Culture
Culture Minister announces a major refurbishment initiative for six national museums
***Aims to enhance public access and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy has announced a transformative initiative to refurbish six national museums across Nigeria, including notable locations in Ilorin, Birnin Kebbi, Uyo, Owerri, Kano, and Kaduna.
The Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musaw spoke in New York on Thursday, indicating that the significant project underscores the Ministry’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and enhancing public access to the nation’s historical treasures.
Special adviser on media and publicity Dr. Nneka Nkem Anibeze in a statement indicated that the project launch which is set for October 2024 is aimed at enhanced infrastructure, security, and exhibit spaces to preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage and improve public access.
She quoted Barrister Musawa to have emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting cultural tourism and education.
According to her, the project will incorporate modern technologies and engage local artisans to ensure authenticity and historical accuracy.
According to the statement, the Ministry is encouraged collaboration from cultural organizations and the public to support the undertaking, which is aimed to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural legacy for future generations.
The statement reads, “The refurbishment program, set to begin in October 2024, will focus on infrastructure upgrades, enhanced security systems, and improved exhibit spaces.
“By incorporating modern technologies and sustainable practices, the initiative seeks to create interactive and educational environments that celebrate Nigeria’s diverse cultural legacy.
“Our museums are custodians of Nigeria’s culture and history. This refurbishment project will not only preserve our heritage for future generations but also promote cultural tourism and education in Nigeria.
“We are committed to making our museums more accessible, engaging, and reflective of our rich artistic tradition in line with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
and our Ministry’s 8-Point Plan.
“The project will engage local artisans, historians, and curators to ensure the upgraded monuments are culturally represented and historically accurate. The initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities within the cultural sector, supporting local economies and fostering nationwide appreciation for the arts.
In his remarks, the Director General of, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Olugbile Holloway, said that the renovation was to enable better storytelling of our museums and monuments.
“The renovation of our museums is a long overdue exercise and the NCMM appreciates the Ministry’s strong support for this initiative. The NCMM intends not to only focus on infrastructure upgrades, but also
better curation and better storytelling in our museums.
Culture
G20 Ministers of Culture Meeting in Brazil: Musawa Leads African Union Delegation
Africa’s participation in the G20 Ministers of Culture meeting, led by Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, is a major step forward in the continent’s cultural diplomacy.
The event, which held at the Salvador Convention Centre in Brazil, saw Musawa represent the African Union, where she advocated for the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in advancing economic growth, social cohesion, and global understanding.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that, Musawa also served as the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports within the African Union.
She quoted Musawa to have expressed gratitude for Africa’s inclusion in the discussions and highlighted the continent’s cultural diversity as a source of strength.
The minister reiterated the urgent need for Africa to capitalize on its cultural resources to drive sustainable development and unity within the continent and globally.
“Africa’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. We must use it as a tool to propel development, foster unity, and create shared growth opportunities,” said Musawa.
“Our inclusion in the G20 dialogues ensures that the priorities of our people are heard, and the global conversation better reflects the needs of Africa.”
The Minister praised the historic nature of the African Union’s involvement in the meeting, which provided a platform for critical conversations around culture’s role in shaping Africa’s future.
Musawa underscored the importance of the G20’s Ministerial Declaration, which calls for increased cooperation, greater support for African culture, and more opportunities for Africa to achieve its goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
Musawa also highlighted the importance of cultural rights, diversity, and dialogue as essential for building resilient, inclusive, and innovative societies.
She emphasized that culture should be viewed as a driver of development and social cohesion, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.
She extended her thanks to Brazil for its exceptional leadership as G20 President and expressed confidence in South Africa’s upcoming presidency. “We appreciate Brazil’s leadership and efforts to elevate culture within the global agenda. As we look to South Africa’s presidency, we are eager to ensure that Africa’s cultural priorities remain at the forefront,” Musawa said.
Throughout the meeting, Musawa engaged with counterparts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Angola, South Africa, Korea, China, and France, focusing on key issues within her ministry’s strategic framework.
One notable outcome the statement said was her bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Culture, where discussions centered around the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Cultural House in Salvador as part of the Nigeria Destination 2030 initiative, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and enhancing the country’s cultural diplomacy.
The meeting also highlighted the need for increased investment in Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
The African Union emphasized its strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable development and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Africa’s global position.
In closing, Musawa reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with the G20 and a stronger emphasis on cultural priorities, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and its interests are advanced on the global stage.
Culture
Musawa Highlights Creative Therapy as a Catalyst for Social Change
The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has emphasized the power of creative therapy in addressing pressing social and health challenges during the Global South Arts and Health Week at the Nigeria Pavilion in Abuja.
Addressing policymakers, healthcare professionals, artists, and advocates, Musawa underscored the vital role of the arts in promoting healing and resilience within communities.
The special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted Musawa to have highlighted how creativity supports mental health, combats displacement, and assists in recovery from pandemics.
“Art has always been a part of our collective human experience, reflecting our identities, providing comfort, and serving as vehicles for hope and healing.
“As we address challenges in health, displacement, aging, and everyday life, the arts offer us a path forward, transforming pain into healing and inspiring the resilience needed to overcome adversity.”
Musawa advocated for arts-based programs that promote maternal health, mental wellness, and social inclusion.
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, she noted, is committed to initiatives that unlock the potential of the creative sector, expand access to the arts, and support cultural expression and creative practitioners.
The event set the stage for ongoing collaboration between art and health sectors, aiming to foster social cohesion, enhance mental well-being, and create inclusive spaces through the transformative power of the arts.
Culture
FG approves Creative Economy Development Fund, IP Monetisation Pilot
The Federal Executive Council, has approved the establishment of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) and the rollout of the Intellectual Property (IP) Monetisation Pilot.
The initiatives are designed to provide financial support and leverage intellectual property as a key asset for Nigeria’s growing creative industry.
The CEDF, which will offer a range of financial instruments such as debt, quasi-equity, and equity, aims to boost access to finance for creatives.
It also introduces a groundbreaking model for using intellectual property as collateral to secure financing. According to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the fund will empower young Nigerian creatives by enabling them to monetize their talents and IP assets.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted her to have explained saying,
“This is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s creative industry. The Creative Economy Development Fund will equip young people with the tools to turn their creative talents into sustainable livelihoods,” Musawa said, during the Council meeting.
“The IP Monetisation Pilot, developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the iDICE programme, will serve as a precursor to the creation of a National IP Monetisation Framework, which will be integrated into Nigeria’s broader IP policy.”
The Minister highlighted the government’s collaboration with several key ministries, including Justice, Finance, and Industry, to ensure the smooth implementation of both initiatives.
She added that the ministry is also proposing the Creative Economy Development Fund Act to ensure long-term funding and governance of the CEDF.
The initiatives the statement explained further are expected to revolutionize Nigeria’s creative sector by establishing a robust intellectual property asset base, enhancing access to finance through IP securitization, and boosting investor confidence in the sector.
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