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Nigeria Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Namibia

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Nigeria has reaffirmed its longstanding solidarity with Namibia by hosting a 29-member study tour delegation from the Namibian Command and Staff College in Abuja.

The delegation, led by Brigadier General BN Erastus, was received on Monday at the Atiku Abubakar Hall, Block A, Federal Secretariat Complex, by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

The visit highlighted the Ministry’s role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscored Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.

Ministry’s Welcome Address

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu Ugochi welcomed the delegation.

She described the Ministry as a consolidated institution uniting the non-oil sectors of arts, culture, tourism, and the creative economy.

According to her, the Ministry is “strategically positioned to drive policies that generate jobs, create wealth, and strengthen national security while enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.”

Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu also recalled Nigeria’s pivotal role in Namibia’s independence, citing contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa and Namibia during the liberation struggles of the 1970s and 1980s. She stressed that both countries continue to share values as members of the African Union, United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, and Southern African Development Community.

Namibia Expresses Gratitude

Responding, Brigadier General BN Erastus praised Nigeria’s unwavering support during Namibia’s independence struggle.

“It is the people of Nigeria who made our independence possible,” he said. “Though we do not share a border, Nigeria was a true frontline state to Namibia in the late 70s and 80s.”

General Erastus explained that the study tour aimed to give students practical insights into Nigeria’s leadership in arts, culture, tourism, and the creative economy. He hailed Nigeria as a “big brother” whose global achievements in exporting talent and cultural capital continue to inspire peace and socio-economic development across Africa.

Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

During the visit, Ministry officials presented the Ministry’s mandate, structure, and programmes, showing how the creative economy, cultural heritage, and tourism are integrated into Nigeria’s economic growth agenda.

Delegates, including Commander Ludwina Kaunanghenda Angula of the Namibia Navy, engaged actively in discussions on policy, institutional coordination, and innovation.

The tour concluded with goodwill messages, exchange of gifts, and group photographs, symbolising strengthened friendship between both nations.

Renewed Hope Agenda in Action

For Nigeria, the event reaffirmed its mission to position the country as a global hub for cultural exchange, tourism, and creative enterprise. It also reflected President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action: harnessing arts, culture, tourism, and creativity to empower youth, generate jobs, and expand international cooperation.

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Nigeria Beer Festival Partners Lagos State for a Bigger Detty December 2025

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Image caption; Nigeria Beer Festival Returns: From left: Funsho Shakar; Wale Oluwaleimu, Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism; Akinola Oluwaleimu, Coordinator; and Tolu Adediran, both of the Nigeria Beer Festival, during a recent partnership session with Lagos State Government.

The Nigeria Beer Festival will return in December 2025 in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, promising an expanded celebration that cements its place as a flagship event under the state’s popular Detty December lineup.

The festival, now regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest cultural and entertainment showcases, is set to feature an array of beer tastings, food experiences, music, and cultural performances. Organisers say this year’s edition will be “bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating,” attracting thousands of visitors from within Nigeria and beyond.

Festival as a cultural celebration

Speaking ahead of the event, Akinola Oluwaleimu, Coordinator of the Nigeria Beer Festival, described it as more than a gathering for beer enthusiasts.

“It’s a celebration of all things beer, a melting pot of culture, creativity, and community. It’s not just about drinking beer, it’s about discovering the stories, the craftsmanship, and the cultural value behind every brew. It’s also an opportunity to build a community of responsible beer lovers who appreciate the richness of our brewing traditions.”

Oluwaleimu added that festival-goers should expect a mix of live music, interactive beer experiences, and opportunities to connect with master brewers and industry leaders.

Lagos State’s commitment

Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, said the government sees the event as a central part of its festive tourism strategy.

“The Nigeria Beer Festival is a strategic platform that aligns perfectly with our Detty December vision, one that promotes tourism, culture, and economic growth. We are building on the massive success of last year’s edition, which attracted over 1.2 million fun-seekers, and we are poised to make 2025 even more impactful.”

He noted that the festival contributes significantly to local businesses, tourism, and hospitality, reinforcing Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s cultural and entertainment hub.

What to expect

This year’s edition will blend beer, Afrobeat rhythms, and culinary experiences in what organisers say will be “an unforgettable December to remember.” Visitors can expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with cultural expression, community spirit, and entertainment.

Whether as a beer enthusiast, first-time attendee, or holidaymaker, participants will be part of an event that continues to shape Lagos’s December festivities and showcase Nigeria’s brewing heritage on a global stage.

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Nigeria, British Council launch Creative Economy Week 2025 across six cities

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Nigeria has launched Creative Economy Week 2025, a landmark celebration of arts, culture, and innovation, in partnership with the British Council and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE).

