The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, has unveiled a bold vision to elevate Nigeria’s creative industry into a significant pillar of the nation’s economy.

Leveraging Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative heritage, the minister outlined plans to transform the sector into a $100 billion contributor to the country’s GDP by 2030.
This ambitious goal, she noted, will be achieved through targeted reforms, infrastructure investments, and strategic partnerships.

Speaking after receiving strong backing from the National Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy for an increased budget allocation, Musawa emphasized the industry’s potential to drive economic growth and generate millions of jobs. She pointed to popular events such as Lagos’ “Dirty December” as evidence of the sector’s capacity to significantly impact the nation’s economy.

“Every corner of Nigeria is teeming with creative talent,” Musawa said. “This sector is a goldmine waiting to be tapped, and it’s a key priority for the ministry.”

The minister outlined a two-pronged strategy: creating an enabling environment for the industry to flourish while attracting external funding to bolster government investments. So far, the ministry has secured partnerships with organizations like Afrexim Bank, Big Win, and the UAE and Saudi governments. These collaborations are expected to complement government efforts to revitalize the sector.

In addition to the GDP target, Musawa disclosed plans to work with Big Win to create two million jobs by 2027. However, she underscored the importance of increased government funding, lamenting that current budget allocations are insufficient to realize the ministry’s goals. “The government must rise to the occasion and provide us with the resources to create the environment needed for the sector’s growth,” she said.

Musawa highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s creative industry, including a lack of critical infrastructure such as arenas, museums, and cinemas. Despite the country being home to globally recognized Afrobeat stars and the world’s second-largest film industry, she said, the absence of local performance and exhibition spaces has hampered growth.

To unlock the sector’s potential, the ministry partnered with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to study and adapt successful models from countries like South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and China. Key priorities include reforming legal and regulatory frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs), and reviving essential facilities like the National Theatre.

Musawa praised the private sector’s contributions, particularly the Bankers’ Committee’s refurbishment of the National Theatre. “The National Theatre is now a world-class facility, unmatched anywhere,” she said, hailing it as a symbol of the sector’s potential.

The minister also underscored the need to develop Nigeria’s cultural and tourism assets, including Yankari Game Reserve and Dashaka Hills, to attract both domestic and international visitors. She called for collaboration with the National Assembly and state governments to implement supportive policies and drive sectoral growth.

With a focus on infrastructure, policy reform, and partnerships, Musawa expressed optimism about positioning Nigeria’s creative industry as a global leader. “Together, we can transform this sector into a major contributor to our nation’s economic future,” she concluded.

If realized, these efforts have the potential to redefine Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape, establishing it as a global hub for creativity and innovation.

***Calls for Preservation of Traditions and Values

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

In a vibrant celebration steeped in tradition, the Ilemila Royal Family of Kabba, Owe Land in Kogi West Senatorial District, has made a passionate call for the revival and preservation of cultural and moral values.
The family expressed concerns over the gradual decline of these values among younger generations, emphasizing the urgent need to reconnect with their heritage.
Themed “Re-Awakening the Cherished Traditions Inherent in Our Culture,” the 2024 edition of Ilemila Day unfolded at Jonny Events Center, Kabba, with a dazzling display of cultural dances, including the revered Erigbo and Woro performances. The event provided a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kabba, sparking renewed interest in its traditions.
Chief Kunle Kola Olubiyo, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, set the tone for the occasion with a rallying call to preserve the community’s heritage. He lamented the fading visibility of their cultural identity, citing the erosion of traditions as a growing concern.
“Our rich literature and practices are gradually slipping into oblivion,” Olubiyo stated. “This event is not just a celebration; it is a deliberate step to safeguard our culture for future generations. Through media documentation, we are ensuring that these traditions remain accessible and relevant.”
He highlighted the need to reintroduce cultural etiquette, such as the customary kneeling and prostrating gestures of respect, which are slowly being replaced by modern practices like handshaking—even with traditional rulers.
“These subtle changes may seem insignificant, but they reflect a deeper cultural shift that we must correct,” he added.
Prince Kayode Ayedogbon, a member of the royal family, described the event as historic, underscoring its role in reviving cultural consciousness.
“Our children are increasingly detached from the values and practices that define us,” Ayedogbon remarked. “This platform is a reminder that our culture is our identity, and we must take pride in it.”
Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Ade Ajibero, President General of the Kabba Development Union, emphasized the need for documentation to complement oral traditions.
“In the past, our traditions were passed down orally, but times have changed,” Ajibero said. “With modern technology, we can now archive and share our heritage globally, ensuring it remains alive even among our diaspora.”
Mr. Martins Joseph Toluwa, another family member, noted that the annual Ilemila Day, which began in 2023, also serves as a platform for promoting harmony among the six royal families of Kabba, with Ilemila as the eldest.

“The event fosters unity and integration, strengthening our collective identity as a people,” he said.

In his address, High Chief Ben Olodogbo, head of the Ilemila Royal Family, urged members to exhibit love, unity, and mutual support while championing the preservation of their heritage.

Chief Obafowo Adegboyega Aka, Chairman of all Red Caps in Owe Land, praised the event as a cultural reawakening and a tribute to the Owe people’s rich traditions.

President of the Kabba Community in Abuja, Sir Johnson Jimoh, called on parents to play an active role in cultural preservation.

“The task of sustaining our heritage begins at home,” Jimoh said. “Parents must instill cultural pride and values in their children to ensure that our identity endures.
With the Ilemila Royal Family leading the charge, the annual celebration is not just a reflection of the past but a vision for the future—a future where culture and tradition remain at the heart of the community’s identity.

The event concluded with renewed pledges to harness modern technology for cultural documentation and dissemination, ensuring that the legacy of the Ilemila Royal Family continues to inspire generations to come.

The Kano Durbar Festival has officially been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a significant achievement for Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
This prestigious recognition was celebrated during a ceremony in Abuja, where the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, received the certificate of inscription from Dr. Hajo Sani, Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a state indicated that the UNESCO inscription highlighted the cultural importance of the Durbar festival, which celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Kano, uniting the people through music, dance, and rich traditional practices.
“The event is one of Nigeria’s most iconic celebrations, drawing thousands of participants and tourists to the region every year.”

Dr. Sani praised the effort of the Nigerian government in securing the recognition, noting that it brings numerous benefits to both the country and local communities.
She stressed that this achievement adds to Nigeria’s growing collection of intangible cultural heritages, bringing the total to eight such inscribed elements.

“Having the Kano Durbar on the UNESCO list is a huge milestone for Nigeria,” Dr. Sani said. “It not only celebrates the beauty and unity of the festival but also creates opportunities for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.”

Minister Musawa expressed her commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage, emphasizing that the inscription provides an opportunity to attract international tourists and foster economic growth through cultural tourism.
She highlighted the need for more Nigerian cultural elements to be recognized by UNESCO, stressing that such recognitions bring both international prestige and tangible benefits to the local economy.

“We are proud that the Kano Durbar is now recognized globally,” Musawa remarked. “This is just the beginning. We aim to expand Nigeria’s presence on the UNESCO list and use our cultural resources to strengthen our economy and create job opportunities through tourism and creative industries.”

The inscription of the Kano Durbar Festival is a testament to Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, showcasing the nation’s potential to use its cultural assets to create positive social and economic change.
The festival, known for its majestic processions, colorful costumes, and traditional horsemanship, will now enjoy greater international recognition, further cementing its place as a cultural treasure of humanity.