The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has called on stakeholders in the Culture and Creative sector to work in unity towards elevating Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape to new heights of excellence.
She made this call at the opening of a 2-day Inaugural Retreat for management staff and heads of agencies under the ministry in Abuja on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
According to her, it is by fostering collaborations and harmony in the midst of diverse talents that we can leverage our opportunities, especially in the quest to align with the presidential priorities set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This she said can be done by playing crucial roles towards achieving these priorities which are crucial drivers to economic growth, job creation and as well, serve as a platform for social cohesion, cultural exchange and national identity.
While disclosing the ministry’s readiness to become a beacon of creativity, innovation and inclusivity, the Honourable Minister stressed the critical role the ministry plays in shaping the creative and cultural landscape of our nation while promoting and preserving our rich cultural heritage.
She maintained that by ensuring the development and continued investment in the art, culture and creative sectors, Nigeria can harness its potentials towards stimulating innovation, promote entrepreneurship and attract investments, thereby contributing to the diversification and resilience of the economy.
Her words “We are committed to working together to ensure that the efforts made to birth the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy are consolidated and institutionalized. This commitment extends to collaborating with key stakeholders, including creative and cultural institutions, artists, and creative entrepreneurs to build a strong foundation for the sustainable growth and development of the sector”.
“We are committed to cultural expansions that will enable the sector to contribute one hundred billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by the year 2030”, she said.
Dignitaries present at the management retreat were the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. James Sule; Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman who was represented by Dr. Sanusi Ohiare; Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye; Director-General, National Theatre, Tola; Akerele; Director-General, National Films and Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini; Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr.Obi Asika;Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture, Aisha Adamu Augie; Director-General, National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Sodangi; Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria, Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana; Managing-Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Ali Nuhu; Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed.
Caleb Nor
Media Asst.-ES
NICO, Abuja