Creative Industry
Federal Ministry of Art and Culture to Partner with Anambra State on Preserving Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage
Cyril Ogar
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Anambra State Government to establish Renewed Hope Creative and Cultural Villages, preserving historic sites and promoting economic growth through tourism and job creation.
The partnership aims to restore historic sites, palaces, and monuments, while conserving their cultural significance, and strengthening local craftsmanship through skills development and resources for artisans.
During her visit to Anambra state on Friday, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa thanked the state governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, and the people of Anambra for receiving her.
Musawa said that the partnership was the beginning of a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Anambra State and the entire nation.
“The creative and tourism industries must become the new oil of Nigeria because they exist in every community and hold immense potential. Flying over Anambra, one cannot help but notice its beauty—lush greenery and vibrant cities that promise great opportunity. This MOU is just the start of a journey that will boost our creative and tourism sectors and propel Nigeria toward a more dynamic and sustainable future.
Minister Musawa said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was about collaboration, will bring together the resources of the federal government with those of the states.
“No longer will we work in silos, as President Tinubu envisions a united approach. By combining federal investment, capacity-building, and resources with state-level initiatives, we can strengthen domestic tourism and expand our economy. Each state will be able to adapt the MOU to its own needs and priorities, while the federal government provides full support.
The minister also said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and mission recognise the creative and tourism industries as key players in Nigeria’s future.
“These sectors have the potential to boost our economy and create countless job opportunities. Job creation is at the heart of this vision, and the creative and tourism industries are uniquely positioned to absorb many people into the job market. They also play a crucial role in promoting our cities, advancing our culture, and showcasing Nigeria’s soft power to the world”.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyeji thanked the federal government for its intentional focus on the creative industry.
“The creative industry stands to make people happy, create more jobs, it is about entertainment, tourism, promoting our culture and all of that.
Governor Soludo loves the sector so much that you can see that tourism is being developed in the state. You visited the Solution Fun City and the governor has approved a tourism masterplan for the state. We are working on the Agulu Lake, Owerri Ezukala Lake and Waterfalls, Ogbunike Cave, Anam Beach, and we are proposing a City Park; that’s the first step. The rest is also to promote rural tourism like festivals and our rich culture. Anambra is number one, and we are happy to have the minister visit us On behalf of the state government, I can assure the federal government that we are ready to move with you”.
The collaboration will focus on establishing mixed-use cultural villages with creative hubs, art studios, and performance spaces. Historic sites and monuments will be restored and conserved, and local artisans will receive training and resources to enhance their skills. The initiative is expected to foster economic growth through tourism opportunities and job creation in the creative and cultural sectors.
Creative Industry
NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom
Cyril Ogar
The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ola Awakan paid a courtesy visit to the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration for cultural tourism development.
The delegation was received by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeshina Adeniyi (Maforunyomi I), the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Yaba; Olori Mosunmola Anike Adeniyi; the Bales of the kingdom; and members of the White Cap Chiefs. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural procession by the revered Gelede Masquerades, showcasing the rich heritage of the community.
Addressing the Director-General, the monarch applauded him for honouring the invitation and commended his efforts in leveraging his office to drive innovation within Nigeria’s tourism sector.
The monarch applauds the NTDA Boss for his initiatives towards repositioning the country’s cultural heritage on a global stage.
Oba Adeniyi further expressed his interest in fostering a strategic partnership between the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and the NTDA, emphasizing the community’s readiness to actively participate in ongoing efforts to develop and promote tourism across the country.
He highlighted key cultural assets within the kingdom, including the Gelede Masquerades; an important cultural symbol associated with fertility and childbirth; and two ancient iroko trees within the community, each over 250 years old.
In response, the DG appreciated the traditional ruler for the invitation, honour, and warm reception, stating that the visit was not only culturally enriching but also strategically important to the Authority’s mandate.
He continued by emphasizing the role traditional institutions play in advancing Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He stated that effective storytelling is essential to unlocking the value of cultural heritage, explaining that documenting and sharing the stories behind cultural elements such as the Gelede Masquerades and the ancient iroko trees would enhance their appeal to both local and international tourists.
The NTDA DG further proposed featuring Igbobi-Sabe’s tourism assets in the ongoing NITOUREY Project, the first-ever tourism dedicated streaming platform in Africa aimed towards showcasing Nigeria’s rich and vibrant tourism assets to the world.
The meeting proceeded with a guided tour of one of the iroko tree sites located in Abule Ijesa, Yaba, where the Director-General observed that the site holds significant potential for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
He encouraged the traditional ruler to work closely with the NTDA in developing initiatives that would revitalize the historic landmarks, positioning them as prominent symbols of Nigeria’s cultural tourism.
The Director-General received royal blessings from the Monatch who wished him wisdom and success in his tenure, while expressing confidence in his leadership and vision.
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