The National Council for Arts and Culture, one of the agencies under the Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, has announced a landmark partnership with a leading force in Africa’s performance venue sector, Mefa Abuja, to launch a comprehensive network of world-class entertainment venues across Nigeria.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, the director general and chief executive officer of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, said that the collaboration will deliver six multi-functional venues in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Enugu, and Ibadan, provide sustainable income streams for artists, foster a vibrant performance culture and capitalise on Nigeria’s growing music market.
Asika described the partnership as a groundbreaking milestone, emphasising its potential to transform Nigeria’s entertainment and sports landscape.
“Today is a historic day for the Council as we sign this MOU to deliver 6 venues across Nigeria, kicking off with Abuja and Lagos, providing world class spaces that are multi-functional, deliver live entertainment and sports, and enable capacity building. We are delighted to partner with Mefa and look forward to bringing these facilities live to provide more opportunities for all Nigerians”.
This pioneering initiative solidifies NCAC’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cultural heritage and providing platforms for emerging talents. It aligns with the Ministry’s 8-point plan by promoting strategic partnerships, contributing to GDP growth, and enabling the environment.
Earlier, the co-founder of the partnering company, Yinka Obebe, hailed the partnership, saying it would create a platform for artists to thrive and contribute to the sustainable growth of the entertainment sector.
“Our partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. By establishing these venues and curating regular performances, we are creating a platform for artists to thrive and contribute to the industry’s sustainable growth”.
The initiative includes Mefa’s incubation program, which is dedicated to developing emerging artists and equipping them to maximise the benefits of their live performance careers.
As a premier institution in Nigeria, NCAC plays a crucial role in advancing the country’s cultural heritage and providing platforms for emerging talents to showcase their work. This partnership cements NCAC’s position as a driving force in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
