By Rose Ekan
UYO — With few days to the 2026 edition of the Ibom Conference, organizers have unveiled a lineup of business leaders, policy experts, and academic voices expected to shape conversations around industrial growth in Akwa Ibom State.
Top in the list of speakers is a renowned Professor of Economics and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo; Prof Chris Ekong who is also a former Commissioner in the state.
Headlining the business and leadership segment is Mr. Ikakke Bassey, Labour Party candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency and a respected voice in entrepreneurship and human capacity development.
The conference, scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at AIKU Luxury Hotel & Resort, Ring Road 3, by Oron Road, Uyo, will begin at 8:00 AM under the theme: “Driving Industrialisation, Innovation and Sustainable Development.”
According to the Ibom Conference Committee, Mr. Bassey will bring practical perspectives on building resilient enterprises, scaling businesses, and transforming innovative ideas into ventures that contribute to economic growth and industrial advancement.
Described by organizers as an entrepreneur, business management consultant, and human capacity development expert, Mr. Bassey has spent years working to strengthen entrepreneurs and emerging businesses across the region. His focus areas include enterprise growth, organisational transformation, and leadership development.
“What he represents at this conference is the bridge between ideas and execution,” a statement from the organisers noted.
“Entrepreneurship, innovation, business strategy, leadership development, human capital growth, and sustainable enterprise are at the core of his work.”
Other notable figures confirmed as speakers at the event include a seasoned lawyer and former Commissioner for Environment; Barr Joe Ukpong who is currently the Acting President of the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and Imo-Abasi Jacob; Managing Director/CEO of AKICORP.
Others are Prof. Effiong Johnson; Chairman of the Ibom Conference Committee and Mr. George Abiam, Founder of Nudge Bridge Initiative and Convener of the Ibom Conference.
A member of the organizing team who spoke to our Correspondent said this year’s gathering is designed to move beyond rhetoric and focus on actionable strategies for sustainable development in the state and across the Niger Delta.
“The Ibom Conference 2026 is convening voices that are actually building — from the classroom to the boardroom, from policy to practice.
“We need conversations that translate into jobs, factories, and businesses that can compete beyond our borders.
“We have academia, government experience, the private sector, and political leadership on one platform. That mix is deliberate because industrialisation cannot happen in silos.”
The 2026 edition comes at a time when stakeholders in Akwa Ibom are pushing for greater investment in SMEs, agro-processing, and technology-driven enterprises as pathways to job creation.
With the countdown now at five days, organizers say participants are expected from across the state, including entrepreneurs, students, civil society groups, and public officials.
The Ibom Conference has, in previous editions, served as a platform for policy dialogue and networking aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for innovation and sustainable enterprise in Nigeria.
