Culture
Igbo Groups bikker Over killings in the South-East
The World Igbo Union (WIU) has taken a swipe at the Chairman of World Igbo Congress, (WIC) Professor Anthony Ejiofor, for not speaking up against the killings in the South-East geopolitical zone of the country.
The leader of the organisation Mazi Ogechukwu Nkere stated this in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday .
Nkere however, expressed appreciation for Ejiofor’s in-depth knowledge and understanding of the plight of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria, though “he was a bit twisted on the solutions he is advocating to our issues in Nigeria.”
He said Ejiofor’s claim that the sole objective of World Igbo Council (W.I.C) was the safety of Igbo lives and properties but remained silent on majority of the killings and banditry perpetuated by Fulani terrorist in Igbo Land.
According to him, “It then does not need an empirical research to claim that he and the organisation does not represent the global interest of Ndi Igbos.
“He intellectually expounded on the security architecture of the Igbo land and was right on the claim that the Nigerian Army have been infiltrated by Fulani herdsmen, repentant Boko Haram, Iswab and other terrorist units.
“He was also right in his claim that these terrorists have infiltrated Southeast Nigeria forests kidnaping, Killing and butchering innocent citizens.
“These terrorists also burn churches, homes, markets and business with the their motive to overrun the Igbo land with Islamic agenda.
“Ejiofor addressed the inadequacy of Ebube Agu whom he called thugs to political gladiators who does not have the interest of Igbos and cleverly demonstrated his understanding of the historic sufferings, marginalisation, subjugation and alienation of the Igbo Race politically and economically by the Fulani Nigerian Government (Rudolf played clips by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Ikemba Odimagwu Ojukwu to help)
“Against this background, to jump onto Rudolf Okonkwo’s programme to validate the continuity of the undisputed maltreatment of the Igbo Race, by advocating against no election in Biafra Land is misleading the Igbo Race you claim to lead.
“On the same programme Prof Ejiofor highlighted his concern over the few days sit at home.
“The fact that no one heard his cry over many months that our people sat at home during Covid 19 period without government assistance makes his concern a political gimmick rather than a genuine concern for the wellbeing of our people.
“On this same issue of sit at home the World Igbo Union wish to remind everyone that, Biafrans are willingly sitting at home in protest of the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the long suffering of the Igbo Race in Nigeria ; this have nothing to do with Mazi Simon Ekpa.
“It may disappoint you sir that in the absence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, “Mazi Simon Ekpa is the next globally accepted Igbo Leader, Mazi Simon Ekpa commands the support and loyalty of majority of Igbos more than any acclaimed Igbo leader and the World Igbo Union will insist you stop your negative activities against Mazi Ekpa from henceforth.
“The World Igbo Union have taken keen interest and detailed note of your threats against Mazi Simon Ekpa (The Biafran Spokes Man) which is not taken lightly and should anything happen to him Professor Anthony Ejiofor the W.I.U and entire Southeast Nigeria and Biafra will hold you and your likes responsible.
“Since the unlawful rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya by the Fulani terrorist government of Nigerua, Professor Ejiofor and his acclaimed Organization have not been vocal about this illegal Kidnapping, disregard to the rule of law and court orders, inhumane treatment in DSS detention, and his worsening health condition.
“You claimed to have regular legal briefings on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case but the general Igbo public is yet to hear or read from you loudly on this matter.
“Your talk about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Igbo issues in such strong terms at this election period makes your motives politically suspicious to World Igbo Union.
“You noted that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has won all the legal case against him and now illegally held in detention by the president. Knowing all these facts and advocating for 2023 election presents a case of intellectual mismatch or wilful deceit.
“One of your panels advised you to take on Mazi Simon Ekpa’s challenge of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention as a barter for holding elections in Biafra Land in 2023, the World Igbo Union is looking forward to you taking up this challenge as a demonstration that truly you have the interest of Igbo people at heart.
“The World Igbo Union wish to alert you and your likes that in the absence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, South-easterners and Biafrans believe that Mazi Simon Ekpa is the last man standing to lead them through the bridge of their destination and we warn you not to stand in the way of this moving train.
“It is the opinion and view of the World Igbo Union that it was more interesting listening to Biafra Information Minister of the African Union Chanel than listening to your disguised politically engineered campaign.
“This is so because in your interview with Rudolf Okonkwo you sounded and came across more like Peter Obi’s campaign Manager than an Igbo leader, “
In a bid to reposition Nigeria as the epicenter of African culture, tourism, and economic growth, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has partnered with Discover Motherland Africa to launch the Motherland 2025 initiative. 
The project, unveiled at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, is aimed at transforming Nigeria into a global cultural hub, drawing in diaspora communities, investors, and tourists alike.
Speaking at the event, Minister Musawa described Motherland 2025 as “more than a festival”—a transformative movement that aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy.
