Federal Government Strengthens Cultural and Tourism Ties: Honourable Minister Signs Landmark Renewed Hope Project with Ekiti State

The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tourism and creative sectors, as she signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Renewed Hope Cultural Project with the Ekiti State Government at the picturesque Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Describing Ikogosi as “one of the exceptionally beautiful places we have in the country,” the Honourable Minister praised the breathtaking potential of the resort during the strategic retreat and MOU signing ceremony. The Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, who signed on behalf of the Ekiti State Government. Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa signed on behalf of the Federal Ministry.

The Honourable Minister’s delegation during the MOU signing ceremony included:
• Imran Garba Duba, Special Adviser to the President on Partnership and Innovation,
• Mr. Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Sub-National Partnerships, and
• Dorothy Duraku, Director, International Tourism and Cooperation.

The Ekiti State delegation was made up of:
• Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy, and
• Honourable Ademola Obayeshiyi.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister stated that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry is committed to “transforming the art, culture, tourism, and creative economy sectors to an astronomical level of improved and sustained revenue generation for the country, next to the oil sector.”

Barrister Musawa also participated in the Destination 2030 Data Platform Strategic Retreat, jointly organized by the Ministry and Cavista Technologies, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, chaired by Mr. John Olajide. She emphasized the importance of gathering first-hand information on how Cavista Holdings is creating value and generating employment opportunities, especially within the Ikogosi community.

During the retreat, technical papers were presented, focusing on data gathering, processing, and utilization as it relates to the art, culture, tourism, and creative economy sectors for the overall economic development of the country. Mrs. Oyebola Morakinyo, General Manager of Cavista Technologies, led the team of presenters in outlining key strategies for leveraging data in driving sectoral growth.

The Honourable Minister commended Cavista Holdings for building sustainable ecosystems, empowering the Ikogosi community, and promoting tourism and agriculture. She noted that Cavista Holdings also owns the largest Carava farmland in the country, further contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural and tourism landscapes.

Looking ahead, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa revealed that the Ministry is considering hosting one of its major national events at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, a strategic move aimed at increasing the visibility of the resort and attracting international tourists from across the globe.

Highlights of the two-day event included the commissioning of the new Presidential Villa at Ikogosi by the Honourable Minister, as well as a guided tour of the resort’s facilities, including the Presidential Villa suites, standard rooms, and Forest Park.

In his remarks, Mr. John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, emphasized the need for continuous partnership and cooperation between Cavista Holdings and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. In response, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa assured of the Ministry’s full support and pledged to raise a memo to the Federal Executive Council, aimed at enhancing the visibility and patronage of the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Park.