In a strategic move to bolster Busan’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, Samsung, a key advocate for the Korean city, seized an opportune moment to celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Nike Art Gallery.
This commemoration involved a courtesy call on the Busan Goodwill Ambassador, Nike Okundaye, emphasizing Samsung’s commitment to promoting Busan as the host city for the upcoming Expo scheduled from May 1 to October 31, 2030.
On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, the Korean Republic, through its embassy in Nigeria, officially unveiled Nike Okundaye, a renowned Nigerian artist and curator, as its Goodwill Ambassador. Samsung’s delegation, present at the illustrious Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos, actively supported South Korea’s candidacy bid, in addition to envisioning the realization of Busan World Expo 2030.
The World Expo, a quadrennial event, with the 2025 edition set for Japan, also holds particular significance for Samsung, as it endeavors to influence the selection of Busan as the venue for Expo 2030. The Republic of Korea, in 2021, submitted its candidature to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), proposing Busan as the host city with the theme “Transforming our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.”
Busan, renowned for hosting major global events like the Asian Games and APEC Summit in 2002 and 2005, respectively, stands out as a vital transportation and logistics hub. Furthermore, as a cultural nexus, it boasts festivals like the Busan International Film Festival, Busan Fireworks Festival, One Asia Festival, and a global K-Culture Pop Music Festival.
Beyond aligning with the proposed Expo theme, Busan, with its population of approximately 3.5 million and an annual influx of 40 million tourists, offers well-equipped infrastructure. The city’s track record includes hosting significant conferences as well as reinforcing its candidacy for the Expo. Charlie Lee, Managing Director of Samsung Nigeria, expressed gratitude to Nike Okundaye for rallying support in Nigeria and West Africa for Busan’s candidacy.
Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, in response, further commended Samsung’s confidence in Nigeria and expressed hopes that Busan would secure the hosting rights. As the anticipation builds, Samsung continues to play a pivotal role in driving Busan’s bid for the prestigious World Expo in 2030.
