Federal Gov’t To Establish Renewed Hope Cultural Villages Nationwide

The Federal Government has announced intentions to create ‘Renewed Hope Cultural Villages’ in all 36 states to enhance Nigeria’s vibrant cultural heritage and stimulate the creative sector.

Special Assistant to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Abiola Jagunlabi, in an interview with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, revealed that this initiative was part of the broader “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” which focused on preserving cultural traditions, encouraging tourism, and fostering economic development.

Jagunlabi said the cultural villages will be established in collaboration with state governments to transform historic sites into vibrant creative hubs, fostering economic growth and job creation in the arts and entertainment sectors.

He explained that the project will focus on restoring and conserving historic sites, monuments, palaces, and artefacts, enhancing cultural education and building capacity in local crafts.

The project’s success, he said, relies on the active participation and collaboration of state governments, local communities, and stakeholders.

“By working together, Nigeria can unlock the transformative power of its arts, culture, tourism, and creative industries for sustainable development and social cohesion.

“The initiative, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy, creating thousands of jobs and generating revenue through tourism and creative enterprises,” Jagunlabi said.

He expressed the commitment of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa to boosting Nigeria’s economy through innovative programmes and policies.

Jagunlabi further stressed that to accomplish this goal, the minister is building collaborations to advance the creative sector, thereby opening up job opportunities for the nation’s youth.

According to him, this holistic strategy will strengthen Nigeria’s creative industry and aid the country’s economic diversification and growth efforts.

He also disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) has given its approval for the project, setting the stage for the transformation of Nigeria’s creative sector.