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.

Oyo State welcomes MIT students for a cultural exchange program, showcasing its rich heritage, historical sites, and tourism potential

Oyo State has welcomed a group of students from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States as part of a cultural exchange and tourism initiative aimed at promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage.

The students were received by Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who highlighted Oyo State’s diverse attractions and its ongoing efforts to boost tourism.

Dr. Olatunbosun introduced the students to Oyo State’s rich cultural history, including its vibrant festivals and historical landmarks. He proudly noted that the state is home to approximately 180 tourist sites, providing numerous opportunities for exploration.

One of the key sites on the itinerary for the MIT students was Bower’s Tower in Ibadan, a historic monument offering a stunning panoramic view of the city after climbing its 60 spiral steps.

The Commissioner also shared insights into the state’s recent policy encouraging cultural identity, such as the promotion of native attire, particularly Aso-Oke, on Thursdays.

“This initiative aims to boost local businesses and preserve the Yoruba tradition,” he explained, underscoring the importance of cultural pride in driving economic growth.

Dr. Olatunbosun further emphasised that under the leadership of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, Oyo State is committed to creating a welcoming environment for tourists.

This has been achieved through ongoing improvements in security, infrastructure, and governance, all of which contribute to the state’s appeal as a tourist destination.

The visit marked a significant step in promoting Oyo State as a hub for tourism in Nigeria. Mrs. Adefemi Faponda, a Nigerian representative from MIT, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and discussed the potential for tourism to foster cross-cultural interactions and economic collaborations.

“This experience has been amazing, and we believe there is more to explore,” she said, emphasising the importance of showcasing Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscapes beyond major cities like Lagos and Abuja.

Faponda also noted that the visit to Ibadan provided her colleagues with valuable firsthand experience of life in Nigeria, and opened the door for potential collaborations between MIT and Oyo State.

She praised the state’s efforts to improve infrastructure and encouraged continued investment in the tourism sector. “If people don’t see what your state has to offer, how will they collaborate?” she asked.

She hoped that the visit would inspire other universities worldwide to bring students to Nigeria, especially to Oyo State, which she believes has great potential for development.

One of the MIT students, Mr. Kike from Peru, also shared his excitement about the trip. He described the hospitality they received as incredible and noted that it was his first time in Nigeria and his second visit to Africa.

“The hospitality here has been incredible. We felt safe and had everything we needed as we toured the city. This experience has been unforgettable, and I would love to visit again,” he said.

The visit to Oyo State marks another significant effort by the state government to position the region as a key player in Nigeria’s tourism sector.

Cross River State Government takes over Obudu Mountain Resort, aiming to restore its legacy and boost tourism and economic growth through revitalisation efforts

In a bold move to restore one of Nigeria’s most iconic tourist destinations, the Cross River State Government has officially reclaimed Obudu Mountain Resort, previously known as Obudu Cattle Ranch.

Also read: Obudu Cattle Ranch Revamped For Tourism

The revitalisation plan aims to restore the resort to its former glory and transform it into a world-class tourism destination once again.

Located in the Obudu community of Cross River, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border, Obudu Mountain Resort has a rich history that dates back to its origins as a cattle ranch established in 1949 by Scottish rancher Hugh Jones.

Over the years, the ranch evolved into a major tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views, a temperate climate, and a wide range of recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and mountain biking.

The resort was privatised in 2005 and renamed Obudu Mountain Resort, but despite its early success, it has seen a decline in fortunes in recent years.

The Cross River State Government’s decision to take over the resort follows the termination of the concession agreement with CIBA Construction Company Limited, the previous managers of the facility.

The resort had suffered significant damages and vandalisation, amounting to an estimated ₦6.8 billion in losses. However, despite these setbacks, the state government remains committed to restoring the resort and positioning it as a key driver of tourism and economic development.

The plan to revitalise the resort is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s vision to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the state.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael, stated, “With a renewed sense of purpose, the Obudu Mountain Resort is set to rise again stronger, more vibrant, and ready to welcome visitors from around the world.”

Obudu’s potential as a tourism hub has long been recognised. In the 1990s, former Governor Donald Duke invested in the resort’s infrastructure, upgrading it into a world-class facility.

He added a cable car, helicopter landing pad, a water park, and 20 new mountain villas, making it a premier destination for both local and international tourists.

The new revitalisation project aims to rebuild the resort’s infrastructure and restore its status as one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions.

This includes renovations to existing facilities, new investments in the region’s natural assets, and the introduction of new tourist attractions and events.

The government’s efforts are supported by a partnership with Marriott International and CIBA Construction Company Limited, which will oversee the redevelopment.

The resort’s restoration is expected to have significant economic benefits for the local community, creating employment opportunities and boosting the state’s tourism revenue.

In addition to its tourism potential, Obudu Mountain Resort is also seen as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The Federal Government has pledged to transform the Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production.

This will contribute to Nigeria’s food security and reduce the country’s reliance on beef and dairy imports. Governor Otu has emphasised that the resort’s unique climate and vast landmass make it an ideal location for large-scale livestock farming.

Simon Ogbaji, an agricultural expert in Cross River State, highlighted the potential for the region to become a major producer of beef and dairy products if the ranch is revived.

“If the ranch is put to use, we will not depend on the North for beef production again,” Ogbaji said. “There will be enough production of milk and beef in Cross River.”

As part of the revitalisation plan, the government will engage local communities in cattle rearing and farming, further enhancing the socio-economic impact of the project.

With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vast potential for tourism and agriculture, the Obudu Mountain Resort is poised for a new era.