Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has unveiled details of its bold and strategic plans to generate at least $100 billion and create over two million jobs from Nigeria’s creative economy yearly.

The Government’s plan was unveiled on Wednesday by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa at a roundtable for local and international investors where she presented her ministry’s 8-Point Plan and Roadmap.

Speaking at the event hosted by the Ministry at the Wheatbaker in Ikoyi, the Minister said that if implemented to its fullest, the plan has the potential to achieve the above-stated objectives. She listed the 8-Point Plan as follows:
Nigeria Destination 2023, a national initiative designed to grow the arts, culture and creative economy under one united vision
Skills Development
Fastrack Policy Frameworks
Strategy Governance and Collaboration
Smart Strategic Partnerships
Growth Targets for GDP Contribution & Sectoral Output
Enabling Business Environments
Cultural Heritage Preservation and Sustainability

She lamented that despite its huge potentials, Nigeria’s creative industry currently contributes just $5 billion to the economy, with its different sub-sectors at various stages of development.

The sectors include music (sound recording, live performances and music videos), visual media (movies, TV shows, comedy shows, podcast, content creation), visual arts & craft (canvas painting, design, sculpturing, woodwork and other craft works), heritage & museums, culinary arts, fashion, publishing (books, literary arts, poetry, magazine, etc), and video gaming.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s creative economy has a very low contribution to overall GDP in comparison with benchmark countries, with the industry contributing just 1.2% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2022, the least when compared to other African countries like Morocco (2.7%), South Africa (3.0%), and Egypt (4.3%).

It also ranks low (1.0%) in its ability to earn government revenue from the sector, compared to South Africa’s 12.5%.

To achieve its ambition, Musawa said the ministry has identified 14 pivotal initiatives that will drive the sector’s growth and significantly boost government revenue $10b – $20b. She grouped these initiatives under four unique pillars, namely: Technology, Infrastructure and Funding, International Culture Promotion, and Intellectual Property Monitisation.

Under the Technology pillar, the Minister said the Ministry intends to launch a digital content creation tool accessibility program to provide improved and discounted digital tools for Nigerian creatives. Others include the launch the Nigeria content distribution initiative to increase the nationwide adoption of digital tools for content distribution, the launch of a study to estimate the size of the creative industry in Nigeria including a framework to size the market going forward, and the expansion of internet accessibility in underserved regions in Nigeria to expand the reach of the other digital initiatives.
For Infrastructure and Funding, she said, this entails cataloguing existing infrastructure for the Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and its current state, developing the appropriate infrastructure needed to the industry and leveraging public-private partnership to fund development, providing incentives to stakeholders in the creative economy to boost investment and adoption of strategic initiatives, and launching a creative accelerator program to provide capital, and capacity building to creative companies.

Under International Culture Promotion, Musawa said the Ministry will establish a culture promotion office collaborating with Nigerian embassies abroad, to promote Nigerian arts, culture and creative economy, and leverage AFCTA to boost Nigerian creative output export regionally and globally.

For Intellectual Property Monetisation, she said the Ministry will seek to establish Globally standardised CMOs (Collection Management Organisations) for most of the sectors, launch a Copyright Oversight Initiative in partnership with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to enhance tracking, monitoring, and enforcement of copyright standards, ensuring CMOs’ adherence to CISAC standards. It will also develop and implement the intellectual property framework and operationalise Nigeria’s IP licencing framework.

Musawa said that Nigeria’s Creative Economy has the potential to grow by 400% by 2027, positioning the sector to leapfrog in the long term and deliver the vision for the sector.

She revealed that the Ministry has already created several initiatives and entered collaborations towards the realisation of its set goals.

She listed some of these initiatives to include, among others, the Creative Leap Acceleration Program, CultRise, an infrastructure development initiative and Origins, an advanced data capture and management initiative designed to collect, store, analyse, and share critical data related to Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.

The Minister also listed some of the Ministry’s infrastructure project pipelines, including the Digital & Immersive Art Centre, the Renewed Hope Creative City at the Wole Soyinka Centre, Arts Village in Abuja, setting up of Creative Hubs in Nigeria’s 36 states, the National Entertainment Centre, Abuja Creative City, and the National Gallery of Art, among others.

