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ABUJA,Nigeria (NAN) - The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Hannatu Musawa, announced that there are plans in place to create a Diaspora City in Nigeria aimed at enhancing inbound tourism.
She made this announcement during the inauguration of a committee tasked with implementing the Motherland 2025 Initiative on Friday in Abuja.
Musawa explained that the Motherland 2025 Initiative aims to position Nigeria as a top-tier global destination, where tourism can foster economic empowerment, preserve culture, and promote national pride.
The committee comprises members from the FMACTCE, Motherland Africa team, and the National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), as well as representatives from the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).
The primary goal of the committee is to ensure the effective implementation of the Motherland 2025 Initiative, including timely delivery and comprehensive oversight of the projects.
Musawa noted that the Diaspora City is a flagship element of the Motherland project, envisioned as a bustling tourism hub.
"This is where members of the diaspora can easily invest and establish a sustainable link with their homeland and heritage," she stated.
Musawa further mentioned that there would be a citizenship program supported by legal frameworks that allow diaspora and foreign nationals to secure citizenship to protect their investments in Nigeria.
"Motherland 2025 is more than just a transient initiative; it serves as a catalyst for long-term engagement, cultivating enduring relationships between the diaspora and their native land. It invites investors, presents opportunities, and showcases Nigeria's vibrant experiences," she added.
As part of the project's long-term vision, there are plans for Diaspora City, which will serve as a vibrant tourism hub where diaspora members can effortlessly invest, reconnect, and establish their roots.
"I urge the committee members to remain diligent and adhere to the deliverables and timelines set to realize successful outcomes from this initiative," she emphasized.
Musawa highlighted that the Motherland 2025 Initiative is a collective effort between the FMACTCE and Motherland Africa, which will also engage other important stakeholders, including federal ministries, governmental agencies, and private sector entities.
According to her, the initiative is an essential component of the ministry's broader strategy, known as "Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere." This strategy aims to enhance the creative industries, strengthen international partnerships, and amplify Nigeria's cultural presence on a global scale.
Key projects under this initiative include the Motherland 2025 Festival, designed to showcase Nigeria's arts, culture, and creative landscape to the global diaspora, featuring insights from all 36 states and the FCT. The festival is set to take place from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21 in Lagos and Abuja, aiming to attract investments and celebrate Nigeria's shared heritage.
“Nigeria, being the largest black nation globally, holds significant cultural and historical importance, with one in every four individuals of African descent being Nigerian,” Musawa remarked.
“We welcome everyone who wishes to rediscover their heritage and contribute to our nation’s evolving narrative, whether through ancestry, culture, or spirit. Through the Motherland Festival and its citizenship program, we will empower people to trace their lineage, thus deepening their connection with Nigeria's rich heritage.”
Musawa also took the chance to encourage Nigerians living abroad to return home and participate in the upcoming festivities this December.
“Join us in being part of something monumental this December and experience our hospitality, culture, and boundless opportunities. Together, let's forge a future that honors our heritage while propelling economic and social advancement, which is why we proclaim, home is coming,” she concluded.
