Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), says work is at final stage in the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture.
The minister said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that this was coming 37 years after the last review.
Musawa said the exercise was in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
”The document was last reviewed in 1988, and has remained in draft form for over 37 years in spite of its significance in shaping Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
”A Cultural Policy Drafting Committee was inaugurated in July 2024, comprising over 100 members, divided into sub-groups to research, develop, and refine the policy framework.
”The committee successfully completed the virtual drafting process in December 2024, leading to the need for a physical drafting exercise to consolidate and refine the document,” she said.
She explained that the final stage was to get the policy ready for Stakeholders Engagement and Validation exercise before submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
“In recognition of the urgency of the reforms, the ministry initiated the comprehensive review process, ensuring that Nigeria’s cultural framework aligns with global best practices and reflects the evolving creative economy.
“This initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to cultural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
According to her, national policy on culture serves as a legal framework guiding the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
She noted that the review will ensure that the policy reflects contemporary trends, particularly the shift from a creative industry to a creative economy.
Musawa further said that the ministry’s partnership with NESG and UNESCO had been instrumental in ensuring a well-structured and inclusive review process.
“Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, NESG has provided research, technical support, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure that the final policy meets both national and international standards.
“Additionally, UNESCO’s technical assistance has played a key role in training Ministry staff and NESG representatives to align the revised policy with global best practices.
“The organisation has facilitated workshops and provided expert guidance to ensure that Nigeria’s policy supports the growth of the creative economy while preserving cultural heritage,” she said.
Also speaking, a facilitator at NESG, Ikenna Nwosu, who participated in the policy drafting process said: ”for 37 years, this policy remained unchanged despite the rapid transformation of the cultural and creative sectors.
“Ideally, such policies should be reviewed every five to 10 years. What we are witnessing today is a long-overdue intervention.
“The industry has moved far ahead of governance, and this exercise is an essential step in ensuring that policies catch up with the sector’s economic potential.
“The minister’s leadership in driving this review is commendable, as it will reposition our cultural sector as a key contributor to Nigeria’s GDP.”(NAN)(nannews.ng)
Okomu National Park, a biodiversity gem nestled in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, had long suffered the required attention.
In spite of its values to national development in tourism sector, concerned citizens note that illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment by farmers once threatened its rich ecosystem, home to the endangered African forest elephant and the white-throated monkey — one of the world’s rarest primates.
In a bid to secure the park, the Okomu National Park Service (NPS) and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, collaborated to restore the park’s integrity.
The collaboration, which began in 2022, is not just about conservation; it is a holistic effort to secure the park, empower surrounding communities, and foster eco-tourism development.
From reinforcing security through ranger recruitment to initiating community-driven alternative livelihoods, the partnership is redefining conservation in the country.
In spite of its vast ecological significance, the the 200-square kilometre protected area, designated as a national park in 1999, has struggled with illegal activities inimical to its values.
Reports from conservation groups have highlighted how timber merchants exploited the forest for its valuable hardwood, while poachers targeted endangered species for bushmeat and illicit trade.
A 2020 study by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) revealed that widespread deforestation within the park was driven by commercial interests, with criminal syndicates felling ancient trees and smuggling timber to international markets.
In addition, the unchecked hunting of wildlife, including elephants and primates, pushed several species to the brink of local extinction.
“The threats to Okomu were enormous; when I resumed duty in November 2022, illegal logging was a major challenge, and we had to find a sustainable solution”, Mr Lawrence Osaze, the Conservator of Park, observed.
Lawrence Osaze, Conservator of Park at the Okomu National Park, Edo
Recognising the urgent need for intervention, the National Park Service sought partnerships with conservation organisations that had a proven track record of success.
This led to the involvement of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, which had demonstrated effective eco-tourism and conservation models in Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba and Adamawa.
The partnership between ANI Foundation and Okomu National Park began in 2022, and within two years, significant progress had been made in tackling the park’s longstanding problems, Osaze noted.
He said that one of the foundation’s first actions was to enhance the park’s security infrastructure.
“ANI Foundation hired and trained 38 additional rangers, equipping them with modern surveillance tools and deploying them for regular anti-poaching patrols. This move drastically reduced illegal logging and wildlife hunting.
