Federal Ministry of Art Culture Tourism and Creative Economy signs a transformative deal with Anambra to revive heritage, promote tourism and create jobs
The Federal Ministry of Art Culture Tourism and Creative Economy has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Anambra State Government to establish Renewed Hope Creative and Cultural Villages, marking a major step toward reviving Nigeria’s heritage and expanding its creative economy.
The agreement, signed in Awka, aims to restore historic sites, palaces, and monuments, while empowering local artisans through skills development, creative hubs, and cultural conservation initiatives.
The partnership is expected to stimulate economic growth, tourism, and job creation across Anambra and beyond.
During her visit, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa expressed appreciation to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and the people of Anambra for their warm hospitality, describing the collaboration as “the beginning of a brighter and more prosperous future for the creative and tourism industries in Nigeria.”
“The creative and tourism industries must become the new oil of Nigeria because they exist in every community and hold immense potential,” Musawa said. “Flying over Anambra, one cannot help but notice its beauty — lush greenery and vibrant cities that promise great opportunity.
This MOU is just the start of a journey that will boost our creative and tourism sectors and propel Nigeria toward a more dynamic and sustainable future.”
The Federal Ministry of Art Culture Tourism and Creative Economy, according to Musawa, will no longer operate in isolation from the states.
The minister stressed that the new model of collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of an inclusive and united approach to national development.
“By combining federal investment, capacity-building, and resources with state-level initiatives, we can strengthen domestic tourism and expand our economy,” she added. “Each state will be able to adapt the MOU to its unique needs, while the federal government provides full support.”
Musawa also emphasised that President Tinubu’s vision identifies the creative and tourism industries as key engines of job creation and economic diversification.
“These sectors are central to our national renewal. They create jobs, promote our culture, and showcase Nigeria’s soft power to the world,” she stated.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Soludo, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyeji, commended the federal government for prioritising the creative sector and reaffirmed Anambra’s readiness to collaborate fully.
“The creative industry brings happiness, creates jobs and promotes our culture. Anambra is investing in tourism, as seen in the development of Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, Anam Beach and our proposed City Park. We are ready to move with the federal government on this transformative journey,” Onyeji said.
The collaboration will see the creation of mixed-use cultural villages featuring creative hubs, art studios, and performance spaces.
It will also include the restoration of heritage sites, training of artisans, and development of tourism corridors that connect communities to economic opportunity.
With this partnership, the Federal Ministry of Art Culture Tourism and Creative Economy is reaffirming its commitment to driving Nigeria’s creative revolution, strengthening cultural identity, and positioning tourism as a powerful engine of inclusive growth.
Business3 years ago
