The Federal Government has restated its commitment to achieving a $100 billion economy by harnessing the vast potential of Nigeria’s art, culture, tourism, and creative industries.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa made this known during a dinner held in her honour in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation.
Musawa emphasised the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with all 36 states and the private sector to achieve this ambitious target.
She noted that a key strategy involves the identification and promotion of cultural assets across the country.
“It is President Bola Tinubu’s mission to ensure that we operate not in silos, but as a united country, promoting our cultural heritage as a tool for economic growth,” Musawa said.
“The Federal Executive Council and the National Economic Council (NEC) have approved a memo for partnership across states to boost economic growth through cultural creativity and tourism.”
She added that the “Renewed Hope Culture Programme” aims to document and promote cultural practices in rural communities, highlighting the unique identities of each state.
Musawa identified Ogun State’s “Egbaliganza” cultural celebration as one such distinct heritage initiative that the ministry would support.
“We see Egbaliganza as a key component of our plan to meet the ministry’s \$100 billion target, and ultimately, contribute to the President’s broader $1 trillion economic vision,” she stated.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Administration and Projects, Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, and coordinator of Egbaliganza, High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups possessing unique traditions, languages, and artefacts.
He lamented the neglect and underfunding of the nation’s cultural heritage, warning of the risks of erosion and extinction.
Owolabi revealed that Egbaland would host a landmark event—the Fashion Olympics—in 2026, involving participants from about 50 African countries.
“Africa currently commands just 1.2% of the $30 billion global fashion market,” he said. “Egbaland is poised to lead the continent into a $500 billion fashion economy.”
He disclosed that the initiative was inspired by the visionary leadership of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who supported the Egbaliganza project from inception.
“As the cradle of many firsts, the Egbas are determined to pioneer this journey. In 2026, under the leadership of Oba Gbadebo, we will sign historic charters, including the Confederation of African Fashion Charter and the Nigeria Fashion Federation.”
Owolabi added that the Africa Fashion Olympics, a global first, will be officially launched in Egbaland, marking a new era in African fashion and cultural diplomacy.
