Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has paid a condolence visit to the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, expressing Nigeria’s sympathy over the passing of the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, while seeking deeper diplomatic and cultural collaboration between both countries.
During the visit to the Qatari Embassy in Abuja, Musawa conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Qatari people.
She described the late Father Amir as a visionary leader whose reign from 1995 to 2013 transformed Qatar into a globally respected nation.
“We are deeply saddened by this great loss. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and the people of Qatar,” the minister said.
Musawa noted that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani would be remembered for laying the foundation for modern Qatar and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Beyond the condolence visit, the minister held discussions with the Qatari envoy on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of culture, tourism and the creative economy.
She said Nigeria was committed to expanding cultural tourism, promoting people-to-people exchanges and enhancing collaboration through festivals, exhibitions and other creative initiatives.
The minister also advocated improved air connectivity between Abuja and Doha and called for easier visa processes to facilitate the movement of cultural delegations, tourism operators and business travellers.
The creative economy and tourism sector thrive on cultural exchange. We welcome partnerships that make it easier for Nigerians to engage with Qatar through festivals, exhibitions and tourism initiatives,” Musawa said.
Responding, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hail, appreciated the Federal Government for the condolence visit and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening cultural relations with Nigeria.
He praised Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative industry, describing the country’s youthful talents as globally recognised.
According to the ambassador, Qatar is eager to collaborate with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy to showcase Nigerian music, film, fashion and cultural heritage through exchange programmes in Doha.
He also assured that the embassy would engage relevant Qatari authorities on proposals aimed at enhancing cultural cooperation and easing travel procedures.
The visit, according to the ministry, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, cultural and economic relations with Qatar in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
