Nigeria collaborates with IHS Nigeria to launch a digital museum, showcasing cultural heritage globally and promoting sustainable growth.

Nigeria is embracing digital innovation to preserve its cultural heritage through a transformative collaboration between IHS Nigeria, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy (FMACTCE).

This partnership aims to establish a digital museum that showcases Nigeria’s rich historical artifacts, artworks, and cultural monuments globally.

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The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Digital Culture Initiative led by Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.

The museum, the first major project under this initiative, leverages cutting-edge technology to provide virtual access to Nigeria’s cultural treasures.

It will serve as a vital resource for students, researchers, and enthusiasts worldwide, fostering education, sustainability, and innovation.

Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa emphasised the project’s significance:

“This collaboration positions Nigeria as a global leader while ensuring the preservation of our cultural legacy. It reflects our commitment to innovation, global partnerships, and sustainable advancement of our creative industries.”

IHS Nigeria, a leader in shared communications infrastructure with operations across 10 countries, brings its expertise to the project. CEO Mohamad Darwish highlighted the partnership’s importance:
“We aim to create a lasting legacy that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, fostering education and sustainability.”

Olugbile Holloway, Director General of NCMM, added:
“This digital museum will engage younger audiences and adapt to global trends. It ensures our heritage remains accessible while providing a platform for learning and cultural appreciation.”

The museum will host virtual exhibitions, making Nigeria’s cultural history accessible to a global audience. It marks a bold step in safeguarding national heritage while advancing sustainable growth in the creative sector.

This initiative not only preserves Nigeria’s past but also enhances its global cultural presence, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in heritage digitisation.

NAFEST 2024 unites Nigeria’s diversity, fostering unity and showcasing rich cultural heritage for global recognition and economic growth.

The 36th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) commenced in Abuja on November 22, 2024, with a renewed focus on fostering unity and leveraging Nigeria’s cultural diversity for economic growth.

Organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, this year’s festival, themed “Connected Culture,” runs until November 30.

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Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by Dr Shaibu Husseini, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing the arts and culture sector to enhance its revenue-generating capacity.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s cultural richness and resilience present a unique opportunity for growth, urging citizens to embrace unity and collaboration.

First held in 1970 to promote national integration after the civil war, NAFEST remains a vital platform for celebrating Nigeria’s diversity.

Obi Asika, the NCAC Director-General, described this year’s edition as the most innovative yet.

He noted that the festival’s revamped approach seeks to broaden its audience base, including the Nigerian diaspora, and unlock the economic potential of the nation’s cultural assets.

“Nigeria’s culture is an asset that can be monetised and made profitable. What binds us as Nigerians is far greater than what divides us,” Asika remarked.

Asika’s extensive background in the media and entertainment industries—including founding Storm 360, a key player in Nigeria’s music scene—underscores his vision for merging cultural heritage with economic development.

The festival’s opening ceremony featured a vibrant parade of cultural dance performances by contingents from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Adorned in traditional attire, dancers showcased unique moves that reflected their heritage, symbolising the unity in diversity that defines NAFEST.

Programmes during the nine-day event include arts and crafts exhibitions, music and dance performances, and discussions on enhancing global recognition of Nigerian culture.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Iti Orugbani, praised the federal government’s renewed focus on positioning Nigeria’s creative industry within the global value chain.

Participants like Saaniyol Akiga of Benue State’s Council for Arts and Culture expressed excitement about the festival’s new direction.

“This initiative to ensure global recognition of NAFEST is timely and necessary,” Akiga said, adding that Benue’s contingent aims to uphold their tradition of excellence.

With NAFEST 2024, the Federal Government seeks to not only celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage but also harness its potential for driving economic growth.

By re-tuning its art and culture sector, the government aims to establish Nigeria as a global hub for creative and cultural excellence.

The Benin Art Fair, a 10-day celebration of Edo’s art and culture, reclaims the region’s prominence in the global creative scene this November.

In a bid to rewrite the narrative surrounding Edo State and spotlight its rich artistic and cultural heritage, The Benin Art Fair (TBAF) is set to take centre stage in Benin City from November 29 to December 8.

The 10-day art festival, themed “Homage to the Red City”, promises a vibrant showcase of Edo State’s traditional and contemporary creative brilliance.

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Held at Abstract Backyard, 33 Aiguobasimwin Crescent, G.R.A., Benin City, TBAF aims to re-establish Edo State as a premier arts and culture destination in Nigeria and Africa.

The event is a dynamic platform celebrating the state’s artistic legacy while fostering innovation among its traditional and avant-garde artists.

Director of The Benin Art Fair, Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, emphasised the fair’s mission to challenge negative stereotypes associated with Edo State, such as violence, human trafficking, and other social vices.

Instead, TBAF will shine a spotlight on the state’s profound cultural contributions and establish its position on the global arts map.

“We want to rejuvenate Edo’s allure by showcasing its talent in traditional art and the international creative industries. This fair is a restoration process, placing Edo’s artistic and cultural sites in their rightful place on the global tourism map,” said Ajueshi.

The long-term goal of the fair, curated by Mr James Irabor, is to preserve and promote the cultural and artistic identity of Edo State. Ajueshi added that the event would create a lasting legacy, celebrating Edo’s history while encouraging investment in its cultural preservation.

The fair will feature a diverse array of activities, including:

• Antiques and cultural showcases highlighting Edo’s traditional art forms.
• Contemporary art exhibitions featuring local and international artists.
• Live wood sculpting and performance art displays.
• Discussions and workshops with renowned artists like Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya and Enotie Ogbebor.
• Panel discussions on topics such as art education, cultural preservation, and photography’s role in history.
• Benin Art Fair Concert Night, featuring Edo music legends.

This year’s fair is proudly supported by a host of sponsors, including Hyde Energy, Coronation, and the Edo State Government.

The Benin Art Fair aspires to position Edo State as a central player in the international art scene. According to Ajueshi, the event will generate revenue for the state while enhancing its reputation as a cultural hub.

“This festival is not just about celebration; it’s about evolution—transforming Edo into a cornerstone of the Nigerian art subsector and a major contributor to global cultural conversations,” he noted.

As Edo’s art and culture come alive this November, The Benin Art Fair represents a significant step toward reclaiming the state’s rightful place as a beacon of creativity and heritage in Africa and beyond.