Culture

Nigeria plans “Renewed Hope Cultural Villages” to boost heritage, economy

Published

1 year ago

April 1, 2025

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.

Also read: Nigeria’s national policy on culture nears final review after 37 years

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.

Up Next

Nigerian Artist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke to unveil world’s largest art canvas in Abuja

Don't Miss

Oyo State hosts MIT students for cultural exchange, tourism promotion

Click to comment

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.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”