The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu's commitment to building a robust creative economy through strategic investments in culture, tourism, and the arts sector.
Musawa made this declaration on Monday during her visit to former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and a tour of his presidential library in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Renewed Hope Culture and Creative Project
The minister revealed that her visit to the architectural masterpiece was part of an ongoing comprehensive research into Nigeria's cultural treasures nationwide. She emphasized that the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Culture and Creative Project, is committed to establishing the Abuja Creative City and other creative hubs across the country.
"It's President Bola Tinubu's vision to create something long-term and sustainable within the cultural, creative, and traditional landscape," Musawa stated. "It is very important for us to do holistic and wholesale research around the country for wherever there is a treasure trove of who we are as a people."
She disclosed that the Federal Government had already signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with various states, including Ogun State, as part of efforts to reach the grassroots with cultural and creative initiatives.
Historical Connections
During the visit, Musawa recalled her late father's relationship with Obasanjo, noting that they "were in the trenches together a long time ago." She acknowledged Obasanjo's contributions to national and African service, describing her visit as fulfilling a "Nigerian duty."
"It's important for us as Nigerians to look at our shared future as one," she said. "I have learned a lot from here because of the experiences that Baba had himself, being a part of building Nigeria from independence up till now. He continues to contribute his quota, innovation, and trying to build a bridge for young people with capacity building."
Obasanjo's Response
In his remarks, Obasanjo described the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library as a national treasure making significant impact in the lives of young Africans through leadership and entrepreneurship training. He revealed that several state governors have expressed interest in sending youths for training at the library.
The former president mentioned that the recently launched Olusegun Obasanjo Library Institute focuses on how African youths can learn from successful leaders, their challenges, and how they overcame them.
Obasanjo agreed with the minister's observation that the library has not made itself visible enough to Nigerians, Africans, and the rest of the world. "I thank you for the point you have made that we are not making ourselves visible enough," he acknowledged. "Maybe we will learn public relations, advertisement, making ourselves known."
The minister's visit underscores the government's determination to leverage Nigeria's rich cultural heritage as a catalyst for economic diversification and growth under President Tinubu's administration.
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