By Aniekan James Ekah
When Afrobeat superstar Davido brings his much-anticipated Five Tour to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on October 26, the excitement will go far beyond the music. It will mark a major economic opportunity for the city, especially for local businesses ready to think fast and act smart.
#DavidoInUyo is set to redefine Akwa Ibom’s creative and commercial pulse. The influx of visitors from within and outside the state will spark a surge in demand across multiple sectors, from hospitality and transportation to food, fashion, media, and nightlife.
Hotels and short-let apartments are already recording early bookings, a telltale sign of what’s to come. The hospitality sector, if strategically positioned, stands to benefit immensely by offering tailored packages that include accommodation, transportation to the venue, and perhaps an exclusive after-party experience.
Food vendors and restaurants, particularly those offering local delicacies such as ekpang nkukwuó, afang, edikan ikóng, fisherman soup, and atama, will find an eager market among concertgoers looking to savour Akwa Ibom’s signature tastes. This is where creativity in menu presentation, pricing, and social media promotion can make a significant difference.
Transportation operators, from airport taxi services to Bolt drivers, will also witness a sharp rise in demand. For them, it is an opportunity to deliver efficient, safe, and customer-friendly service while maintaining reasonable rates that encourage repeat patronage.
Fashion retailers and designers are not left out. Davido’s concerts are synonymous with glamour and self-expression; fans will show up dressed to impress. Local designers can tap into this by promoting “Uyo drip” collections and offering quick-turnaround bespoke outfits that boldly express Akwa Ibom’s unique identity.
The Five Tour also presents a golden opportunity for digital marketers, event photographers, and influencers to shine. With thousands of attendees sharing live updates and unforgettable moments online, Uyo’s visibility as an entertainment destination will soar. Smart brands should seize the moment by setting up pop-up activations, branded experience booths, and social media challenges aligned with the concert’s theme.
Beyond the one-night thrill, the concert’s ripple effect could further position Uyo as a preferred stop for future national and international tours. It will also amplify Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda as a thriving hub for leisure, tourism, and investment.
For local entrepreneurs, the message is clear: prepare, participate, and profit. Davido’s Five Tour is more than just a concert; it is a marketplace of endless opportunities for those who understand the rhythm of business in entertainment.
When the lights dim and the music fades, one thing will be certain, Uyo would have not only hosted a concert, but also affirmed its place as Nigeria’s emerging capital of creativity, commerce, and culture.
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Aniekan James Ekah is a Consultant on Digital Visibility and Knowledge Economy, and an advocate for the Akwa Ibom Creative and Intellectual Renaissance. He works with individuals, institutions, and governments to build visibility and reputation on global knowledge platforms like Wikipedia.
