who reflected emotionally on challenges she had overcome while pursuing her vision.
Festival Highlights Leadership, Innovation and Human Development
Held under the theme “The Convergence,” the 2026 Global Knowledge Festival explored the relationship between knowledge, leadership, creativity and Africa’s future.
Participants engaged in conversations covering personal development, entrepreneurship, innovation, cultural exchange and the role of collaboration in addressing societal challenges.
The organisers envision the Global Knowledge Centre becoming a lasting destination for individuals and organisations interested in education, leadership and human development.
With the successful hosting of the festival and the commissioning of the permanent centre, Uyo has taken another step towards establishing itself as a destination for intellectual gatherings, business connections and knowledge-driven initiatives in Nigeria.
Sources: TheCable Lifestyle, Punch Nigeria and BusinessDay.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
