FG, Anambra partner to establish creative and cultural villages
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Anambra State Government to establish Renewed Hope Creative and Cultural Villages aimed at preserving historic sites and promoting economic growth through tourism and job creation.
The initiative seeks to restore historic sites, palaces, and monuments while conserving their cultural significance and supporting local artisans through skill development and resource provision.
Speaking during her visit to Anambra State on Friday, the Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, thanked Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo and the people of the state for their hospitality, describing the partnership as a step toward a more prosperous future for both Anambra and Nigeria.
Musawa said the creative and tourism industries must become the new oil of Nigeria because they exist in every community and hold immense potential. She added that the MoU marks the start of a journey that will boost the creative and tourism sectors and propel the nation toward a dynamic and sustainable future.
The minister noted that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for inclusive development, stressing that the MoU would combine federal and state resources to strengthen domestic tourism and expand economic opportunities across the country.
“No longer will we work in silos,” she said. “By combining federal investment, capacity-building, and resources with state-level initiatives, we can strengthen domestic tourism and expand our economy.”
Governor Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyeji, commended the federal government for its focus on the creative sector, noting that the state is implementing projects such as the Agulu Lake, Ogbunike Cave, Anam Beach, and the proposed City Park to boost tourism.
The collaboration will establish cultural villages featuring creative hubs, art studios, and performance spaces, while also restoring historic sites and empowering artisans. The initiative is expected to drive tourism, create jobs, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across Anambra and beyond.
