By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
In a bid to reconnect Diasporan Nigerians to their roots and unlock investment opportunities, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in partnership with Discover Motherland Africa has launched ‘Motherland 2025,’ a movement that promises to redefine the country’s tourism industry and promote its rich cultural heritage.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja.
The minister said the project is part of ‘Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere’ initiative, a soft power programme designed to promote Nigeria’s cultural, economic and tourism potentials.
Musawa disclosed that the ministry’s mission is clear and precise, such as to position Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic empowerment, cultural preservation and national pride.
“Guided by President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ we are not just reimagining tourism—we are building platforms for economic growth, cultural exchange and community development. Our vision extends beyond attracting global visitors; it is ensuring that the creative and tourism sectors are used as critical tools to impact the lives of the Nigerian people.
“Motherland 2025 is an opportunity to shape Nigeria’s future. From investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, this initiative invites global stakeholders to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse,” she said.
She announced ‘See Motherland Through Your Eyes’ Competition, inviting participants to showcase Nigeria’s landscapes, communities and traditions through visual storytelling.
According to her, “This competition invites participants to capture and share Nigeria’s vibrancy, showcasing the beauty, resilience and spirit of the Motherland. To mark the beginning of this journey, we are launching the ‘See Motherland Through Your Eyes Photo and Video Competition’—a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity. From Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the bata rhythms of the South-West and the echoing Ogene of the East, our culture moves like a dance, alive in every moment.”
She called on government agencies, ministries and partners to join in showcasing Nigeria to the world.
Speaking, the Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, Chidimma Nwankwo said the unveiling of this initiative is the beginning of a transformative movement which not only reconnects the Nigerian diaspora to their roots, but also unlocks investment, cultural pride and a future filled with opportunities.
Nwankwo informed that this December, the global diaspora is invited to experience Nigeria like never before – not just as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.
She noted that the initiative also offers investment opportunities through Citizenship by Investment Programme, CIP, providing a pathway for the diaspora to formally reclaim their roots while investing in Nigeria’s future.