To aid in the realisation of the government’s job creation target in the creative industry, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry has entered a partnership with BigWin Philanthropy, a major international development partner, to deliver a transformative capacity building and job creation strategy.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Akwa Ibom State Government is collaborating with the Akwa Tours Development Company (ATDC) to create a Slave Memorial Park to preserve and honor the memory of those who suffered during the transatlantic slave trade.

The park,which will feature the names of local slave trade victims engraved on memorial stones, will be located at the waterfront of the Marina Resort within the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort.

This development comes just weeks after the state hovernment, in partnership with NAAKIBOM, unveiled a 179-year-old slave boat that was confiscated from transatlantic slave traders. The Slave Memorial Park aims to further acknowledge the deep scars left by the slave trade on the region and its people.

During the foundation stone-laying ceremony at the Marina Resort, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, highlighted the historical significance of the state as a major route for the transatlantic slave trade.

He emphasized that the park is part of broader efforts to create enduring legacies that both acknowledge the pain caused by the slave trade and educate future generations. The initiative is aligned with the tourism development vision of Governor Umo Eno, as articulated in the Arise Agenda.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, Udoh urged other public-spirited individuals and organizations to support the state’s tourism development initiatives. He noted that tourism has become a significant driver of economic growth and foreign exchange, and the sector’s success requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

Mr. Ubong Ekpe Okon, Managing Director of Akwa Tours Development Company and Curator of the Slave Memorial Park, provided historical context during the event.

According to him,some of the victims of the slave trade hailed from areas such as Ndiya, Ikpa Uruan, and Ifiayong.

He described the chosen site for the memorial as a historically significant location, previously used as a point of entry and exit for both the slave trade and timber business.

Mr. Ekpe further appealed to attendees to advocate total abolition of slavery in all its forms, including modern-day slavery and neo-colonialism.

He reiterated the project’s commitment to honoring the memories of those enslaved, with their names to be engraved in gold at the park.

Mohammed Shosanya

A cultural Ambassador, The Oba Apetu, Obatala Ile Ife, Willer Almeida, has pledged the commitment of Brazil’s representation and participation in the forthcoming Oyo Unified Egungun Festival and the World Sango Oyo Festival.

Almeida, a Brazilian, stated this during a courtesy visit recently to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ministry in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun.

He stated that his mission as a Cultural enthusiast from Brazil to Oyo State, is to motivate enthusiasts in the diaspora to keep up the cultural heritage, adding that Brazilians are lovers of tradition.

The Commissioner lauded Oba Almeida and his entourage for identifying with the cultural heritage, traditions and customs of Oyo State.

Olatubosun further spoke on the efforts of the State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde in creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.

He said that the security architecture in the State has placed Oyo foremost amongst other States as a haven of peace.

The Interconnectivity of the road network leading to the five geo-political zones in the State has also created a major ease of access to over one hundred and sixty tourist sites located in the State.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Trans Atlantic Centre, a research, recreation and community development initiative has develop special event to host the annual Valentine Day in Okene on February 14.

The event which hosted jointly with Tafari Hotel and Suites,is expected to attract visitors and tourists from far and near,according to a statement made available to Premium News on Monday.

Tagged,”Valentine Day Special Hangout”, the event is being coordinated by some prominent artistes from Kogi Central in partnership with TAC and Tafari Hotel.

A planning committee comprising of four popular musicians, Cento Naira, Mexico, S Pretty and Language has commenced plans to give a befitting Valentine show and entertainment to the expected guests,the statement quoted.

One of the special features of the Valentine Day event is the celebration of people whose birthday falls on the day.

The statement disclosed that some celebrants from the zone have indicated interest to join the fun come February 14 at the Centre.

Speaking with journalists recently in Okene, the Chief Executive Office of TAC, Mr. Mohammed Bougei Attah, MBA, said the upcoming Valentine Special Hangout is a prelude to the upcoming Weekend Picnic Hangout to take place every Saturdays and Sundays at the Centre.

