Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, has affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to collaborating with all 36 states and the private sector to achieve a $100 billion economy driven by cultural creativity and tourism. This commitment was underscored during a dinner hosted in her honor by the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Musawa revealed that the Federal Executive Council has approved a memo to identify and leverage the unique cultural assets of each state, contributing to national economic growth. She specifically expressed the government’s eagerness to partner with Ogun State and the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation on a proposed Fashion Olympics, aligning with the Ministry’s ambitious economic target.
Musawa emphasized the importance of synergistic collaboration between federal and state governments, along with private entities, to propel cultural creativity and tourism. The minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Culture Programme, designed to document and celebrate the distinct cultural heritage of every community across the nation. She cited the “Egbaliganza” fashion extravaganza as a prime example of how these partnerships can translate cultural uniqueness into economic opportunities. This collaborative approach, she stressed, is key to achieving the ministry’s $100 billion target and contributing to the President’s broader goal of a $1 trillion economy.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reinforced the state’s ambition to become Nigeria’s tourism capital, in addition to its existing prominence in education and industry. Abiodun highlighted the state’s proactive measures to promote Adire, a local fabric, by mandating its use by civil servants on Fridays. This initiative, he explained, has significantly boosted the economic value of Adire and created numerous job opportunities within the state. He further emphasized the state’s investment in heritage sites like Olumo Rock, and its focus on fashion, music, film, and sports tourism, demonstrating its readiness to collaborate with the federal government in achieving its ambitious vision.
Chief Lai Labode, promoter of “Egbaliganza” and CEO of the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, announced plans to host a Fashion Olympics in Egbaland in 2026, with anticipated participation from approximately 50 African countries. Lamenting Africa’s current meager 1.2% share of the $30 billion global fashion market, Labode declared Egbaland’s intention to spearhead the growth of the African fashion economy to a substantial $500 billion. He underscored the significance of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo’s unwavering support for the initiative. Labode envisions the 2026 Egbaliganza as a landmark event, featuring the signing of historic charters, including a Confederation of Africa Fashion Charter and the establishment of a Nigeria Fashion Federation.
The planned Africa Fashion Olympics, a first of its kind globally, represents a bold step towards achieving Africa’s fashion potential. This initiative, along with the planned charters, aims to lay the groundwork for a significant expansion of the African fashion industry. These ambitious plans demonstrate a commitment to transforming Africa’s fashion landscape and positioning the continent as a major player in the global fashion market.
Chief Abdulhakeem Owolabi, Executive Director of Administration and Projects for the Lai Labode Heritage Foundation, outlined the foundation’s plans to establish a National Cultural Heritage Museum under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. This museum aims to preserve, showcase, and promote Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, while also contributing to tourism, education, and economic development. Furthermore, former Governor Olusegun Osoba commended the organizers of “Egbaliganza” for their efforts in showcasing Egba culture and heritage on a global platform. The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, echoed this sentiment, praising the Foundation’s vision and pledging his full support, alongside other sons and daughters of Egbaland, to ensure the success of this cultural promotion initiative.
