The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy yesterday hosted a 29-member study tour delegation from the Namibian Command and Staff College, led by Brigadier General BN Erastus, at the Atiku Abubakar Hall, Block A, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.
The visit, rooted in Nigeria’s historic solidarity with Namibia, created an opportunity to deepen cultural diplomacy, share knowledge, and highlight the Ministry’s central role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delivering welcome remarks on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, MFR, mni, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu Ugochi, warmly received the Namibian delegation.
She noted that the Ministry, a consolidated institution uniting the three giant non-oil sectors of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy, is strategically positioned to drive policies that generate jobs, create wealth, and strengthen national security while enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu also recalled Nigeria’s critical role in Namibia’s independence, including contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa and Namibia during the liberation movements of the 1970s and 1980s. She observed that both nations, as members of the African Union, United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations and Southern African Development Community, continue to share common values in promoting regional stability and cooperation.
In his response, Brigadier General BN Erastus, leader of the Namibian delegation, expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its support during Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“It is the people of Nigeria who made our independence possible,” he said. “Though we do not share a border, Nigeria was a true frontline state to Namibia in the late 70s and 80s.”
General Erastus explained that the study tour was designed to provide students with practical insights into Nigeria’s leadership in the arts, culture, tourism and creative economy. He praised Nigeria as a “big brother” whose global achievements in exporting talent and cultural capital continue to inspire peace, stability and socio-economic development across Africa.
During the visit, Ministry officials delivered a detailed presentation on the Ministry’s mandate, structure and programmes. The briefing showed how the Ministry integrates the creative industries, cultural heritage and tourism into Nigeria’s economic growth plan, reinforcing its role as a key driver of national transformation.
The delegation, which included Cdr Ludwina Kaunanghenda Angula of the Namibia Navy, actively participated in discussions, asking questions on policy design, institutional coordination and the creative economy. Officials responded comprehensively, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to knowledge exchange, innovation and international collaboration.
The study tour concluded with goodwill messages, gift presentations and group photographs, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and Namibia.
For Nigeria, the event reaffirmed the Ministry’s mandate to position the country as a leading global hub for cultural exchange, tourism development and creative enterprise. It also reflected President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action: harnessing the power of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy to create jobs, empower youth and expand international cooperation.