Creative Industry
Niger State Seeks Strategic Partnership with Ministry of Culture and Tourism to Elevate Bida Bariki Festival
Jo
The Niger State Government has proposed a new partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to upgrade the historic Bida Bariki Festival to a national cultural event with international recognition.
The initiative was presented by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Member of the House of Representatives for Bida/Katcha/Gbako Federal Constituency and a member of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, during a meeting with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq. in Abuja on Tuesday.
Hon. Abdullahi described Bida as the cultural heart of the Nupe people, with a rich heritage that deserves global exposure.
“We are proposing a collaboration to showcase the Nupe culture through the Bariki Festival, aiming to make it an international event. The festival dates back to the colonial era and has continued to this day. We want to modernize it, boost economic benefits, create jobs, and attract tourism to our region.”
He added that the state also seeks to work with the Ministry to develop tourism infrastructure around Gurara Falls, including hotels, a water park, and a creative hub, with active involvement from local communities.
Minister Musawa responded by highlighting the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to attract investment and promote Nigeria’s cultural tourism. She referenced a recent presentation of projects in Dubai, emphasizing the importance of international exposure to attract investors.
“The Ministry is focused on partnering with state governments to develop cultural and tourism assets across Nigeria. We have already signed MOUs with several key states. This collaboration is part of the broader ‘Renewed Hope Cultural Renaissance’ initiative, which aims to enhance and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
“We are ready to move quickly on these partnerships, focusing on states with high tourism potential. Our goal is to create a sustainable framework for cultural preservation, economic growth, job creation, and to position Nigeria as a global cultural tourism destination,” Musawa said.
The Bida Bariki Festival, rooted in pre-independence traditions, is a celebration of Nupe cultural heritage. It features horse-riding displays, acrobatic performances, traditional music and dance, and showcases local crafts such as glass beads and grasswork. The festival attracts thousands of visitors annually, providing a significant boost to the local economy through hospitality, employment, and cultural exchange.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to leverage its cultural and natural assets for sustainable development and global recognition.
Hon Saidu Musa Abdullahi was accompanied by the General Manager Niger State Tourism Corporation.
Creative Industry
CAFA Targets $500bn Fashion Economy At Canex Wknd 2026
Joel Ajayi
The Confederation of African Fashion (CAFA) will present its roadmap to grow Africa’s fashion economy from an estimated $30 billion to $500 billion at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos.
Marking its first anniversary on November 5, CAFA will unveil a joint stand with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Arts Theatre, on November 5, 2026.
CAFA President, Aare (Prof.) Lai Labode, said the institution works with African governments to align sourcing, production, trade and intellectual property policies, ensuring African creativity generates greater value for African businesses and communities.
Nigeria became the first country to sign the African Fashion Industry Growth Charter on November 5, 2025, when the Honourable Minister Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Government.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Minister Musawa said: “Afroliganza seeks to build a structured, values-driven fashion economy rooted in African heritage, led by African institutions, and positioned for global impact.”
On employment potential, the minister emphasized that Investment in fashion will create millions of jobs, particularly for women and youth.
Registered in Rwanda, with an office in Kigali and a desk at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, CAFA is also working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs towards African Union adoption of the Charter. Rwanda is progressing towards becoming its second participating country and the first in East Africa.
Its first year saw fifty nations gather at the Egbaliganza-Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta and a signed MoU with Türkiye’s ASRIAD.
CAFA’s programmes promote processing African raw materials into finished apparel locally. ‘Own What We Create’ addresses intellectual property protection, while the CAFA Certified Seal and CAFA Heritage Mark support standards and authenticity. African Global Fashion Houses are currently being established across international markets.
The African Global Fashion Games will debut in Nigeria in 2028, bringing designers together under national colours. Held every three years, the Games will alternate between African and international hosts, combining competition with investor meetings, deal signings and policy discussions. Its Instant Craft event gives competing nations identical materials and a fixed clock, placing skill at the centre of the contest.
CAFA is inviting creatives, fashion designers, artisans, diplomats, economists, investors and policymakers to its CANEX stand. Visitors can explore the roadmap, ask questions and identify opportunities to contribute through design, manufacturing, investment, research, trade and international partnerships. The stand will be open daily from November 5 to 8.
CAFA calls on the African Union to adopt the Charter, and governments to sign the Games Register and form national teams.
“Fashion has always told the world who Africa is. Now Africa will decide what fashion pays,” Aare Prof. Lai Labode said.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
