UPDATE: FG TO CREATE DIASPORA CITY TO BOOST TOURISM
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To increase inbound tourism, preparations are being made to create a Diaspora City in Nigeria, according to Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
This was said by the minister on Friday in Abuja when she established a committee to lead the Motherland 2025 Initiative.
According to Musawa, the Motherland 2025 Initiative sought to establish Nigeria as a top international travel destination where tourism would promote cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and patriotism.
The National Tourism Development Authority, Motherland Africa team, and FMACTCE were the sources of the committee members.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, the National Council for Arts and Culture, and the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism were also represented among the members.
According to her, the committee’s key goals are to guarantee the Motherland 2025 Initiative’s successful execution, maintain on-time delivery, and provide efficient project management and monitoring.
Musawa claims that the Diaspora City, a successful tourist destination, is a prominent element of the Motherland initiative.
“This is where members of the diaspora can seamlessly invest and ensure a sustainable connection with their homeland and roots,’’ she said.
Musawa added that a citizenship programme would be supported by legal frameworks to enable diaspora and foreign nationals to obtain citizenships to safeguard their investments in Nigeria.
“Motherland 2025 is more than just a moment in time; it is a catalyst for sustained engagement, forging lasting connections between the diaspora and their homeland.
“Investors, opportunities, global travellers and Nigeria’s dynamic experiences.
“As part of the long-term components of the project, we are developing Diaspora City, a thriving tourism hub where members of the diaspora can seamlessly invest, reconnect, and put down roots.
“I charge the committee members to be diligent and work toward deliverables and timelines set to achieve successful outcomes from this initiative,” she said
The minister said that the Motherland 2025 initiative was a collaborative effort of the FMACTCE and Motherland Africa.
The minister added that the collaboration would include other key stakeholders, such as Federal ministries, government agencies, and private sector organisations.
According to Musawa, the Motherland 2025 Initiative is part of the ministry’s broader strategy, “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere.”
“This is an initiative designed to amplify the creative industries, strengthen international partnerships and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural footprint,” she stated.
She said key projects under the initiative included the Motherland 2025 Festival, which would expose the global diaspora to peak experiences of Nigerian arts, culture and creative landscape from the 36 states and the FCT.
She said the festival, scheduled to be held from December 15 to December 21 in Lagos and Abuja, would reconnect investments and celebrate Nigeria’s shared heritage.
“Nigeria is the largest black nation in the world, as one in every four persons of African origin is Nigerian. Our cultural and historical significance is undeniable.
“Whether through ancestry, culture or spirit, we welcome all who seek to rediscover their roots and contribute to the next chapter of our nation’s story.
“Through the Motherland Festival and its citizenship programme, we will empower individuals to trace their ancestry, fostering deeper bonds with Nigeria’s rich heritage,’’ she said.
Musawa used the opportunity to urge Nigerians abroad to come home and take part in the celebration, billed for December.
“This December, be part of something historic and experience our warmth, our culture and the limitless opportunities.
“Together, let us build a future that honours our heritage while driving economic and social progress forward, that is why we say, home is coming,” she said.
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