Nigeria’s Minister Hannatu Musawa and Tunisian Ambassador Mohsen Antit met to enhance cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s participation in the FITA 2025 Summit in Tunis

In a significant move towards bolstering bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., on Wednesday hosted the Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, H.E. Mohsen Antit, for a productive courtesy visit in Abuja.

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The high-level meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, centered on strengthening cooperation in areas of cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s strategic engagement in the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit (Financing Investment and Trade in Africa). The summit is scheduled to take place in Tunis from May 6th to 7th, 2025.

Describing the visit as “timely and symbolic,” Minister Musawa underscored the vital role of culture and creativity in fostering African unity, driving innovation, and promoting economic prosperity across the continent.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion,” she stated. “Nigeria and Tunisia share a common belief in the power of heritage and creative enterprise to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster inclusive growth across Africa.”

Ambassador Antit commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in promoting cultural inclusion and innovation. He expressed Tunisia’s keen interest in deepening collaboration with Nigeria, particularly as the continent prepares for the FITA 2025 Summit.

The summit is recognized as a key platform that connects African governments, investors, and industry leaders to discuss critical issues of trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq.

“We see Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s creative future,” Ambassador Antit remarked. “Our shared values in heritage, tourism, and artistic innovation form a strong foundation for mutual advancement.”

During the meeting, both parties explored potential joint initiatives aimed at increasing artistic collaboration, organizing cross-cultural festivals, fostering partnerships within the creative industries, and building capacity for young talents across the African continent.

This engagement also aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision under the Motherland 2025 Project—an ambitious initiative focused on repositioning Nigeria as a premier global destination for cultural reconnection, diaspora engagement, and strategic investment in the burgeoning creative economy.

Minister Musawa reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to strengthening pan-African ties through soft power diplomacy. She highlighted that the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit presents an invaluable platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural assets and actively promote intra-African solidarity.

“We are intentional about placing culture at the heart of diplomacy and development. Our participation in FITA 2025 will reflect the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s creative sector and its role in shaping Africa’s narrative on a global scale,” Minister Musawa added.

Both Nigeria and Tunisia have pledged to work closely on future initiatives that reinforce artistic freedom, promote cultural sustainability, and advance the creative economy as a fundamental engine for African transformation.

Minister Hannatu Musawa visited the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to supporting traditional rulers as key custodians of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and national pride

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, has paid a courtesy visit to the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, at his palace in Oyo Town.

Also read: Ifa Council backs new Alaafin, warns against ‘Emir’ imposter

During the visit, Minister Musawa, accompanied by her Special Assistant on Sub-national Development and Engagement, Hon. Abiola Abdulkareem Jagunlabi, reiterated the federal government’s unwavering support for traditional institutions across Nigeria, recognizing their crucial role in preserving the nation’s cultural identity and fostering national pride.

The Minister extended her heartfelt congratulations to Oba Owoade on his ascension to the esteemed throne of Alaafin, emphasizing the historical significance of the stool as a prominent symbol of Yoruba civilization and leadership.

Minister Musawa highlighted that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, acknowledges the vital role played by traditional rulers in promoting peace, safeguarding heritage, and facilitating community development.

“The Alaafin Palace is more than a royal seat—it is a beacon of cultural continuity and resilience,” stated Minister Hannatu Musawa.

“The Alaafin Palace is more than a royal seat—it is a beacon of cultural continuity and resilience. Oyo, as a cultural capital, and the legacy of Sango as both deity and king, holds immense potential for strengthening our tourism sector both domestic and international,” the Minister affirmed.

She further emphasized her ministry’s dedication to leveraging Nigeria’s rich traditional institutions and cultural assets to stimulate economic diversification through tourism, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Minister Musawa concluded by stressing that partnerships with revered traditional thrones like that of the Alaafin are essential in building a dynamic creative economy that truly reflects the essence of the nation and generates sustainable opportunities for all Nigerians.

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is responsible for the development and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and vibrant creative industries.

The Ministry aims to harness these sectors for economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of national identity.

Governor Makinde hails Kunle Afolayan’s film village as proof that Oyo’s tourism economic strategy is already delivering results

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the state’s economy through tourism, describing it as a central pillar in his development strategy.

Also read: Kunle Afolayan’s KAP film village set to ignite African creativity in Oyo

Speaking at the inauguration of the Kunle Afolayan Productions (KAP) Film Village and Resort on Saturday, located in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, the governor declared the project a major achievement that aligns with the state’s vision for sustainable growth.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde noted that the new facility represents tangible progress in implementing Oyo’s *tourism economic strategy*, which he first outlined during his first term in office.

“During my first term, we launched a road map for accelerated development (2019–2023) built on four pillars: education, health, security, and economic expansion through infrastructure and agribusiness,” the governor said.

“For this second term, the road map for sustainable development (2023–2027) includes tourism and solid minerals development. This film village is living proof that we are making good on that commitment.”

He congratulated renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, hailing the project as a landmark investment that has placed Igbojaye on the global tourism map. He also praised Afolayan’s decision to bring the multi-million-naira facility to Oyo, despite not being a native of the state.

“For us in Oyo, we welcome everyone who can add value. Regardless of where you are from, we encourage investment that supports our vision,” he added.

In support of the film village, Makinde directed the Itesiwaju Local Government Council to begin work immediately on the Okaka-Igbojaye road. He pledged to approve funding for the project, assuring the public that the government would ensure the village thrives.

“We will do everything within our means to support this resort. I’ve asked the Commissioner for Energy to install a solar mini-grid here, and we are also planning a dedicated electricity line from Okaka, just 23 kilometres away. By Christmas, reliable power must be in place,” he stated.

The governor further emphasised that tourism plays a critical role in Oyo’s economic diversification and that the state’s strategic location near Lagos and ongoing infrastructure upgrades make it an ideal investment destination.

He revealed that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan would soon receive a wide-bodied aircraft, signalling its transformation into a regional international airport.

“Our goal is to create regional air connectivity. With short flights from Ibadan to Otu and onward to Igbojaye, plus new roads, we can easily bring tourists here. We are now expanding our plans to include tourism infrastructure even in our security initiatives,” Makinde explained.

Top government officials, including the Commissioners for Culture and Tourism, Information, Youth and Sports, as well as senior advisers and investment agency directors, were in attendance at the event.

Governor Makinde concluded by inviting local and foreign investors to take advantage of Oyo State’s business-friendly climate, stating, “We are open for investment from all who can add value.”