Culture - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Muhyideen Jimoh
Feb, Mon, 2025

Motherland Festival to unlock investment, reconnect Nigerians in diaspora —Minister

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By Joshua Olomu

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy(FMACTCE), says Motherland Festival, a new initiative, would serve as a platform to connect Nigerians in diaspora with their homeland and culture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister stated this during a news conference to unveil plans and programme for the event on Monday in Abuja.

Musawa explained that that the festival was part of the ministry’s broader strategy,” Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere”, an initiative designed to amplify the creative industries, strengthen international partnerships, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.

According to her, while Motherland 2025 ignites immediate engagement, Destination 2030 ensures that Nigeria remains a key player in the global tourism and creative economy for years to come.

She said as part of activities for the project, the ministry would launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition”, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.

The festival is being organised by the FMACTCE in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, and it is scheduled to hold from Dec 15 to 21 in Lagos and Abuja.

According to Musawa, the festival is conceived for reconnection, investment, and celebration of the nation’s shared heritage by stakeholders, including Nigerian’s in diaspora and black people of Nigerian descent.

She said the initiative was in line with the ministry’s vision to position Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and national pride

“Motherland 2025 is more than just a moment in time, It is a catalyst for sustained engagement, forging lasting connections between the diaspora and their homeland, investors and opportunities, and global travelers and Nigeria’s dynamic experiences.

“As part of the long-term components of the project, we are developing Diaspora City—a thriving tourism hub where members of the diaspora can seamlessly invest, reconnect, and put down roots.

“Nigeria is the largest Black nation in the world, as one one in every four persons of African origin is Nigerian. Our cultural and historical significance is undeniable.

“Whether through ancestry, culture, or spirit, we welcome all who seek to rediscover their roots and contribute to the next chapter of our nation’s story.

“Through the Motherland Festival and its Citizenship program, we empower individuals to trace their ancestry, fostering deeper bonds with Nigeria’s rich heritage.

“We will generate investment in Nigeria with a programme that will be supported by legal frameworks to enable diasporans and foreign nationals obtain citizenships to safeguard their investments in Nigeria.

“To our brothers and sisters across the world: Nigeria is calling you home. This December, be part of something historic, and experience our warmth, our culture, and the limitless opportunities that await.

“Together, let us build a future that honours our heritage while driving forward economic and social progress, that is why we say: Home is coming”, she said.

She said as part of activities for the project, the ministry would launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition”, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.

Earlier, Mrs Chidinma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Motherland Africa, said the fiesta was a movement that would reconnects Nigerian diaspora to their roots, unlocks investment, cultural pride, and a future filled with opportunity.

“Motherland is more than an event, It is a homecoming, It is a journey, It is a commitment.

“This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.

“Over the course of seven unforgettable days, attendees will be immersed in Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress.

“Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation, we have designed an experience where everyone can find their place”, she said.

Nwankwo said the festival attractions will include pavilions that will offer a taste of Nigeria’s food tastings, performances, and tourism showcases from across the country.

Others she said include technology pavilions that will spotlight Nigeria’s brightest minds in AI, fintech, and agriculture, pushing the boundaries of innovation.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

AAFP calls for end to norms that sustain large families

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jan, Fri, 2025

Health

AAFP calls for end to norms that sustain large families

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By Ikenna Osuoha

The Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) in Nigeria, has called for an end to cultural and traditional norms that sustain large families in Nigeria.

Dr Ejike Oji, Chairman, Technical Committee of the organisation, made the call at a news conference on the Post-8th Nigeria Family Planning conference in Abuja.

Oji, who called on Nigeria to show commitment to achieving 27 per cent of the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR), reiterated the need to discourage norms that sustained male prevalence.

He urged governments to increase commitment to family planning through increased funding.

“Government should address the challenges of stock out and make available family planning commodities.

“There is a need to promote Provider-led Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR),” he said.

The AAFP boss, however, called for sustained community engagements to amplify the conversation to the sub-national levels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Fertility Rate is 4.8 per cent while the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) is 15 per cent. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Ismail Abdulaziz
Dec, Sat, 2024

Foreign

Bulgaria, OAU partner on cultural ties

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By Mark Longyen

The Bulgarian Government and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, are partnering to enhance cultural ties through the teaching of Bulgaria’s folklore dances in the institution.

The Bulgarian Embassy in a statement in Abuja on Saturday said a solid relationship had been built by Bulgaria and OAU over the past two years.

It explained that the effort resulted in the Bulgarian Government’s provision of financial grant for classes and the teaching of Bulgarian folklore dances at the University.

“This is a project that Bulgaria and the university have been working on for several months. Its initial framework was set up by the successful celebration of Bulgarian Day in May 2024 in Ile-Ife.

“During the few weeks of teaching, more than 25 students mostly from OAU’s Faculty of Arts’ Departments of Dramatic Arts and Music were trained in Bulgarian folklore dances,” it said.

