FG Partners Ogun State On Renewed Hope Cultural And Creative Projects

The Federal Government and the Ogun State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Projects across Ogun State.

The MoU, signed between the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, outlines plans for the establishment of a Renewed Hope Cultural Village, the preservation and development of tourist sites, capacity building, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Speaking at the signing event, Governor Abiodun emphasized the economic potential of tourism and cultural development, highlighting the importance of the partnership in job creation and national unity. “Tourism provides employment opportunities by keeping people busy. Culture, on the other hand, unites the people. Therefore, there is a need for us to focus on it,” he said.

He noted that Ogun State is home to some of the most vibrant cultural festivals in Nigeria, including Orona Day, Lisabi Day, Remo Day, and the world-renowned Ojude Oba Festival. He also mentioned prominent tourist attractions such as Olumo Rock, which have the potential to draw both local and international tourists.

Governor Abiodun said his administration has invested significantly in infrastructure to support the tourism sector and is now rehabilitating key tourism sites to make them more attractive to visitors.

Minister Hannatu Musawa explained that her visit to Ogun was part of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to engage state governments in promoting cultural heritage and creative industries. She noted that the Federal Government’s goal is to support states in identifying and developing their unique cultural identities for national and international visibility.

“We know every single state has a unique peculiarity. So, what the President wanted us to do is to build partnerships that allow states to take the lead in showcasing their heritage. Through this Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Project, we aim to boost domestic tourism, strengthen creative industries, and change the narrative about Nigeria globally,” Musawa stated.

In a related development, both Abiodun and Musawa praised telecommunications company Globacom for its continued sponsorship of the Ojude Oba Festival, which took place on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode. The event has become a major cultural and tourist attraction in Nigeria.

During the celebration, Globacom presented two brand new cars to winners as part of a special anniversary consumer promo commemorating 20 years of sponsorship. Opeoluwa Osisanwo won the leadership prize, while Idowu Olabisi, a trader from Ijebu-Igbo, received a Suzuki Celerio. Four tricycles (keke) were also awarded to other lucky subscribers.

The Federal Government expressed hope that this collaboration will serve as a model for similar partnerships across other Nigerian states, aimed at revitalizing the nation’s cultural assets and empowering local communities.