Culture
Musawa seeks Soyinka’s support on Preservation Strategies For Nigeria’s Literary Art
The creative economy will tap into the wealth of experience of Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, a literary icon to promote the rich cultural heritage of the nation, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa has indicated.
The Minister spoke when she paid a courtesy visit to the renowned playwright at the weekend at New York University Abu Dhabi where heis a visiting Professor.
A statement by her special adviser on media and publicity, Nneka Nkem Anibeze indicated that Musawa visited to seek the support of the Nobel Laureate, in providing strategies for the promotion and preservation of literary art in the country.
“It is an honor to share my vision for the development of the arts, culture, and creative economy with the Nobel Laureate. The purpose of this visit is to invite you to share your invaluable experience with us, including insights, guidance, and advice on how to add to the development of literary arts in the country. Said the minister to Professor Soyinka:
“This is the first time that we are having a ministry created specifically for this sector which is the Ministry of Arts, culture and Creative Economy.
“Nigeria has a huge culture content including music, films, fashion and literary arts of which our priorities include the preservation of literary works. This, we intend carrying out by formulating policies that will ward off piracy and plagiarism.
“Nigeria boasts of great writers like Professor Wole Soyinka, the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, Prof Okey Ndibe and many others. We will be happy to see Prof Soyinka lead the way on these strategies. We look unto your antecedents for Initiatives to encourage the younger generation to embrace and celebrate their cultural identity”.
In his response, Prof. Soyinka expressed delight in the visit and described his interest in culture and literary arts, generally, as a comparative one. He called for a conscious effort at preserving the culture and tradition of the Nigerian people.
“Culture is interrelated and inter-connected with different other cultures, so Culture is universal.
“Nigerians are faced with diverse issues due to the neglect of heritages and monuments. We need to promote indigenous languages and cultures to preserve morals and values across the country.
“The performing artist is at a disadvantage, as his resources are limited. All an actor can do is join forces. Nigeria boasts of writers, musicians, painters, sculptors, and artists who believe in opening up certain horizons for human striving. I am an artist and a producer, a creative person, and I like to go into galleries, to listen to music and to read books.
“The arts are the material expression of the people’s essence, of their spirituality, and of their dignity. Return the spirituality to Africa by returning all the looted works,” Prof Soyinka said.
Minister Hannatu Musawa also discussed the initiatives to encourage the younger generation to embrace and celebrate their cultural identity, Artistic and Creative Development, opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the creative economy, Cultural Diplomacy and utilizing arts and culture as a tool for international diplomacy and promoting the nation’s cultural diversity on the global stage.
The Minister eagerly anticipates the opportunity to engage in a meaningful collaboration with Professor Soyinka and looks forward to the potential collaboration for the advancement of arts, culture, and the creative economy.
Prof Soyinka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986.
In her bid to advance the culture and creative economy sector in Nigeria the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa will officially launch the 54th edition of the Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Summit (CCES)
The event is billed to take place on Monday, August 26th, 2024, at the Ajuji Greenwich Hotel, Abuja.q1
The special adviser on media to the minister Nneka Ikem Anibeze indicated that the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) under the Minister’s leadership, organized the pivotal event to showcase the culture and creative economy sector in Nigeria.
According to the statement the summit will feature the presentation of the Minister’s roadmap for the sector, expected to be adopted by subnational entities, and provide a platform for subnational stakeholders to share their approaches to the Council’s development plan.
“Musawa will also unveil new initiatives and cultural elements essential in promoting peace, unity, integrity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and connectivity across the nation, aligning with the broader goals of NAFEST and other National Cultural celebrations, paving the way for Nigeria’s cultural revival.
Highlights of the meeting will be the deliberation and adoption of the format and syllabus for major national culture events, including the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and the International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC).
“These discussions will be critical in ensuring the successful planning and execution of MEFA, Nigeria’s Got Talent (NGT), Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE), Origins, and Creative Leap Accelerated Programme (CLAP).
Key stakeholders, including Commissioners and Directors of the 36 States Councils for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy/History and Culture Bureau, FCT Council for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Sister Parastatals, and the media have been formally invited to participate in this significant event.
The 2-day summit will also feature presentations from other agencies on their strategic roadmaps, as well as innovative ways to unlock financial resources for the sector by multilateral organizations and funding partners.
The Minister’s leadership and vision are driving an 8-point agenda to grow Nigeria’s creative economy through public-private partnerships and strategic investments.