“We joined forces together, and the story today is entirely different. The park is relatively peaceful, and logging activities are at the barest minimum.
“Before the partnership, rangers were often outnumbered and under-resourced, making it difficult to curb illegal activities. But ANI’s intervention has transformed the situation.
“The foundation has not only provided financial and logistical support but has also introduced intelligence-driven security measures, ensuring that poachers and loggers face swift consequences.
Entrance to Okomu National Park, Edo
“Beyond enforcement, the foundation recognised the importance of winning over local communities. Many of the park’s challenges stemmed from economic hardship, as nearby villagers relied on the forest for survival.
To address this, ANI introduced several empowerment initiatives, encouraging residents to adopt sustainable livelihoods.
“We have had a series of engagements with communities to gain their support. We are working to ensure they do not rely solely on forest resources for survival”, Osaze explained.
He noted further that the initiatives included savings and loan programmes for women and youth, enabling them to establish small businesses, expand their farms, or invest in alternative sources of income.
Similarly, the Iyase of Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, a respected traditional ruler in the area, said that the impact of these interventions was evident.
“ANI Foundation has been a great partner since they arrived at Okomu National Park. They have not only improved security but have also empowered our people. Many of our youths have been employed as rangers, and women have been supported with interest-free loans,” he said.
According to him, these programmes have been instrumental in shifting local perceptions of conservation.
He also said that communities viewed the national park as a government-imposed restriction on their livelihoods, but now, they could see it as an opportunity for economic growth and stability.
Base-of-tree-house at Okomu National Park
By most accounts, Okomu National Park is one of Nigeria’s most important biodiversity hotspots, hosting species that are rarely found elsewhere.
ANI Foundation, meanwhile, prioritises protecting these species to promote eco-tourism as a sustainable revenue model for the park.
Peter Abanyam, ANI Foundation’s Project Manager for Okomu, emphasised the park’s ecological importance.
“Okomu is the primary home of the white-throated monkey. Apart from a small population in south-western part of the country, this park is where you find them in the world. The African forest elephant is also a flagship species here,” he noted.
By boosting conservation efforts, Abanyam insisted that the foundation would attract both domestic and international tourists, positioning Okomu as an eco-tourism destination.
According to the project manager, plans are underway to upgrade park facilities, improve visitor experiences, and market Okomu as a must-visit site for nature lovers.
Both the National Park Service and ANI Foundation acknowledge that long-term success will depend on maintaining vigilance against illegal activities while expanding alternative livelihood programs.
“Our goal is to make Africa’s nature and wildlife a source of pride. We want to show that conservation can be sustainable and beneficial to local communities through private sector investment,” Abanyam said.
Amidst the sustainable efforts, the Iyase of Udo, also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the partnership.
“We will continue to support ANI and the National Park Service. They have shown a genuine interest in developing our area, and we stand with them,” he said.
Observers note that for Osaze and his team, the vision is clear. It is to make Okomu National Park Nigeria’s premier eco-tourism hub, a model for conservation success across the country.
They note further that the transformation of Okomu National Park is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in conservation.
According to them, by combining security reinforcement, community engagement, and eco-tourism development, the collaboration between ANI Foundation and the National Park Service is setting a new standard for environmental protection.
What was once a forest under threat is now a beacon of hope for conservationists, researchers, and nature lovers alike, they note.
Stakeholders in tourism industry also agree that if sustained, Okomu model could be replicated in other national parks across the country, ensuring that the country’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations.
As efforts continue to safeguard Okomu’s natural heritage, one thing is clear. When conservation is done right, it benefits not just the environment but also the people who depend on it, stakeholders believe. (NANFeatures)
The Federal Government has forged pivotal partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) and others toward ensuring that the creative and tourism sector contributes meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Musawa said the partnerships were initiated and concretised through the ministry.
According to her, some of the strategic partners also include Wakanow, Africa’s premiere tour operator, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and TelAirVision, among others.
The minister said that the collaborative initiatives were in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a one trillion dollars economy from the sector.
