Culture

Creative economy: Nigeria aims for $100bn growth through culture, tourism

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

Nigeria’s creative economy is projected to generate $100bn, according to Minister Hannatu Musawa, who highlights cultural heritage as a driver of economic growth

Creative economy development is at the heart of the Federal Government’s plan to build a $100 billion economy, as it leverages Nigeria’s vast cultural, tourism, and creative assets.

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This vision was reaffirmed by Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, during a dinner in her honour hosted by the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Musawa revealed that the government is working closely with all 36 states, alongside the private sector, to foster inclusive economic growth.

“We are promoting cultural heritage not just for preservation but as a core driver of economic prosperity,” she said. This forms part of the Renewed Hope Culture Programme, which prioritises rural cultural documentation and community engagement.

A major highlight of the evening was Ogun State’s flagship Egbaliganza cultural celebration, praised by Musawa as a model initiative supporting the Ministry’s ambitious $100 billion creative economy target.

High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, Executive Director of the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, announced plans to host the Africa Fashion Olympics in Egbaland by 2026.

The event, set to involve 50 African nations, is expected to position the region at the forefront of a $500 billion continental fashion movement.

“With Africa holding only 1.2% of the $30 billion global fashion market, Egbaland aims to lead a new era of African fashion dominance,” said Owolabi.

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This cultural and creative push opens vast opportunities for SMEs operating in fashion, tourism, and the arts sectors seen as vital to diversifying Nigeria’s economy and creating jobs at scale.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 month ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”