She highlighted how the initiative leverages Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential to foster global engagement and drive economic growth.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming. A movement inviting our global brothers and sisters to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and cultural renaissance,” Musawa said. “This is a call to the Diaspora and beyond. From investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, this initiative invites global stakeholders to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse.”
A statement be the media adviser to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement explained that the initiative includes a wide range of programs designed to engage both Nigerians and the global community in a week-long celebration featuring State Pavilions, Business Exhibitions, and cultural showcases from Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
According to the statement it will also feature A photo and video contest encouraging participants to depict Nigeria’s landscapes, traditions, and communities through visual storytelling.
Explaining further the statement said it will feature a centralized platform simplifying travel logistics for both domestic and international visitors.
A groundbreaking scheme allowing diaspora members and foreign investors to gain citizenship through national development contributions will also be unveiled according to the statement.
The media adviser also pointed out that a dedicated initiative to streamline the integration of diaspora communities into Nigeria’s social and economic landscape.
She said there will be an event recognizing outstanding diaspora leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
“The festival will conclude with a high-energy concert featuring top Nigerian and international artists, celebrating the nation’s vibrant music scene.
She quoted the minister, Musawa to have also emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, ministries, and the private sector to ensure the success of the initiative.
“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong partnerships. We invite policymakers, cultural institutions, investors, and development organizations to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s tourism and creative economy,” she said.
In her remarks, Chidimma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, underscored the initiative’s role in reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora to their roots while unlocking opportunities for investment and cultural pride.
“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism,” Nwankwo said. “Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. Not just to visit, but to engage, to contribute, and to become part of something bigger.”
Motherland 2025 is expected to attract thousands of participants from across the globe, solidifying Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s cultural, economic, and tourism sectors.
***Public-Private Partnership to Transform Cultural, Tourism, Creative Sectors
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTIC), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to bridge the infrastructure gap in Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, was presented at Monday’s FEC meeting and is positioned to drive economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the minister, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the
CTIC will operate under a public-private partnership model, attracting local and international investors to fund and develop world-class infrastructure that supports the creative sector.
The goal is to generate $100 billion for the Nigerian economy and create 2 million jobs, aligning with Presidential Priority 7 on economic diversification.
Key Features of CTIC according to the statement included Strategic Partnerships by Engaging AFREXIM, IFC, World Bank, AfDB, AFD, EU, Ford & Rockefeller Foundations, and UNESCO for funding and expertise.
The other feature according to the statement is Governance Structure whereby the Nigerian Government will hold a 25-49% minority stake through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), ensuring private-sector efficiency and leadership.
The statement listed Flagship Projects to include the rehabilitation of Obudu Resort and Yankari Game Reserve, development of Abuja Creative City and Creation of 5,000 cinema screens nationwide
Others are the Wole Soyinka Creative City in Lagos, Launch of a Centre for African Arts and a New Era for Nigeria’s Creative Economy
Minister Hannatu Musawa emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure in unlocking Nigeria’s full creative potential.
“Everyone recognizes Nigeria’s creativity—our films, music, and fashion dominate globally. But without the right infrastructure, we can’t maximize this potential. Imagine if ‘Detty December’ in Lagos had world-class venues—the economic impact would be exponential.”
The CTIC approval is signal a major shift towards making Nigeria a global hub for tourism, film, music, and cultural heritage, positioning the country as a leading player in the global creative economy.
With FEC’s approval, the government is set to mobilize investors, develop priority projects, and implement innovative financing models to bring this vision to life.
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in collaboration with MADhouse by Tikera Africa, has launched a call for applications for the ‘Re-imagining Hope Residency’, a 6-week immersive program designed to empower Nigerian creatives.
Special adviser on media and publicity to the minister Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the residency will select 20 exceptional visual artists from across Nigeria and provide them with a structured mentorship experience, collaborative workshops, and open studio events aimed at addressing societal challenges through artistic expression.
The statement quoted the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, to indicated that the initiative is a strategic step towards harnessing the power of creativity for national development.
“This program underscores the critical role of the creative industry in shaping national identity and addressing societal challenges. By empowering our creatives, we are investing in Nigeria’s future as a cultural and artistic powerhouse,” Musawa stated.
Osarume Akenzua, the Director of Innovation and Enterprise at Tikera Africa, highlighted the program’s broader impact, noting that:
“This residency is more than an artistic journey; it is a mission to re-imagine how art can build bridges, inspire unity, and catalyze change in the creative economy.”
The residency will run in two streams during the first and second quarters of 2025, providing participants with access to state-of-the-art facilities, shared studio spaces, and cultural excursions designed to deepen their connection to Nigeria’s heritage.
Application Details
Deadline: February 15, 2025
Apply via: https://clapnigeria.taplink.ws/
About MADhouse
MADhouse is a creative enterprise incubator dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
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