Musawa said these collaborations were geared towards driving growth, enhance cultural diplomacy, and boost gross domestic Production (GDP) contribution from the ministry to the nation’s economy.
The minister said investors, Nigerian content creators and other industry players in the creative economy were already benefiting from such partnerships, policy initiatives and bold reforms in the sector.
According to her, a recent deal with Afreximbank enabled Nigeria to secure a 200 million dollars financing facility from the bank to provide essential funding for businesses and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.
She said the move was to ensure that Nigeria’s creatives, ranging from filmmakers to digital innovator, have the capital needed to scale their ventures, create jobs, and expand their global reach.
“The Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) is also developed in partnership with Lebara Nigeria that provides creatives with equitable loans, digital financing, and affordable internet access, ensuring their seamless participation in the digital economy.
“Additionally, inbound tourists will benefit from streamlined financial services and eSIM activation, enhancing their experience in Nigeria.
“To strengthen Nigeria’s creative workforce, the ministry has partnered with Alison, a global e-learning provider, integrating its Learning Management System (LMS) into CLAP.
“This offers creatives access to courses in digital media, gaming, music production, and cinematography, positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive creative hub.
“Another key partnership was a boost to digital storytelling through the Content Creators Challenge, a partnership between FMACTCE and TelAirVision.
“This initiative provides funding, mentorship, and distribution support for digital creatives transitioning from short-form to full-length productions.
“By expanding opportunities in the content economy, the program fosters innovation and employment while promoting Nigerian talent on a global stage,” she said.
Musawa said, to ensure financial probity in the sector, fraud prevention measures had been put in place, as the ministry joined forces with Prembly to implement advanced Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.
She further explained a partnership with the Presidential Tax Committee to introduce tax incentives and credits, making Nigeria’s creative sector more appealing to foreign investors.
She said the ministry had also taken steps towards investment in infrastructure by singing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cavista Holdings.
She said that the MoU focused on developing tourism infrastructure, digitising tourism experiences, and investment in human capital.
She said the ministry under her watch, was strengthening international collaborations, including the one with the British Council, to drive skills development and cultural exchanges.
“The ministry has engaged the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to analyse best practices from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, and China.
“These insights will help Nigeria tailors policies that drive the creative economy’s growth and maximise its GDP contribution.
“There is also strategic agreements with Brazil which include the renovation of Casa da Nigeria in Salvador, fostering co-productions in film and music, and promoting cultural exchange.
“Similarly, there is a partnership with the French Republic that grants Nigerian creatives access to French markets and specialised training in fashion, gaming, and cinema,” she said.
Musawa added that the ministry’s strategic partnership initiatives would not only create jobs and attract investment but also position Nigeria as a cultural and creative powerhouse in the global economy.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCe) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Creative Park Ltd. to establish a creative park, in Idu, Abuja
The 30-hectare Creative City in Abuja is aimed at transforming Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
The MoU was signed on Thursday in Abuja by Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy and Mr Bayo Omoboriowo, Chief Executive Officer, Creative Park Ltd.
Musawa said the MoU would set the framework for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) designed to drive economic diversification, empower creative talent and boost cultural tourism.
She said that the Creative Park, conceived as a world-class hub, would offer state-of-the art infrastructure, training, and investment opportunities, positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the creative economy.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for the creative sector to thrive.
”Today is a day I am extremely proud of because I can see President Tinubu’s vision coming to fruition. Being Nigerian is one of the greatest honours of my life.
“The vision of President Bola Tinubu is not just about building the creative industry; it is about empowering future generations.
“When you step into Nigeria, you feel a different energy. We are a great people, and it is because of our content and creativity,” she said.
The Minister added that the creative industry had the greatest power of messaging with the ability to reach and empower Nigerians across socio-economic backgrounds.
“Not every Nigerian can be a lawyer, benefit from oil wealth or attend on Ivy league schools.
“But every Nigerian, whether in a rural or urban community, has the ability to create content on their phone, become an influencer, or express their cultural identity.
“This industry has the ability to change Nigeria’s image and reposition the country on a global stage,” she said.
She commended Omoboriowo, former official photographer to President Muhammadu Buhari, for his dedication to the creative industry and his commitment to national development.
