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 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.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro11 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu