Culture

Nigeria launches “Destination 2030” to position as global tourism hub

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2025

Minister Hannatu Musawa unveils “Destination 2030,” a cultural diplomacy and tourism rebranding campaign to elevate Nigeria’s global presence in art, culture, and tourism

Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has launched “Destination 2030,” an ambitious cultural diplomacy and tourism rebranding campaign aimed at establishing Nigeria as a premier global destination for art, culture, tourism, and the creative economy.

Also read: FCT moves to transform area councils into tourism, investment hubs

The initiative, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was unveiled during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in February 2025.

The Ministry recently convened a Destination 2030 Strategic Stakeholders Retreat at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre in Ekiti State, bringing together policymakers, private sector partners, data specialists, and tourism experts to strategize on destination branding, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships.

A key focus of the initiative is to highlight Nigeria’s unique tourism spots, such as Ikogosi Warm Springs, and position them as globally recognized destinations.

Minister Musawa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ekiti State Government to enhance infrastructure, promote joint marketing campaigns, and attract private investments to Ikogosi.

“We are working with the Ekiti State Government to ensure Ikogosi becomes a national treasure and a global magnet for tourists,” Minister Musawa stated.

The retreat also saw the commissioning of the newly constructed Presidential Villa at the resort, symbolizing the government’s commitment to improving visitor experiences at key tourism sites.

Minister Musawa emphasized the need to address infrastructure challenges, including improving road access and exploring direct flights to Ado-Ekiti.

“Destination 2030” is underpinned by five strategic goals: enhancing national image, promoting investment opportunities, increasing tourism arrivals, expanding Nigeria’s cultural footprint, and empowering local communities through sustainable tourism development.

The Ministry has identified other iconic sites, including Obudu Cattle Ranch, Zuma Rock, Nok Terracotta Trails, and Ogbunike Caves, for Phase One branding and development. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of private sector partnerships, content creation, and digital infrastructure in achieving its objectives.

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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.”