The embassy described the folklore dances as a specific dancing technique that is characteristic of Bulgaria and similar to some Nigerian traditions and customs.

It said the grant, which was channeled through the embassy, was provided in the context of renewed enhanced bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Nigeria.

“It is aimed at developing cultural ties between the two countries with the most visible prospects in the creative industries development,” it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Arts, culture veritable tools for inclusive economic growth – Minister

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Fri, 2024

Culture & Tourism

Arts, culture veritable tools for inclusive economic growth – Minister

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described arts, culture and traditions of FCT residents as veritable tools for inclusive economic growth.

Mahmoud stated this at the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST), in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Olubumi Olowookere, noted that FCT was blessed with rich and unique culture, customs and traditions.

She said that the 11th edition of the ASOFEST, with the theme, “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources”, seeks to build and promote culture as a creative economy.

Mahmoud stressed that arts and culture were critical tools in the quest to transform the nation’s economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.

This, she said, would promote peace, prosperity and unity, thereby boosting food and national security.

She reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous people and residents of the territory

She said that through ASOFEST, the FCT Administration was not only preserving but also promoting and showcasing the FCT’s unique arts, culture and traditions to the world.

“The FCT Administration is poised to protect, preserve, promote and showcase our rich cultural heritage, diversity, uniqueness and traditions to the world.

“This, we are doing through cultural exchange and exhibition at our own annual ASOFEST.

“The festival has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the people and residents of FCT.

“Even the people who settled and made FCT their home, we equally appreciate the dynamism of their different cultures,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, had promised to develop the territory’s arts, culture and tourism potential.

Wike said at the opening of the two-day event that the move would preserve, promote and showcase FCT’s cultural heritage to the world.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had given a matching order to the FCTA, to harness the tourism potential of the federal capital, with a view to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to launch ‘DuduPlugs’ for Nigeria’s culture

Ismail Abdulaziz
Oct, Tue, 2024

Culture & Tourism

FG to launch ‘DuduPlugs’ for Nigeria’s culture

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By Joshua Olomu

The Federal Government is set to launch a digital repository of Nigeria’s cultural practices and traditions known as “DuduPlugs”.

“DuduPlugs is a cutting edge global digital platform developed by ACITeksystem, a Nigerian-American company, in collaboration with the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, at the pre-launch on Tuesday in Abuja said DuduPlugs allow users to explore, share, and celebrate nine distinct cultural categories.

They include Music, fashion, Art, Film, food, dance, Green/Artistic building, technology, language and literature using technology as an enabler.

Ajiboye said the platform would serve as a repository and connecting platform for Nigeria’s culture and creativity, as well as increase international exposure of Nigeria’s cultural assets and ingenuity.

“This seamless combination of social connectivity aims to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with the view to pass it down to younger generations.

“It will attract global acceptance and accessibility; attract foreign exchange earnings as well as evoke appreciation of the Nigerian culture, thereby strengthening its economy and international image.

“You will agree with me that today, our nation bleeds for lack of inflow of foreign exchange and even internal production is stifling.

“This is why we have decided to think out of the box to use culture, a hitherto forgotten sector to rescue this impending catastrophe, within our own space and ability.

“DuduPlugs also seeks to position Nigeria as a prime cultural destination, promoting tourism and global appreciation of the country’s heritage.

“It will serve as an accessible educational resource and foster collaborations between cultural organisations, government agencies, and individuals to create a sustainable platform for cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing,” he said.

Foluke Michael, the Project Management Executive, said the project was over 80 per cent completed, and when launched would serve as tool for cultural diplomacy for Nigeria and create jobs for its teeming youths.

“Dudu Plugs is coming at this time to reintroduce Nigeria in positive light with 9 Plugs, including culture, art, creativity and bringing them together is possible in Nigeria.

“I also want the world to know that we are not just cut out for what they read in the news and there is something positive about our nation.

“This project is actually domiciled in America and that is why we keep saying Nigerian- America organisation as we are a group of passionate Nigerians telling Nigeria’s story,” she said.

In her address, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, lauded NICO for championing the initiative, adding that the platform would endear Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative sectors to the world.

Musawa, who was represented by Ibiene Roberts, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the platform would serve as a veritable tool for national unity.

“As we unveil DuduPlugs today, may it serve as a symbol of unity and pride in our cultural heritage because it reflects the colours, stories and experiences that define who we are as a people.

“I, therefore, encourage each of you to embrace this initiative to engage what the platform provides and to collaborate in celebrating our unique narratives.

“Our celebration of life through our numerous festivals will also be projected to an audience in the Diaspora, which encompasses Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad, and Tobago, Jamaica and the large African-American population.

“They are not only thirsty for a substantial taste of our vibrant Nigerian cultures but are also yearning for a return to their roots,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, commended the Ajiboye-led management of NICO for the initiative.

He said that the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring that the culture and creative sectors become robust sources of national income and job creation.

NAN reports that top government functionaries, including heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy were present at the pre-launch event.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi