The Federal Government is developing Diaspora City to help Nigerians abroad invest and reconnect with their roots, Minister Hannatu Musawa announces.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to develop *Diaspora City*, a tourism and investment hub aimed at reconnecting Nigerians abroad with their roots.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, **Hannatu Musawa**, made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the launch of *Motherland 2025*, an initiative celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage and economic potential.

According to Musawa, the project goes beyond tourism—it aims to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its diaspora while fostering cultural exchange and national development.

“Our vision extends beyond attracting global visitors; it is about ensuring that the creative and tourism sectors serve as critical tools to improve the lives of the Nigerian people,” she stated.

The *Motherland 2025* initiative is designed as a fully immersive cultural experience, featuring **state pavilions, exhibitions, and showcases** that highlight Nigeria’s innovation, business landscape, and cultural heritage.

A key component of the project is the creation of *Diaspora City*, which will serve as a **thriving tourism and investment hub** where members of the diaspora can seamlessly engage in economic activities, reconnect with their heritage, and settle in Nigeria.

“This year, we open our doors to the global diaspora, inviting them to immerse themselves in our rich traditions, explore investment opportunities, and witness the remarkable transformation unfolding across our nation,” Musawa added.

Chidinma Nwakwo, Managing Director of *Discover Motherland Africa*, described the initiative as a **transformative movement** aimed at deepening Nigeria’s connection with its diaspora while unlocking business and tourism opportunities.

“This is the beginning of a movement that not only reconnects Nigerians abroad with their roots but also fosters investment and cultural pride,” she said.

With *Motherland 2025* and the planned *Diaspora City*, Nigeria aims to position itself as the epicentre of **global Black and African culture, commerce, and community**.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, outlines his administration’s plans for economic growth, tourism development, food security, and digital transformation, emphasising shared prosperity and sustainability

Governor **Bassey Otu** has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic growth and tourism, particularly through the **2024 Calabar Carnival**, themed **”Shared Prosperity.”** Emphasising the need for **economic inclusivity**, he stated:

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> *“Unless there’s some equality of purpose in every society, there will be no peace… Shared prosperity is the key to achieving progress.”*

Despite **economic challenges**, Otu assured that the **Calabar Carnival** remains a **major cultural and economic event**, attracting investment and boosting local businesses.

Plans are also underway to **reintroduce the international segment** in the coming years, including a **diaspora band** to enhance global participation.

Tourism Development: Upgrading Cross River’s Attractions

Tourism remains central to Otu’s **economic blueprint**, with significant efforts being made to:

Upgrade **key tourism sites**
Enhance **hotel and transport infrastructure**
Train tourism professionals **locally and internationally**
Stabilise **product pricing** to encourage investment

The governor assured that **Obudu Ranch**, one of Nigeria’s premier resorts, is undergoing **a major restoration project** in partnership with **Marriott Hotels** and **international investors**.

*“We are bringing our tourism infrastructure to 21st-century standards, ensuring easy access to tourism sites and stabilising product prices,”* he said.

Tackling Hunger and Revamping Agriculture

Governor Otu has prioritised **food security**, acknowledging that agriculture was once **Nigeria’s economic backbone**. His administration is:

Conducting **soil mapping** to determine ideal crops
Launching a **5,000-hectare cassava farm pilot project**
Expanding **oil palm and cocoa farming**
Providing **microcredit schemes** for smallholder farmers

*“We are doing everything to revamp agriculture,”* Otu emphasised.

**Digital Economy: Training Youth for the Future**

Recognising the importance of **technology in economic transformation**, Otu is spearheading initiatives to:

Train **youth in digital skills**
Establish **technology incubation centres**
Integrate **agriculture with digital innovations**
Combat **cybercrime and ensure ethical tech practices**

*“The future lies in balancing digital advancements with agricultural productivity,”* he stated.

**Cross River’s Economic Future: A Bold Vision**

Governor Otu remains **optimistic about Nigeria’s economic reforms**, drawing from his experience in the **Senate’s Finance and Banking Committee**. He assured citizens that despite **current economic hardships**, positive changes will emerge.

With ambitious plans for **tourism, agriculture, and digital transformation**, Cross River is poised for **sustainable growth and economic prosperity**.

Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, met with Mrs. Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, to discuss ways to improve the immigration process at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap, at her office in Abuja on Friday.

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During the meeting, both officials engaged in constructive discussions focused on fostering collaboration between the NIS and the Lagos State Government.

A primary area of concern was optimizing the immigration process at **Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)**.

Both parties acknowledged the importance of simplifying entry procedures at the airport to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

They highlighted the critical role this would play in supporting the expected surge in tourism, particularly after the successful tourism campaigns of the fourth quarter of 2024.

Several strategies were explored to improve the immigration process, including:

– **Faster processing lanes** for international arrivals
– **Clearer communication** regarding visa-on-arrival policies
– **Enhanced training** for immigration personnel

The aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere that would encourage international travellers to see Lagos as a prime destination.

Both Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka and Mrs. Nandap agreed that a smooth and efficient immigration process is essential for solidifying Lagos’ position as a leading hub for cultural, artistic, and recreational tourism, contributing to the state’s economic growth and enhancing its global image.