The event, which began on Thursday, 11 September 2025, in Abuja, will run across six cities — Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, and London — under the theme “Building Futures through Creativity.”

Organisers say the week-long festival will spotlight how creativity and culture can drive inclusive economic growth, youth empowerment, and international collaboration.

This is the second edition of the programme, following a pilot in 2023. Since then, the concept has expanded across Africa, with Creative Economy Weeks now held in Uganda, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.

Expanding Nigeria’s creative economy

This year’s event comes after the British Council and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier in 2025, cementing a partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s creative sector.

Organisers said activities will include:

Policy dialogues and networking sessions with government officials, industry stakeholders, and UK partners.

Workshops and masterclasses on film, TV, photography, music, fashion, and entrepreneurship.

Craft sessions in batik making, leatherworks, and fibreglass sculpting.

Creative markets and art showcases to spotlight Nigerian talent.

A major Lagos conference focusing on women in film, creative technology, investment, education, and legal frameworks.

Voices from government and partners

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, described the event as proof of Nigeria’s leadership in creativity and innovation.

She said:

“Creative Economy Week is more than an event, it is a demonstration of Nigeria’s leadership in arts, culture, tourism, and innovation. Guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this collaboration with the British Council strengthens our drive to empower young Nigerians, amplify women’s voices, attract investment, and position Nigeria as a global hub of creativity and cultural exchange. Together, we are building futures through creativity.”

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, added:

“Nigeria’s creative economy is one of the most dynamic in the world. By working with the British Council, we are creating stronger pathways for our talent to thrive, not only within Nigeria but across the globe. This partnership reflects our dedication to empowering youth, deepening cultural diplomacy, and unlocking the vast potential of the creative and tourism sectors as engines of inclusive development.”

British Council Country Director for Nigeria and West Africa Cluster Lead, Donna McGowan, also highlighted the role of youth and entrepreneurship.

She said:

“For the British Council, youth employability and entrepreneurship are central to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and the creative economy plays a vital role in making this possible. This year’s collaboration with the Ministry reflects our joint commitment to ensuring that the creative economy continues to drive jobs, innovation, and inclusive growth.”

Global showcase in London

The 2025 edition will run in Nigeria until 21 September, culminating in a London showcase on 11 October.

That international platform will bring together diaspora voices, investors, and cultural leaders, creating opportunities for stronger ties between Nigeria’s creative sector and the global market.

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Nigeria Unveils Landmark Sports and Creative Economy Partnership

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The Federal Government has launched a major initiative to transform the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja into a world-class hub for sports, culture, and innovation.

The project stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday, September 4, 2025, between the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and the National Sports Commission.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko. It was executed through the Ministry’s special purpose vehicle, the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTICo).

A fusion of sports and culture

Officials say the partnership, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to merge two of Nigeria’s strongest assets: its creative economy and its sporting potential.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the project as a turning point for the country.

“This initiative will position Nigeria as a global leader in innovation across culture, creativity, and sports,” she said. “We are developing an ecosystem of museums, cultural centres, eco-villages, performance arenas and entrepreneurial hubs that will redefine Abuja as a world-class destination and serve as a model for replication nationwide.”

Inside the innovation hub

Plans for the National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism and Sports Innovation Hub include:

A National Museum of Arts and Culture

An Entertainment Arena and Performance Centre

A Youth Creative and Entrepreneurship Hub

Eco-friendly villas and lodges

A family recreational park

Cultural lounges and marketplaces

A mounted games arena

A Sports Heritage Pavilion

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, said the project complements the Commission’s Sports City vision.

“This partnership will transform the Moshood Abiola Stadium into a vibrant city of culture and sports, alive with activity day and night,” he said. “The goal is to showcase Nigeria’s history, culture, and sporting excellence in one integrated space while creating opportunities for young Nigerians and strengthening the economy through innovation.”

Public-private framework for sustainability

The hub will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The Ministry and the Commission will provide institutional support to ensure sustainability, attract global investors, and secure long-term benefits.

Officials say the approach will expand Nigeria’s influence through cultural diplomacy, foster inclusive growth, and equip young people with skills to thrive in the global economy.

A vision for the future

Musawa stressed that the project goes beyond physical development.

“This partnership is more than an agreement. It represents a vision for Nigeria’s future. When culture and sports combine, a nation’s spirit is lifted. This is not only about building structures but also about building hope, identity, and opportunity for generations of Nigerians,” she said.

With Abuja as the launchpad, the hub is expected to serve as a flagship model for Africa, showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, creativity, and leadership.

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