Creative Industry
Qatar and Nigeria Set to Sign MOU on Cultural and Tourism Cooperation
The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy resumed talks with the Qatari government, on Monday, to boost cultural exchange, arts, and tourism relations between the two countries.
The Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who held a meeting with H.E. Dr Ali Ghamen Al-Hajri, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria in Abuja, highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and potential partnerships with Qatar to promote mutual understanding and growth.
She emphasised Nigeria’s diverse cultural history, showcasing its music, movie industry, and arts, and expressed interest in collaborating with Qatar to preserve and display Nigerian artefacts.
“Our relationship with the Gulf is important but not complete without Qatar. We have shared alignments with the Fulani, Hausas, and Kanuris in Qatar.
“We generate content through music, the movie industry, and the arts. We have been very active in recovering most of our artefacts, like the Benin bronzes, and we want to work with Qatar to preserve and display our artefacts. We also look forward to having a memorandum of understanding on how our culture, music and active tourism partnerships can benefit both countries”, Musawa added.
Earlier, the Qatari ambassador H.E. Dr Ali Ghamen Al-Hajri highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting art and cultural projects, emphasising its role in diplomacy and bridging nations.
The ambassador noted that both countries have significantly strengthened their economic ties in recent years through diplomatic engagement, to advance bilateral cooperation across several sectors including aviation, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture.
“Qatar is committed to collaborating with Nigeria to promote culture, increase tourism, and create mutually beneficial partnerships. The potential of Nigeria’s creative industry and its global influence is widespread.
“It will be mutually beneficial to officially document this conversation in an MOU, to boost Nigeria’s cultural richness, international collaborations, and the potential for growth in the creative industry and tourism sector including cultural events, art exhibitions, and exchange programs,” Al-Hajri said.
The meeting reflects a broader trend of cultural diplomacy, where Nigeria and Qatar leverage art and culture to foster international relations and cooperation. Both countries aim to boost cultural exchange, tourism, and economic growth through potential collaborations, including cultural events, art exhibitions, and exchange programs.
The possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the partnership was discussed, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for the potential benefits of the collaboration.
In attendance were the Executive Director Katsina State History and Culture Bureau, Dr Kabir Ali Masanawa, Chioma Ude, Founder Africa International Film Festival (AfRIFF), Moriam Ajaga, Special Adviser to the President on Culture and Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Adviser to the Minister on Sub-national development.
NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE, PhD.
SA MEDIA & PUBLICITY
FMACCE/PS/ 127
13-10-2025
Photo: Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, H.E. Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hajri, at the Embassy of Qatar, Abuja, on 13th October 2025.
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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