The Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has raised alarm over an alleged plot to destabilise the forthcoming Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, scheduled for September 2026.
According to a statement by the Board Secretary, Chief Solomon Edebiri, NDCCITMA has uncovered plans allegedly orchestrated by Mr Kenule Nwiya, Chief Executive Officer of Ken-Eva, to undermine the event.
The chambers stated that while it initially resolved not to engage with Mr Nwiya over what it described as frivolous and baseless claims regarding trademark infringement, it has become necessary to set the record straight and inform the public of the facts.
“For the records, it is pertinent to state that, contrary to an advert placed on AIT and circulating across some media outlets, NDCCITMA did not at any time approach the claimant to seek permission to use the purported trademark name,” the statement read.
The chambers explained that after conceiving the name and acronym “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit”, it duly proceeded with the registration process. According to NDCCITMA, the application was received and approved by the relevant department of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry on 16 August 2026, while Mr Nwiya’s application was purportedly received on 3 September 2026.
NDCCITMA questioned the basis of the claimant’s assertions, noting that there is no credible evidence of an earlier approval of his application by the relevant government agency. The chambers described the allegations as an act of blackmail and an affront to the aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.
The statement further noted that despite interventions by prominent regional figures aimed at resolving the dispute amicably, Mr Nwiya has allegedly persisted along a path capable of undermining the summit and weakening the collective aspirations of the region.
NDCCITMA urged members of the public and stakeholders in the Niger Delta to disregard the claimant’s assertions and challenged Mr Nwiya to produce valid documentary evidence of an earlier application and approval predating 16 August 2026.
The chambers reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the 2026 Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, describing the event as a collective initiative aimed at advancing the economic interests and development of the region.