“This PPP is in safe hands because it is in the hands of people who care about the creative industry and are deeply rooted in the industry.
“This park is going to be the direct personification of the great vision for Nigeria as Africa’s creative and cultural hub,” Musawa added.
Omoboriowo in his remarks described the initiative as a transformative step toward unlocking Nigeria’s creative potential.
”Through Abuja Creativity City, we are laying the foundation for a thriving ecosystem where creativity meets opportunity; where ideas become industries; and where culture drives economic growth.
”This 30-hectare hub will be a space where artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural practitioners can come together to build, innovate, and create lasting impact.
“More importantly, it will be a catalyst for job creation and poverty reduction, addressing some of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria today.
”This initiative is not just about infrastructure and investment; it is about people – about empowering Nigeria’s creative talents, preserving our cultural heritage, and unlocking the immense potential within our creative economy,” he said.
According to Omoboriowo, the partnership brings together the government, the private sector, international development organisations, and key stakeholders who share a common vision of a creative Africa that is bold, innovative, and globally competitive.
“Under the agreement, the ministry will provide policy support, facilitate access to financing opportunities, and coordinate inter-agency collaboration to ensure seamless project execution.
“The Creative Park Ltd. will oversee the design, development, and operational management of the Creative City, working closely with private investors to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The MoU, which will be in effect for an initial period of five years, aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to harness the creative economy as a key driver of national development,” Omoboriowo said.
The collaboration is expected to generate employment opportunities, support local content production, and enhance Nigeria’s global creative footprint. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Etsu of Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, has announced plans to document historical artifacts in Kwali community to enhance and promote tourism in the area.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the traditional ruler stated that the initiative would include factual accounts of potential tourist sites, particularly those linked to the renowned potter, Dr Ladi Kwali.
Nizassan revealed that he had already identified and profiled various tourist attractions within the community, including the restored gravesite of Kwali, “which is expected to boost the area’s tourism potential.
“This community holds the greatest tourism potential in the FCT because it is the home of Dr Ladi Kwali. I am one of her grandsons,” he said.
“Her gravesite has been developed, and we have documented all potential tourist sites. We are exploring ways to develop them so that the community can benefit from the tourism economy.”
He added that discussions had already began with the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat and the Director of Tourism on how to harness the area’s tourism potential.
“One step I have taken is to engage the services of archaeologists to date some of the historical remains we have,” he said.
“This is to enrich our history as a people and also to be able to have factual stories about these tourist sites.
“This is the best way to profile stories sites if there are true stories behind them and not myths.
“We want to tell the true stories about ourselves; to make sure that the dates are appropriate and built from proper facts.”
The chief added that the move would also alter the false and misinterpretation of the history of people of Kwali community, as earlier presumed by some writers and historians.
He stated that presenting factual accounts directly from the indigenous people of the community would provide an authentic representation of its history, thereby attracting visitors to the unique settlement.
“We are working to discard inaccurate narratives and share the true stories about ourselves,” he said.
“We believe that once these stories are shared, people will become curious to learn more about us and will visit our community.”
Nizassan also mentioned that his chiefdom was collaborating with private investors to develop resorts and hotels in the area.
According to him, this initiative will enable visitors to enjoy the serene environment as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
He described his people as hospitable and welcoming, adding that tourism would offer visitors a firsthand opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of the community.(NAN)
The Lagos State Government and the Design Week have called for increased collaboration between the different levels of government and the private sector to expedite the nation’s industrialisation process.
They made the call at the ongoing Design and Innovation Exhibition, organised by the Design Week in Lagos.
The exihibition is organised in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.
Titi Ogufere, founder of Design Week emphasised the urgent need for a united effort from government officials, policymakers, and financial institutions to invest in the next phase of Nigeria’s industrialisation.
Ogufere said this would be primarily driven by design, manufacturing, and innovation.
She highlighted how nations that had led the world, particularly through technological revolutions or manufacturing excellence, were built on design.
Ogufere noted that the theme of the year’s event, “The Road to Industrialisation”, aimed to explore how to bridge the gap between designers and manufacturers to ensure that ideas evolve from concepts into tangible products.
