Laraba MUREY
The Federal Government, in partnership with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched Motherland 2025, a cultural and tourism initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy and positioning the country as a top global tourist destination.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who made the announcement on Monday in Abuja, said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere plan, which seeks to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the world stage.
Musawa emphasized that the goal is to use tourism and the creative industry as tools for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
“Motherland 2025 is more than just a festival it is a movement that reaffirms Nigeria’s role as the epicenter of global Black and African culture, commerce, and community,” she said.
According to her, “The festival will feature exhibitions, cultural showcases, and the Motherland Ambassador Awards, recognizing outstanding members of the African diaspora.
“There will also be a Video and Photo Exhibition that will run for two months, with an award for the best-engaged photo and video. This exhibition will serve as a powerful visual storytelling platform, capturing the essence of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, and creative industries.
“A key highlight is the development of Diaspora City, a tourism hub designed to facilitate diaspora investment and cultural reconnection.
“Nigeria, as the largest black nation in the world, seeks to strengthen ties with the global African diaspora. Through the Motherland Festival and Citizenship Program, individuals will be able to trace their ancestry, invest in the country, and participate in its cultural renaissance.
“The initiative will be backed by legal frameworks to enable diasporans and foreign nationals to secure citizenship, ensuring their investments are protected.”
Musawa highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships to ensure the project’s success.
“We invite stakeholders across the public and private sectors to invest in tourism infrastructure, expand our creative economy, and build strategic cultural partnerships,” she added.
As part of the broader Destination 2030 strategy, the Federal Government aims to position Nigeria as a key player in global tourism and the creative economy for years to come.
Motherland 2025 is set to kick off in December, welcoming the global diaspora to experience Nigeria’s culture, opportunities, and transformation.
She said, “That is why we say: “Home is coming.” In Igbo, we say “Ulo”, in Yoruba, “Ile”, in Hausa, “Gida”. Together, we say “Ullegida”.
Earlier, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, Chidimma Nwankwo, described the initiative as more than just an event. It is a homecoming, a journey, and a commitment to reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora with their roots while unlocking investment, cultural pride, and opportunities.
She said, “This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism. Over seven unforgettable days, attendees will immerse themselves in Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress,” she said.
Additionally, she said the festival will feature, “State Pavilions, showcasing Nigeria’s diversity through exhibits, food tastings, performances, and tourism highlights.Technology Pavilions, spotlighting Nigeria’s brightest minds in AI, fintech, and agriculture.
“Entertainment and Healthcare Pavilions, celebrating Nollywood’s growth and healthcare advancements. Motherland Closing Concert, featuring Africa’s top artists in a night of unity, joy, and pride.”
