Culture

FCT Minister Advocates Arts and Culture for Inclusive Economic Growth in Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

November 9, 2024

Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture economic impact

At ASOFEST’s closing, FCT Minister Dr. Mariya Mahmoud highlighted the economic benefits of promoting Abuja’s rich arts and cultural heritage.

The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has underscored the role of arts, culture, and traditions in driving inclusive economic growth.

Addressing the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST) on Thursday in Abuja, Mahmoud, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olubumi Olowookere, spoke on the region’s unique cultural heritage.

Also read: 21st Abuja international film festival celebrates cinematic excellence

With the theme “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources,” ASOFEST aims to promote culture as a cornerstone of the creative economy.

Mahmoud highlighted that the arts and cultural heritage of FCT residents serve as “critical tools” to transform the nation’s economy, promoting peace, prosperity, and national security through cultural exchange and creativity.

“The FCT Administration is committed to protecting, preserving, promoting, and showcasing our rich cultural heritage, diversity, and uniqueness to the world,” Mahmoud stated.

Through initiatives like ASOFEST, the administration seeks to preserve FCT’s Indigenous culture while embracing the diversity brought by residents who have made the region their home.

Dr. Mahmoud reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to showcasing this cultural wealth globally, noting that ASOFEST has become a platform to celebrate and share the FCT’s rich arts and traditions with a broader audience.

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

In his opening remarks at ASOFEST, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike affirmed his dedication to developing the region’s arts, culture, and tourism sector.

Wike emphasised the importance of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the FCT Administration, tasking it with harnessing Abuja’s tourism potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

ASOFEST, which concluded after two days of cultural exhibitions, remains a vital avenue for Nigeria’s cultural promotion, reinforcing arts and tourism as catalysts for unity and inclusive growth across the region.

Up Next

Cavic Art and Tech Llaunches Ojiraeyi App to promote Nigerian cultural heritage worldwide

Don't Miss

Nigeria’s tourism sector nears new era with draft national tourism policy validation

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks 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.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”