The National Council for Arts and Culture, has unveiled a landmark partnership with, a leading force in Africa’s performance venue sector, Mefa Abuja to launch a comprehensive network of world-class entertainment venues across Nigeria.
NCAC is one of the agencies under the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy.
The special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze quoted the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Obi Asika to have stated at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, that the collaboration will deliver six multi-functional venues in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Enugu, and Ibadan
He said it will also provide sustainable income streams for artists, foster a vibrant performance culture, and capitalize on Nigeria’s growing music market.
Asika described the partnership as a groundbreaking milestone, emphasizing its potential to transform Nigeria’s entertainment and sports landscape.
“Today is a historical day for the Council as we sign this MOU to deliver 6 venues across Nigeria, kicking off with Abuja and Lagos, which will provide world class spaces that are multi-functional and that deliver live entertainment and sports and enable capacity building.
“We are delighted to partner with Mefa and look forward to bringing these facilities live to provide more opportunities for all Nigerians”.
“This pioneering initiative solidifies NCAC’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cultural heritage and providing platforms for emerging talents.
“It aligns with the Ministry’s 8-point plan by promoting strategic partnerships, contributing to GDP growth, and enabling environment.
Earlier, the Co-founder of the partnering company ,Yinka Obebe hailed the partnership, saying it will create a platform for artists to thrive and contribute to the sustainable growth of the entertainment sector.
“Our partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionize Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
“By establishing these venues and curating regular performances, we are not only creating a platform for artists to thrive but also contributing to the sustainable growth of the industry”.
The initiative includes Mefa’s incubation program, dedicated to developing emerging artists and equipping them to maximize the benefits of their live performance careers.
As a premier institution in Nigeria, NCAC plays a crucial role in advancing the country’s cultural heritage and providing platforms for emerging talents to showcase their work. This partnership cements NCAC’s position as a driving force in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has promised to amplify the Iri Ji Ndi Igbo National New Yam Festival to global recognition.
The Minister made the pledge when a delegation of traditional rulers and people from the South East states of the country paid her a courtesy visit in Abuja
Musawa who promised to attend the festival billed for August 31st, 2024 in Igboukwu, Anambra state emphasized the importance of the New Yam Festival, likening it to other internationally renowned festivals. She committed to supporting it to attract global attention, particularly from Nigerians of Igbo descent in the diaspora.
“The Iri Ji Ndi Igbo New Yam Festival is extremely important as the Argungu fishing festival and the Orisha festival as well as all other internationally renowned festivals. The New Yam Festival deserves that same promotion and accolade.
“The New Yam Festival is a vital aspect of Igbo culture, and it is essential that we delve into this rich cultural heritage to showcase Nigeria’s diversity to the world.
“The Ministry is committed to supporting the festival to attract attention from Nigerians of Igbo descent in the diaspora, tapping into the vast resources and potential for cultural exchange.
“To amplify the festival’s global reach, we will work towards involving UNESCO experts in the festival and submitting it for possible enlistment. This will not only highlight the festival’s cultural significance but also contribute to Nigeria’s cultural renaissance.
“Despite funding challenges, the Ministry is committed to making the Iri Ji Ndi Igbo National New Yam Festival a flagship event for Nigerian culture and tourism and we will work tirelessly to ensure its success and recognition globally.”
Earlier, the delegation comprising traditional rulers of the South East states led by HRH Eze Sylvester Onuegbu from Oguta, Imo State called on the Ministry to provide critical support for the success of this year’s festival.
He thanked the ministry, who through one of its agencies, the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation NTDC built the National Yam House in Igboukwu as the national Secretariat for the Festival organizers.
The organizers expressed confidence that with the Ministry’s support, they can make this year’s festival a success and pave the way for future growth and development.
“We are grateful for the Ministry’s past support, but we need more to take this festival to the next level. This festival has suffered a serious setback due to the paucity of funds to enrich its cultural Content and package it to national and international standards. We believe that with the right support, this festival can become a flagship event for Nigerian culture and tourism and enlisted by UNESCO”, said HRH Eze Onuegbu,
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture Obi Asika described the Iri ji New Yam Festival as a global phenomenon.
“All the festivals of Nigeria are our mandate so, Iri Ji is a critical festival for us. We hope to be there on the 31st of August to capture the festival and communicate it at a higher level”.
A Member of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon Okafor Dominic Ifeanyi also called on the Hon Minister to recommend the festival for budgetary allocation for continuity.
He commended her passion for culture and looked forward to welcoming the Ministry at the grand finale of the Iri Ji festival
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