Culture

Nigeria, China forge partnership to boost tourism, creative sectors

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2025

Nigeria China tourism creative partnership

Nigeria and China have agreed on a new partnership aimed at enhancing the tourism and creative sectors, boosting cultural exchange and economic growth

Nigeria and China are set to embark on an innovative partnership aimed at strengthening the tourism and creative industries, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and economic development.

The announcement was made following a recent meeting between the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.

During the meeting, Ambassador Yu outlined the key aspects of the proposed collaboration, which will focus on various areas, including tech development, animation, incubation programs for young creatives, and improving visa processes for stakeholders in the tourism and creative sectors.

The ambassador emphasized that this partnership will serve as a gateway to new growth opportunities for both countries, enabling them to share knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas.

Yu Dunhai expressed confidence in the potential of the collaboration, saying, “I believe that this partnership will unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and cultural exchange, and I look forward to working together to make it a success.”

Minister Musawa welcomed the proposal, stressing that the partnership would further President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s bilateral ties with China.

She assured China of Nigeria’s dedication to fostering economic growth through this initiative, highlighting the mutually beneficial impact it would have on both nations.

With the creative sector already contributing 4% to Nigeria’s economy, Musawa expressed optimism that the collaboration would play a pivotal role in achieving the country’s target of $100 billion in investment within the sector.

She also emphasized the importance of prioritising infrastructural development, particularly in tourism. Minister Musawa mentioned iconic tourist destinations such as Yankari Game Reserve, Obudu Ranch Resorts, Tinapa, and Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, stating that Nigeria aims to transform these sites into world-class attractions, drawing inspiration from successful tourism models in countries like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Mexico.

“The ministry will prioritise infrastructural development and sustain its policy drive towards revamping tourism sites in the country,” she added. “Many of these beautiful, scenic sites can be replicated in Nigeria to attract more global tourists.”

This partnership is expected to enhance Nigeria’s position as a global tourism hub and foster long-term growth in the country’s creative industries, offering new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange between the two nations.

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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.

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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.”

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.”