She said, “History has shown us that design and industrialisation go hand in hand. True economic progress is driven by design, manufacturing, and innovation.
“The nations that have led the world, whether through technological revolutions or manufacturing excellence have been built by design.
“We are a nation rich in talent, resources, and ideas, as seen in this exhibition, but potential alone is not enough.
“To move from vision to reality, we must create the right policies, infrastructure, and business environments that empower designers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to produce at scale, not just for local markets, but for export.”
Ogufere noted that to achieve rapid industrialisation, it was vital to bridge the gap between designers and manufacturers, ensuring that ideas do not remain concepts but become tangible products.
She also called for government policies that encourage industrial growth, making Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors.
She emphasised the importance of prioritising skills development to equip the workforce with advanced manufacturing expertise.
Also, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, described Lagos as the hub for industrialisation and innovation.
She said that industrialisation was a collective responsibility for both the government and the private sector.
Ambrose-Medebem revealed that, as part of efforts to transform the Lekki Economic Zone (LEZ) into Africa’s leading destination for manufacturing, trade, and investment, the Lagos State Government had introduced Operation Quadrant Ignite (OQI) to strengthen the region’s infrastructure.
She said, “The Lagos State Industrial Policy (LSIP) 2025–2030” is not just a vision but a structured roadmap designed to elevate Lagos into a globally competitive industrial hub.
“The policy aims to enhance infrastructure development by expanding industrial zones, improving transportation networks, and ensuring a stable power supply to meet the state’s growing demand.
“It will also foster a more efficient business environment by simplifying regulatory processes, eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, and fast-tracking approvals for industrial projects to attract both local and international investors.”
The event also marked the launch of Operation Quadrant Ignite (OQI) by the Lagos State Government and featured the unveiling of “In Her Hands: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing in Africa”, a book by Demi Samande, Founder of Majeurs Holdings and SUSU Studios. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Stakeholders in the tourism sector have called on government at all levels to ensure provision of basic infrastructure to further enhance its contributions to national economy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call at the ongoing 7th annual National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo (NTTSE), at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The two-day summit, which began on Dec. 3, has the theme: “Tourism Transportation Connectivity: Accelerating the Synergy for National Economic Development”.
According to the stakeholders, Nigeria has vast sites and attractions that need to be properly accessed and developed to attract tourists for national economic gains.
They, however, decried the poor state of basic infrastructure, especially poor road networks across the country, which has hampered accessibility of tourism sites and locations.
It brought together industry players from both the public and private sectors and representatives of relevant institutions, including Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Federal Capital Territory Transportation Secretariat, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Others include Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigerian Shippers Council, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ministry of Aviation, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism(NIHOTOUR) and Nigerian Tourism Development Authority(NTDA),among others.
Dr Kayode Opeifa, Executive Director, Centre for Sustainable Mobility and Access Development (CenSMAD), said insecurity and transportation challenges must be effectively tackled for Nigeria’s tourism sector to strive.
“You see, tourism is simply mobility, movement of people to places of interest beyond their place of residence, and that tells you tourism is 50 to 80 per cent transportation.
“So, when people cannot move, they don’t have access, then tourism will die because if you have all the centres of tourism and there is no access to them, nobody will go.
“That is why I said government should pay conscious effort, not just have a ministry of tourism or whatever, but you must have a ministry of tourism that you consciously ensure that infrastructure are provided.
“I am suggesting that the Federal Government, beyond the tourism sector, should provide incentive to state governments who have tourist sites for the purpose of accessibility,” he said.
Mr Nkereuwem Onung, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), said that collective efforts was needed by government at all levels to fix infrastructure decay, especially bad roads.
“The problem we actually have is that Nigerian public sector does not realise that for us to have a proper tourism industry, government needs to harness infrastructure properly.
“We have been to different countries, and you see what people are using to market their country’s tourism, and that is why I do not want to harp on the security question.
“I will rather want to stay on the infrastructure issue, and if we develop our infrastructure, it will help our tourism,” he said.
Mr Folorunsho Coker, Director-General, NTDA, said besides infrastructure, inconsistent policy was a major in the sector.
