Abeokuta, Ogun State — In a major step towards the revival and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and creative economy, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ogun State Government for the execution of the Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Projects in the state.

The signing ceremony, held in Abeokuta on Sunday, was attended by key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo; Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa; and the Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister on Sub-National Development and Partnership, Hon. Abiola Abdulkareem.

The MoU framework includes the establishment of a Renewed Hope Cultural Village in Ogun State, preservation and rehabilitation of tourism and heritage sites, capacity building for local artisans, and broader economic empowerment initiatives within the state’s creative sector.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who signed on behalf of the Ogun State Government, emphasized the immense potential of culture and tourism as catalysts for socio-economic growth.
“Tourism provides employment opportunities, expands economic activities, and unites our people. Our cultural heritage is one of our greatest assets, and it’s time we fully harnessed it. Ogun State is ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to strengthen this sector and provide platforms for our talented people,” he stated.

Governor Abiodun further highlighted Ogun’s unique cultural festivals and tourist attractions, including the renowned Ojude Oba Festival, Orona Day, Lisabi Day, Remo Day, Olumo Rock, the Centenary Hall, and Nigeria’s first church and Bible, as essential elements of Nigeria’s cultural identity.

Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, signing on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a strategic collaboration with state governments to revive cultural heritage and create sustainable jobs through the creative industry.
“Mr. President has envisioned a cultural handshake between the Federal Government and sub-national governments to drive sustainable economic growth and position Nigeria’s cultural and creative assets on the global stage,” the Minister stated.

She noted that each state would be encouraged to identify and showcase its unique cultural assets, with the Federal Government offering support through the Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Project, aimed at preserving monuments, expanding the creative sector, and promoting domestic tourism.

Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister on Sub-National Development and Partnership, Hon. Abiola Abdulkareem, expressed optimism that the partnership would serve as a model for other states, bringing socio-economic development to rural communities and revitalizing Nigeria’s cultural assets for future generations.

This partnership marks Ogun State as a trailblazer in the national rollout of the Renewed Hope initiative, setting the pace for similar collaborations across Nigeria’s 36 states.