Creative Industry

Ministry of Art, NSC Partner to Build Mega Sports Cultural City

Published

3 months ago

September 6, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing a National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism and Sports Innovation Hub within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium precinct, Abuja.

The MoU, signed on Thursday in Abuja, aims to harness the creative, cultural, and sports sectors for national development, youth empowerment, and global visibility.

The Hub will feature a range of facilities, including a National Museum of Arts and Culture, Entertainment Arena and Performance Centre, Youth Creative and Entrepreneurship Centre, Eco-Villas and Eco-Lodges, Family Recreational Park, Cultural Lounges and Marketplaces, Mounted Games Arena, and Sports Heritage Pavilion.

At the signing ceremony, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the impact of NSC’s Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, on sports development.

“Since Mallam Shehu Dikko came on board, we’ve had back-to-back wins in sports. Thank you for coming to this office to discuss how we can open a partnership. For young Nigerians, one of the things the President has always focused on is building a better future for Nigeria, and the best way to do that is to diversify in the areas of sports and the creative industry.

“The creative industry is also having a great moment, and Nigeria is known for its cultural assets. Partnering with the sports industry through this MOU will bring new focus and ideas. This partnership has the power to empower the young generation, teach them about our culture, and provide capacity building. If this can be replicated in every state, it will speak to a new dawn, especially in Abuja, and will have a positive impact on the economy, job creation, and insecurity. The ecosystem we are building with the museum structure, tourism sector, and creative industry will be beneficial for Nigerians. I appreciate the President’s vision and mission, and I’m excited to be part of this journey”.

Earlier, the Chairman of NSC emphasised the Commission’s alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on sports economy.

“We need to invest and revamp our sports facilities to have around 4,000 activities around the clock. This project will showcase our history, sports, and culture, and we are committed to its success. We will turn the stadium into a sports city, leveraging existing structures to build value for creatives.

“I assure you of my team’s diligence to provide all the support needed to succeed in this project,” Mallam Dikko said.

The partnership between FMACTCE and NSC will facilitate inter-agency dialogue and coordination, promote integrated strategies to link sports with arts, culture, tourism, and the creative economy, and encourage public-private dialogue and multilateral stakeholder engagement.

The project will operate as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with FMACTCE and NSC providing institutional support for government approvals and alignment.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries, empowering youth, and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage to the world. Both parties are committed to working together to bring this vision to life and create a world-class innovation hub that will drive economic growth, creativity, and innovation.

Share on Facebook

Business

NTDA: Naija Flavour Poised to Create Wealth, Empower SMEs, and Drive National Growth

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has affirmed that the 2025 edition of Naija Flavour… Destination December will play a pivotal role in creating wealth, empowering local businesses, strengthening the creative economy, and accelerating national growth.

Scheduled for December 13, 2025, Naija Flavour will showcase a vibrant marketplace of culture, food, fashion, games, live theatre, and music. Designed as a platform for SMEs to increase visibility, attract customers, and build partnerships, the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the launching in Abuja on Friday, the DG described Naija Flavour as a strategic cultural tourism initiative that channels Nigeria’s identity, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy into economic impact.

“Naija Flavour has been conceptualised to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth,” Awakan said.

He noted that Nigeria’s globally recognised Detty December culture has become a magnet for visitors seeking the country’s music, food, nightlife, and cultural vibrancy. NTDA, he explained, saw an opportunity to transform this natural phenomenon into a structured tourism product.

“Nigeria is not just a country; we are a global vibe. So, we asked ourselves: how do we package that vibe into a tourism experience that drives jobs, revenue, and international attention? Naija Flavour is our answer,” he said.

To amplify cultural tourism, NTDA also unveiled a theatrical production titled Echoes of the Drums—a celebration of unity, ecotourism, folklore, and Nigeria’s ancestral heritage. Written by Ola Awakan and directed by Isioma Williams, the production will serve as a centrepiece for cultural storytelling.

Awakan expressed appreciation for institutional partners including The Monoliza Abuja, NIHOTOUR, the National Troupe of Nigeria, CBAAC, NFVCB, and GOTHAD.

He called on the media, corporate bodies, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs to support the movement and seize the opportunities Naija Flavour will unlock.

“Let the flavours travel. Let the world know that Nigeria is shaping tourism with innovation, entertainment, and economic impact,” he said.

Encouraging Nigerians and global visitors to save the date, he added: “Naija Flavour is a celebration of our diversity, creativity, and innovation. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride. Let the drums speak. Let the flavours rise. Let Nigeria shine.”

Share on Facebook