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Nigeria, Tunisia strengthen cultural, economic ties ahead of FITA 2025 summit

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Nigeria Tunisia Cultural Ties

Nigeria’s Minister Hannatu Musawa and Tunisian Ambassador Mohsen Antit met to enhance cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s participation in the FITA 2025 Summit in Tunis

 

In a significant move towards bolstering bilateral relations through cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., on Wednesday hosted the Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, H.E. Mohsen Antit, for a productive courtesy visit in Abuja.

Also read: Nigeria set to host 68th UN tourism commission for Africa meeting in Abuja

The high-level meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, centered on strengthening cooperation in areas of cultural exchange, tourism development, and Nigeria’s strategic engagement in the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit (Financing Investment and Trade in Africa). The summit is scheduled to take place in Tunis from May 6th to 7th, 2025.

Describing the visit as “timely and symbolic,” Minister Musawa underscored the vital role of culture and creativity in fostering African unity, driving innovation, and promoting economic prosperity across the continent.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion,” she stated. “Nigeria and Tunisia share a common belief in the power of heritage and creative enterprise to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster inclusive growth across Africa.”

Ambassador Antit commended Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in promoting cultural inclusion and innovation. He expressed Tunisia’s keen interest in deepening collaboration with Nigeria, particularly as the continent prepares for the FITA 2025 Summit.

The summit is recognized as a key platform that connects African governments, investors, and industry leaders to discuss critical issues of trade, innovation, and sustainable development.

“This meeting is a testament to the power of arts and culture in driving continental cohesion,” said Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq.

“We see Nigeria not only as a cultural powerhouse but as a vital partner in shaping Africa’s creative future,” Ambassador Antit remarked. “Our shared values in heritage, tourism, and artistic innovation form a strong foundation for mutual advancement.”

During the meeting, both parties explored potential joint initiatives aimed at increasing artistic collaboration, organizing cross-cultural festivals, fostering partnerships within the creative industries, and building capacity for young talents across the African continent.

This engagement also aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision under the Motherland 2025 Project—an ambitious initiative focused on repositioning Nigeria as a premier global destination for cultural reconnection, diaspora engagement, and strategic investment in the burgeoning creative economy.

Minister Musawa reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to strengthening pan-African ties through soft power diplomacy. She highlighted that the upcoming FITA 2025 Summit presents an invaluable platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural assets and actively promote intra-African solidarity.

“We are intentional about placing culture at the heart of diplomacy and development. Our participation in FITA 2025 will reflect the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s creative sector and its role in shaping Africa’s narrative on a global scale,” Minister Musawa added.

Both Nigeria and Tunisia have pledged to work closely on future initiatives that reinforce artistic freedom, promote cultural sustainability, and advance the creative economy as a fundamental engine for African transformation.

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Dexter Loko Wins Prestigious 2026 Chinua Achebe Prize

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 Dexter Loko Wins Chinua Achebe Prize for his 170,000-word fantasy novel, The Bako of Zereshé, at the 2026 ANA convention in Abuja

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Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

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 Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

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Abu Simbel

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.

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