Nigeria’s government announces plans to establish “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” across 36 states, promoting heritage, tourism, and economic growth
In an ambitious move to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” across all 36 states.
This initiative, part of the broader “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” aims to foster national unity, promote tourism, and spur economic growth through the arts and creative industries.
The announcement was made by Mr. Abiola Jagunlabi, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, during an interview in Ilorin.
Jagunlabi emphasized that the cultural villages would be developed in close collaboration with state governments to ensure the success of the project.
“The Renewed Hope Cultural Villages will transform historic sites into vibrant creative hubs, breathing new life into local economies and creating employment opportunities within the arts, entertainment, and tourism sectors,” Jagunlabi said.
“This project will also focus on the restoration and conservation of historic landmarks, monuments, and palaces, ensuring Nigeria’s cultural heritage remains intact for future generations.”
The cultural villages are expected to feature a variety of initiatives, from preserving ancient artifacts and enhancing cultural education to promoting local crafts and creative industries.
This collaborative effort with state governments and local communities is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s economic diversification while strengthening social cohesion.
Jagunlabi noted that the success of the project will hinge on the active participation of local stakeholders, including state governments, community leaders, and cultural organisations. By working together, the initiative hopes to unlock the transformative potential of Nigeria’s arts, culture, and tourism sectors.
The government believes that the Renewed Hope Cultural Villages will create thousands of jobs, generating significant revenue through increased tourism and creative enterprises.
This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on stimulating economic growth and national development.
Furthermore, Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, has committed to advancing Nigeria’s economy through innovative policies and partnerships.
Musawa is particularly focused on developing the creative industry, which she believes holds immense potential for empowering the nation’s youth and contributing to long-term economic stability.
Jagunlabi concluded by revealing that the National Economic Council (NEC) has already approved the project, laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s creative industry transformation.
The “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” initiative promises to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural revitalisation and economic growth, with the potential to enhance the country’s global image as a hub for tourism and creative industries.