He said Kogi Central, and in particular Kogi Central is a hub for tourism, and all opportunities should be employed for fun seekers in the zone.

He said,as part of the 10-year development plan of the Centre,the zone will witness tremendous development in tourism, entertainment and promotions.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Trans Atlantic Centre, a research, recreation and community development initiative has develop special event to host the annual Valentine Day in Okene on February 14.

The event which hosted jointly with Tafari Hotel and Suites,is expected to attract visitors and tourists from far and near,according to a statement made available to Premium News on Monday.

Tagged,”Valentine Day Special Hangout”, the event is being coordinated by some prominent artistes from Kogi Central in partnership with TAC and Tafari Hotel.

A planning committee comprising of four popular musicians, Cento Naira, Mexico, S Pretty and Language has commenced plans to give a befitting Valentine show and entertainment to the expected guests,the statement quoted.

One of the special features of the Valentine Day event is the celebration of people whose birthday falls on the day.

The statement disclosed that some celebrants from the zone have indicated interest to join the fun come February 14 at the Centre.

Speaking with journalists recently in Okene, the Chief Executive Office of TAC, Mr. Mohammed Bougei Attah, MBA, said the upcoming Valentine Special Hangout is a prelude to the upcoming Weekend Picnic Hangout to take place every Saturdays and Sundays at the Centre.

He said Kogi Central, and in particular Kogi Central is a hub for tourism, and all opportunities should be employed for fun seekers in the zone.

He said,as part of the 10-year development plan of the Centre,the zone will witness tremendous development in tourism, entertainment and promotions

Mohammed Shosanya

The Oyo state government plans to set aside a day in the year for a uniform celebration of Egungun Festival.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun,who disclosed this on Thursday when met Egungun Worshipers (Alagbaas) and other stakeholders in the state,explained that the new move is part of the present administration’s bid to set the tone for harnessing tourism and culture in Oyo Sunder Omituntun 2.0.

Dr. Olatubosun said tourism has become a focal point of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda.

He said that the grand Egungun Carnival will herald the commencement of various Egungun Festivals across Oyo State.

He explained that a unified date for this cultural festival would further promote the State’s culture and boost the tourism potentials of the State, by bringing tourists from all over the world to witness the festival.

The display by the various Egungun Worshipers would make the celebrations more attractive to the tourists,he said.

He added:“Oyo State being a Pacesetter State, would be hitting the ground running on this dignified cultural propagation and promotion, thus writing history for others to follow.”

The ‘Alagbaas’ in their response, unanimously agreed with the idea,promising to work in synergy with the Ministry to make the concept a success.

They also promised to rally their members to give unwavering support towards achieving the desirable outcome.

Mohammed Shosanya

Ogun state governor,Dapo Abiodun,says the Ojude Oba festival was a unifying factor to the entire Ijebuland.

The festival has also brought about the cultural values of Ijebu people,he said in his comment at this year’s Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

He also said:“It is an opportunity to display our hospitality to the world. It promotes our tourism sector. We are going to look at having a state-owned festival like this which will bring overall growth to the state.”

Also speaking,the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, maintained thatbthr festival remained a boost to tourism development in the country.

He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for bringing investors to the state through the festival.

He said: “Today marks a new brand for the entire Ijebu people both at home and the Diaspora. Ojude Oba has become a brand of developing culture and tourism in Nigeria.

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona,in his remarks, called also hailed the governor in showcasing the festival to the wider world and urged him to repair the bad roads within Ijebuland.

He added:“I pray God would grant the governor good health to continue to bring more dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state. Ijebu has never failed and we will not fail, this will not be our last celebration. Other states should take a cue from Ogun State that has a museum right inside the palace; it’s a unique thing that has happened to the state. The museum is of international standard.”

Speaking,the special guest of honour, Dr Clement Okeowo,implored the Federal government to fix the remaining portion of the Sagamu–Benin Expressway, especially the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode axis.