The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, alongside Discover Motherland Africa, unveiled the much-anticipated Motherland 2025 initiative at a launch event held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday.
The groundbreaking initiative aims to position Nigeria as the global hub for African culture, tourism, and investment.
Musawa said the Motherland 2025 is more than just a festival.
“Motherland 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a homecoming,” Musawa said.
“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.”
The initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy, which leverages Nigeria’s rich heritage, vibrant economy, and tourism potential to foster international engagement and investment.
Musawa further explained, “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.”
As part of the initiative, Musawa also launched the ‘See Motherland Through Your Eyes’ competition, encouraging participants to showcase Nigeria’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and diverse traditions through visual storytelling.
“This competition invites participants to capture and share Nigeria’s vibrancy, showcasing the beauty, resilience, and spirit of the Motherland,” she added.
“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.”
The Minister urged the cooperation of government agencies, ministries, and private sector partners to ensure the success of Motherland 2025.
“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong collaboration across government agencies, ministries, and private sector partners,” she stated.
“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.”
Chidimma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, also shared her excitement about the initiative, emphasising its transformative power in reconnecting the Nigerian diaspora with their roots.
“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment,” she said.
“Last December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism.”
Nwankwo outlined key highlights of the initiative, which include the Motherland Expo and Festival, an immersive platform for cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment.
The festival will showcase State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions, featuring the cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and investment potential of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The event will culminate in a spectacular Closing Concert, uniting top Nigerian and international artists in a celebration of music and culture.
Other components of the Motherland 2025 initiative include the Motherland Travel Hub, a platform to simplify travel logistics for visitors; the Citizenship by Investment Program, which invites diasporans and foreign investors to invest in national development; Diaspora City, providing a streamlined pathway for diasporans to establish themselves in Nigeria; and the Motherland Ambassador Awards, recognising diaspora leaders for their contributions in various sectors.
With these initiatives, Motherland 2025 is set to redefine global tourism and investment in Nigeria, marking the start of an exciting chapter for the country’s economic and cultural future.
