The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, in partnership with the National Sports Commission, has taken a bold step towards national transformation with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, September 4, 2025, by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, was executed through the Ministry’s special purpose vehicle, the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation (CTICo). This milestone sets in motion the establishment of a National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism and Sports Innovation Hub at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium precinct in Abuja.

Renewed Hope in Action

Anchored on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, this collaboration fuses two powerful drivers of national development: sports and the creative economy. By linking Nigeria’s cultural wealth with its sporting potential, the initiative is designed to empower young people, generate jobs, foster unity, and project Nigeria’s influence on the global stage.

Speaking at the signing, the Honourable Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the project as a turning point that will position Nigeria as a global leader in innovation across culture, creativity, and sports. She explained that the ecosystem being developed, with museums, cultural centres, eco-villages, performance arenas and entrepreneurial hubs, will redefine Abuja as a world-class destination and serve as a model for replication nationwide.

Building a Sports and Cultural City

The proposed Innovation Hub will include a National Museum of Arts and Culture, an Entertainment Arena and Performance Centre, a Youth Creative and Entrepreneurship Hub, eco-friendly villas and lodges, a family recreational park, cultural lounges and marketplaces, a mounted games arena, and a Sports Heritage Pavilion.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to the partnership, describing it as complementary to the NSC Sports City vision. He noted that the project would transform the Moshood Abiola Stadium into a vibrant city of culture and sports, alive with activity day and night. According to him, the goal is to showcase Nigeria’s history, culture, and sporting excellence in one integrated space while creating opportunities for young Nigerians and strengthening the economy through innovation.

Public-Private Partnership for Sustainability

The project will operate under a Public-Private Partnership framework, with both the Ministry and the Commission providing institutional support to guarantee sustainability, attract global investors, and secure long-term impact.

This holistic approach will expand Nigeria’s global influence through cultural diplomacy, stimulate inclusive economic growth, and equip young people with the skills they need to thrive. It is also expected to contribute to national unity by creating a shared space where culture, creativity and sports converge.

A New Dawn for Nigeria

The Honourable Minister emphasised that this partnership is more than an agreement. It represents a vision for Nigeria’s future. She stressed that when culture and sports combine, a nation’s spirit is lifted. She added that it is not only about building structures but also about building hope, identity, and opportunity for generations of Nigerians.

With Abuja as the starting point, the National Arts, Cultural, Creative, Tourism and Sports Innovation Hub will serve as a flagship model for Africa, showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, creativity, and leadership to the world.