Creative Industry

Minister Pledges Full Implementation Of Post-COVID-19 Initiatives Report On Creative Industry

Published

6 years ago

July 3, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has received the report of the Post-COVID-19 Initiatives Committee on the Creative Industry, with a pledge to ensure diligent implementation of the recommendations, within the realms of available resources.

“Let me assure you that we will study the report with the same seriousness that you employed in preparing it, with a view to ensuring its full implementation, within the realms of available resources,” the Minister said while receiving the report at a virtual meeting in Abuja on Friday.

“I thank you all for your sacrifice and commitment. I look forward to working with you as we strive to give the Creative Industry its pride of place,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the report, which he described as very rich and detailed, is also very timely, coming at a time that the Federal Government is looking more towards the Creative Industry to help revamp the economy, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Based on the feedback that I have received, I have no doubt that the report you have just submitted is a culmination of painstaking efforts by all of you, and will go a long way not just in aiding the recovery of the Creative Industry from the negative effects of the pandemic, but also in putting the industry on the right path to sustainable growth in the years ahead,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee and ace comedian, Ali Baba, thanked the Minister for the opportunity given to him and his members to serve the nation and assured that the report is a reflection of all the views of all the players in the nation’s
Creative Industry.

The Committee, which was inaugurated by the Minister on 19 May 2020, comprised the following members: Ali Baba (Chairman); Hajia Sa’a Ibrahim (Vice-Chairman); Bolanle Austen Peters; Charles Novia; Segun Arinze; Ali Jita; Baba Agba; Kene Okwuosa; Efe Omoregbe; Prince Daniel Aboki; Chioma Ude; Olumade Adesemowo; Dare Art Alade; Oliver Enwonwu; Alhaji Saleh Rabo; Bala Hassan; Ali Nuhu; Tajudeen Owoyemi; B.M.
Dzukogi; TY Bello; Lanre Da Silva Ajayi and Anita Eboigbe (Secretary)

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Creative Industry

NTDA Moves to Transform Gelede Festival into a National Cultural Event with Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2026

The Gleamer

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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