Six Nigerian Governors Honoured for Promoting Tourism and Culture
Six Nigerian state governors were recently honoured for their outstanding support of tourism, culture, and the creative economy. The event took place during the Nigeria Entertainment and Economic Roundtable (NEER) held in Abuja and focused on the importance of using culture to boost the economy.
The governors awarded include Alex Otti (Abia), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto). They were praised for helping make their states key centres for tourism and cultural development.
The event’s theme, “CULTOUR: Unlocking Possibilities and Locating Pathways to Rapid Economic Diversification,” brought together policymakers, creative professionals, and global leaders to find new ways to grow Nigeria’s economy through arts and tourism. NEER CEO, Chuks Akamadu, said the honoured governors are leading examples of how cultural development can also bring jobs and boost local economies.
According to Akamadu, the creative and tourism industries have become powerful tools for economic change in Nigeria. He said NEER provides an important space where leaders can share ideas, form partnerships, and attract investment to support these growing sectors.
The Minister for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, opened the event and encouraged teamwork to grow Nigeria’s creative industry. She praised NEER and its partner group AFROCULTOUR for helping to push policies, bring in global opportunities, and support new ways of funding creative projects.
Musawa also outlined goals for the future, such as using digital tools, improving legal protection for artists, teaching new skills, and helping Nigerian creatives reach global markets. She said industries like Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and literature have already made Nigeria famous around the world.
In a video message, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), shared that creative and tourism industries now make up a large part of global GDP and employ more people than any other sector. She said Nigeria should continue investing in these areas for long-term growth, inclusion, and global recognition.
The second NEER edition ended with a strong message: Nigeria’s true wealth lies in its people’s talents, stories, and traditions. Organizers now plan to expand NEER across Africa and beyond, strengthening its role as a key platform for innovation, culture, and economic growth.
