Culture
NIA Seeks to Leverage Architecture in Promoting Nigeria’s Cultural Identity
In its effort to promote and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage through architecture, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has called for a collaborative effort with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy.
To that effect the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Arc. Adeniyi Mobolaji met with the Honorable Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, at the weekend in Abuja.
A statement buy the Special Adviser on Media Nas publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze Arc. Mobolaji to have pointed out the institute’s contributions to global development and proposed various areas of collaboration, including iconic building designs, preservation of national monuments, and representation of architects on cultural agency boards.
“From the monumental structures to the residences and buildings that make up the fabric of a city, we can learn a lot about who the people were who inhabited them long before our time.
“Architecture defines a people, era, and time. At its roots, architecture exists to create the physical environment in which people live, but architecture is more than just the built environment; it’s also a part of our culture.
“We propose collaboration in various areas, including advocacy for architecture’s classification as a creative industry. ”
He further suggested exploring digital architecture initiatives, public art installations, and public enlightenment campaigns to promote architectural heritage and design excellence.
In her remarks, Nigeria’s Art, Culture, and Creative Economy Minister, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, reiterated architecture as an integral part of the Creative Arts Industry.
She acknowledged the significant role that architecture plays in shaping cultural and artistic landscapes and committed to a partnership that will bring their expertise to bear in the building of cultural hubs.
“As we move forward with initiatives such as the Naija Creative City in Abuja, Museums, and Cultural Centres, I am committed to involving the Institute of Architects in these projects. Their expertise will be invaluable in showcasing our rich culture and heritage, and in preserving and promoting our national identity.”
“I believe that creative talent is essential to societal development, and I am confident that together, we can create a built environment that reflects our values, aspirations, and identity as a nation. I look forward to working closely with the Institute of Architects to achieve this vision, and I am excited to see the impact that our collaboration will have on the cultural and artistic landscape of Nigeria.”
This partnership is aimed to showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and promote cultural tourism, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
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.
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.
At the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend Summit on Thursday, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, called for urgent action to empower Africa’s fashion and textile ecosystem.
In her keynote address, Musawa celebrated Africa’s rich textile heritage, highlighting iconic fabrics such as Adire, Kente, Bogolan, and Ankara.
A statement by her special Adviser on media and Publicity, Nneka Ikem Anibeze however, quoted her to have pointed out the irony that nearly 90% of Ankara consumed in Africa is imported, resulting in a $3 billion annual loss to foreign manufacturers.
“We must reclaim our fashion narrative,” Musawa urged, emphasizing the need to strengthen local production capacities.
She noted that the fashion industry’s immense economic potential, projected to grow to $15.5 billion by 2025, and stressed the importance of creating jobs, particularly for women and youth.
Musawa also announced initiatives like the Design Nexus and Destination 2030, aimed at establishing manufacturing hubs and luxury craftsmanship training programs across the continent.
She underscored the necessity of updating intellectual property laws to protect traditional techniques and ensure that originating communities benefit from their cultural heritage.
The session featured a diverse panel of experts, enriching the discussion on Africa’s fashion and textile future, further underscoring the need for a united effort to enhance the industry.
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