The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, led a distinguished ministerial delegation on a momentous cultural visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.

The visit was a gesture of goodwill and a formal expression of the Federal Government’s heartfelt congratulations on His Majesty’s ascension to the revered throne of his ancestors.

Rich in cultural significance and national pride, the visit underscored the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to preserving, promoting, and globally showcasing Nigeria’s invaluable intangible cultural heritage. In her address, the Honourable Minister spotlighted the strategic cultural importance of iconic traditions such as the Sango Festival, the Ifa Divination System, and the broader heritage of the Oyo Kingdom—many of which are enshrined on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

She reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing these cultural treasures through initiatives aimed at sustainable tourism, cultural education, and the empowerment of community-based creative industries. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to harness Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as a catalyst for economic development, national unity, and global cultural diplomacy.

The visit concluded with a mutual exchange of goodwill and a reaffirmed partnership between the Federal Ministry and the Oyo traditional institution. Both parties pledged to collaborate closely in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy and advancing the nation’s tourism and creative economy.