The Right Honourable Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative, has admonished the Nigeria Federal government to leverage on the benefit that accrue in the yearly event of the Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).

He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the event which took place in Rome recently. The event, which aims and objective is to give opportunity for Nigerian and their European counterparts to showcase their investment potentials, rich cultural heritage in arts & craft, music, fashion, foods and tourism, attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and the Italian communities.

The Deputy Speaker who was the special guest of honour at the event was represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, MHR representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State. And speaking further on the benefit of the event he said,

"This event is basically an enthronement of culture, trade, partnership yearning between Nigeria and Italy. It's an event that we have the opportunity to hear the wonderful things that can be attained in our dear country, in our dear nation, Nigeria and as well as to see avenue whereby we can bolster partnership, bolster relationship, not just growing on the business area, but also growing on cultural heritage. Growing on area that both countries can benefit towards the greater future.

"I commend the organizers of this event. From what I have heard, it's been a long journey to make sure that the event takes place. And you can see that the turnout was moderate. But I know that in the second edition the attendance will be a lot more. Because from here we are going to go back to Nigeria and inform the people of such wonderful, boisterous whereby we can be able to both nations and have our people and the Italian people both in business environment, both in the cultural environment, both in different industries as well, and also in the legislative because as we saw here, we saw members of parliament of Italy that came to witness the event and also gave their relevant speeches. 

"So, we are going to go back to Nigeria with this information and prepare a detail report whereby we can submit to the floor and then urge Nigerians and also urge the government of Nigeria to take note of making sure that this event is expressed in a larger audience and this event can be able to be highlighted more because it holds a great significance for the growth of both Nations."

Speaking also at the event, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu, who is the Chairman Central Organizing Committee, harped on the need for the Nigerian and Italian governments to do everything possible to restore direct flights between Nigeria and Italy. He also threw more light on the purpose for putting together the event.

"The consortium was formed with the primary role of creating a new platform for investment drive and cultural exchange as well as for inter-personal relationship, propagation of socio-economic and political development of our nations (Nigeria and Italy).

"This edition accommodated and featured critical sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Trading, and Exhibition. In the coming years, we hope to introduce new strategies that will improve on the international standards and pattern of this present edition", he concluded.

The 2024 edition was put together by the National Union of Nigerians in Italy, (NUNAI), Nigeria-Italy chambers of commerce, Giant Gee Nigeria limited, with the support of Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu and Senator Tony Iwobi.