Nigeria has received blessings! However, what are we doing with this heavenly gift? Are we using it to bring prosperity or squandering it? As someone who loves culture, I’ve spent many years researching and advocating ways to promote and discover our arts and crafts, music, dances, movies, sculptures, clothing, landmarks, cuisine, celebrations, waterfalls, forests, stones, and relics as sources of income for both the government and community members. The Udiroko festival took place recently in Ado Ekiti, and the Osun Osogbo Festival occurred earlier this month. In what way are the federal, state, and local governments collaborating to fully benefit from these occasions?
As a cultural representative, I consider it an important responsibility to wear traditional clothing made in Nigeria. I own a collection of 55 hats representing various ethnic groups within Nigeria. I’ve traveled to numerous tourist attractions throughout the country. These places include the Shepherds Hill in Jos, Olumo Rocks in Abeokuta, Zuma Rock in Abuja, Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs located in Ekiti State, and Obudu Cattle Ranch situated in Cross River State. Additionally, I have explored Yankari Game Reserve. My travels have taken me to museums such as those in Jos, Benin, and Ife, along with the War Museum in Umuahia and the Calabar Museum. To learn more about my travel experiences, I suggest reading my article published on February 7, 2024, here entitled “A Memorable Visit to the Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.”
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy came into existence on October 23, 2024, following the consolidation of the former Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy with the Federal Ministry of Tourism under President Bola Tinubu. According to information found on the ministry’s official website, “Art and craftsmanship represent key elements of Nigeria’s deep-seated cultural legacy. Nigerian art and craft traditions boast a long history and development spanning millennia. These artistic expressions are closely tied to the customs and spiritual values of the Nigerian population and have been crucial in safeguarding their cultural identity. Examples of these traditional artworks encompass brass and bronze sculptures, ivory carvings, glass and metallic creations, textile weaving, ceramic production, gourds, indigo-dyed fabrics, among others.”
The origins of Nigerian traditional arts and handicrafts date back to the Nok civilization, which thrived from 500 BCE to 200 CE. The Nok community was definitely adept at crafting ceramics, with their terra-cotta statues being among the earliest preserved artworks in Africa. Furthermore, the artistic approach of the Nok culture is known for depicting humans and creatures. Some of Nigeria’s renowned handcrafts include Yoruba jewelry made using beads, Igbo mask designs, and Benin metal artwork. These styles of creativity showcase the past and cultural legacy of every ethnic group.
Recognized by UNESCO, Nigeria’s movie sector is the quickest-expanding one globally. It serves as an energetic, ever-evolving part of the creative field that has emerged as a major cultural and financial influence across Africa, earning global acclaim for its distinctive narrative techniques and high-quality filmmaking. Known as Nollywood, the Nigerian cinema scene ranks as the second-biggest in the world regarding volume, with more than 2,500 movies produced each year. These details come from the official site of the Ministry of Creative Economy.
The Nigerian music scene has roots stretching back for hundreds of years. It plays an essential role in our narratives. I remember learning traditional folk songs from my grandmothers when I was young. These stories have been kept alive through oral traditions. Examples include “Olurombi jeje ewure,” “Ogun Adubi se oju re ja,” and “Moremi Ajasoro”—songs that many grow up singing. Did you realize that Nigeria introduced the global community to Afrobeat, developed by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, along with styles like Juju, Fuji, Awurebe, Dadakuwada, Adamo, Apala, and highlife music, which some say originated jointly with Ghana? Have you ever observed the Atilogwu Dance performed in Enugu or the Obitun Dance from Ondo Town? Take a look at the Ojude Oba Festival held in Ijebu Ode, which is now celebrated in various Yoruba areas across the country. Have you experienced the New Yam Festivals within Igbo communities?
The Daily Trust newspaper from September 2, 2024, reported that the former Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, stated Nigeria has 1,091 tourist attractions spread throughout its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with numerous locations currently being renovated. Among these significant spots are Obudu Cattle Ranch, Ogbunike Cave, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Kajuru Castle, and Yankari Game Reserve, all showing progress in historical preservation, wildlife protection, and eco-tourism initiatives. That’s incredible—over a thousand touristic places, what an impressive number!
Nigeria has two locations recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but I have yet to visit either one. One such location is the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, situated in Osun State, Nigeria. This is a revered forest that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance within Yoruba culture. The area is devoted to the goddess Osun, regarded as the divine figure associated with fertility, health, and abundance. The site boasts an impressive blend of thick vegetation, winding waterways, and ceremonial structures like altars, temples, and statues representing Yoruba gods and legendary beings.
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a site for religious devotion and pilgrimages, representing a vibrant symbol of the Yoruba culture’s deep-rooted traditions. The second location is the Sukur Cultural Landscape. It is considered a remarkable example of cultural terrain reflecting the customary and building techniques of the Sukur community. Located within the Mandara Mountains, this area includes stepped farms, a defended village, and a royal compound.
I really value the commitment of the FMACCE towards safeguarding, promoting, and advancing Nigeria’s vibrant cultural legacy and creative sectors. The ministry’s efforts cover areas such as training, infrastructural growth, conservation of cultural assets, protection of intellectual property rights, and incorporating technology into cultural practices. Well done on the Creative Economy Development Fund launched by the ministry. Nevertheless, the ministry must make sure that all ten affiliated agencies operate effectively and efficiently with adequate resources. These agencies include the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority; National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism; National Troupe of Nigeria; Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, along with the National Council for Arts and Culture.
Other entities consist of the National Theatre, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the National Film and Video Censors Board, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Institute for Cultural Development.
In addition to collaboration between the three levels of government to promote culture and tourism, it is essential to encourage the private sector to contribute investments into this industry. The potential for employment is vast, along with benefits such as enhancing the local economy, increasing tax collection, and generating income for the state. Nevertheless, measures must be strengthened regarding security both at and near these tourist attractions. Tourist safety should not be overlooked. An efficient transport network needs to be established to support visitor mobility. Alongside secure lodging and affordable dining options, these factors will help position Nigeria as a desirable international travel spot.
X: @jideojong
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