Culture Minister, Discover Motherland Africa Unveil Motherland 2025

The Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa, has launched Motherland 2025, a visionary initiative aimed at establishing Nigeria as a premier destination for African culture, investment, and tourism.

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Speaking at the launch event at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Minister Hannatu Musawa described Motherland 2025 as more than just a festival.

She emphasized that this groundbreaking initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy, harnessing Nigeria’s rich heritage, economic strength, and tourism potential to enhance global engagement.

She said “Motherland 2025 is more than a festival it’s a homecoming. A movement inviting our global brothers and sisters to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and cultural renaissance. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.

“This is a call to the Diaspora and beyond. 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 added

The Minister also announced the ‘See Motherland Through Your Eyes’ Competition, inviting participants to showcase Nigeria’s landscapes, communities, and traditions through visual storytelling.

Minister Musawa said “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 the Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the bata rhythms of the Southwest and the echoing Ogene of the East, our culture moves like a dance, alive in every moment”. 

Minister Musawa urged government agencies, ministries, and partners to collaborate in promoting Nigeria on the global stage.

“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong collaboration across government agencies, ministries, and private sector partners. We invite policymakers, cultural institutions, investors, and development organizations to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape. This initiative provides a strategic platform for long-term partnerships aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing global cultural exchange, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s soft power influence,” Musawa stated.

Earlier, Chidimma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, described the unveiling of Motherland 2025 as the beginning of a transformative movement. She emphasized that the initiative not only reconnects the Nigerian diaspora with their roots but also fosters investment, cultural pride, and new opportunities.

“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism. Over the course of seven unforgettable days, attendees will be immersed in Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress. Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. Not just to visit, but to engage, to contribute, and to become part of something bigger”. She said

The Motherland 2025 initiative boasts several key highlights, including the Motherland Expo and Festival, which offers an immersive platform for cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment. The festival will feature State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions, showcasing the cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and investment potential of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.

The event will culminate in a spectacular Closing Concert, uniting attendees with top Nigerian and international artists in a vibrant celebration of music and culture.

Other notable components of the initiative include the Motherland Travel Hub, a centralized platform simplifying travel logistics; the Citizenship by Investment Program, which allows diasporans and foreign investors to invest in national development; Diaspora City, a streamlined pathway for diasporans to establish themselves in Nigeria; and the Motherland Ambassador Awards, honoring diaspora leaders making significant contributions in various fields.

Oluchi Okwuego