“There is a need for consistency in terms of public policy, and if you don’t have that consistency, private capital will not come and sit down with you.
“From the law, regulations, taxation, if there is no consistency, would you put your money in that kind of ecosystem?
“If there was no consistency in policies, we will not have ‘GSM’and the different banks we have now, and that consistency has to be demonstrated both with transportation and the tourism ecosystem.
“Technology is the new thing in both transportation and tourism, and if we do not use technology, we will be sitting down paying lip service to the problem,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Abiodun Odusanwo, National President, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), said the summit was a flagship initiative for tourism stakeholders.
Odusanwo, who is also the chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Organising Committee (IMOC) of the summit, said the annual event was a platform for stakeholders in tourism to form a common-front toward making the sector thrive.
He said besides paper presentations, some of the key areas the summit would focus on during panel discussion sessions include infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, capacity building, marketing and promotion, among other areas.
“The whole idea started in 2017 during the meeting of the National Council on Transportation when we actually presented a memo to the council seeking for collaboration between tourism and transportation.
“We observed that those in transport are operating in silos; those in rail, aviation, even those within the mass transportation, everybody seems to be operating in silos.
“The life of a typical traveler can go through all the modes of transportation and that is why it is nice to have collaboration, a synergy between tourism and all those different transportation modes.
“We have, therefore, a team design driven connectivity, networking, also among these agencies to ensure that we have a more or less seamless movement, mobility of people within the country,” he said.
While declaring the conference open on Tuesday, tHannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, said the federal government was committed to creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive.
The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant, Nanayakkara Roshan, said Nigeria’s tourism sector holds the promise of being a key driver for economic diversification, especially as the nation looks beyond oil-dependent growth. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCNIG), has said that tea brings people together and promotes cultural exchanges.
He said this at an event on “The Art of Tea: A Chinese Tea Ceremony ” and the unveiling of the Africa-China tourism expo 2025 on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event was hosted by the Chinese Tourism Promoters, China Cultural Center and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
The envoy explained that through the ancient Silk Road, the three main commodities transported from China to foreign countries were silk, tea and porcelain.
“About 3,000 years ago, the Chinese began to grow, pick, prepare and drink tea.
“After thousands of years of development, six major tea categories including green tea, yellow tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea and processed tea were formed.
“Thousands of tea products have been developed so far for people to drink and share. In China, the tea ceremony includes two parts: tea art and tea ceremony spirit.
“Tea art refers to the art of making tea, brewing tea, and tasting tea.
“The spirit of tea ceremony refers to improving people’s moral cultivation through tea art and cultivating the philosophical view of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and between humans,” he said.
Yang added that Chinese tea culture, which has health benefits and advocates cultivation of body and mind and mutual respect, has become a world-famous tea culture.
“A way of life shared by people of all countries. In 2022, research indicated that at least more than 50 countries around the world grow tea, and more than 120 countries import tea from China.
“Nowadays, tea has not only become a popular drink around the world, but also acted as a special language of global communication.
“In every country, lots of people like to drink tea with their family members and friends,” Yang said.
Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the wife of the Governor of Kwara state and Chairperson of the Governor’s wife’s Forum, said that the unveiling of the expo would foster cross-cultural understanding between Nigeria and China.
She added that it would also promote economic growth and support initiatives to boost tourism and trade.
“As you may be aware, Kwara State is fast growing into being the entertainment and tourism hub of the country.
“The state government’s investment in critical and social infrastructure is opening the state for investment, not only in tourism, but all sectors of the state’s economy,” she said.
Mr Phil Roberts, President of China Tourism Promoters, also said that tea was a unifying product that could also be used for medicinal benefits or “for the flavours”.
“It is time to promote what we have. We should really cultivate tea and do it the way it should be done and it will increase the GDP. Because of oil, we have jettisoned many value adding products in Nigeria.
“The Chinese Embassy is showing us that there are things we can use to improve the economy and to take the country to the next level.
“Nigeria has good land and it is time Nigerians think of what they can do for themselves and the country.”
Roberts also urged citizens and the government to further harness the industry.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
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