The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ogun State Government to execute the Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Projects in the state.

The agreement covers the establishment of a Renewed Hope Cultural Village, preservation and enhancement of tourist sites, capacity building, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Governor Dapo Abiodun signed on behalf of the state, while the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Abiodun described tourism as a major economic driver, capable of creating employment, fostering unity, and boosting local economies when properly harnessed.

“Tourism provides employment opportunities by engaging people meaningfully. Culture, on the other hand, unites our people. Therefore, we must give both sectors the attention they deserve,” he said.

Abiodun noted that Ogun State is rich in cultural heritage and creative talents but has lacked the platforms to properly showcase them.

He expressed optimism that renewed federal-state collaboration would unlock the potential of the sector.

He highlighted key cultural festivals in the state, such as Orona Day, Lisabi Day, Remo Day, and the globally recognized Ojude Oba Festival, in addition to historic sites like Olumo Rock, Centenary Hall, and Nigeria’s first church and Bible — all of which could attract both local and international tourists.

Abiodun added that his administration has already invested in infrastructure to support tourism and is currently rehabilitating various sites to make them more appealing and accessible.

“In many countries, oil used to be their primary revenue source, but today, tourism has overtaken oil as their main income generator. Nigeria has similar or even greater potential. It’s time to explore and project our tourism assets to the world,” he stated.

He described the current national focus on culture as a welcome “cultural renaissance”, and expressed pride in Ogun State’s role as a leading cultural force in Nigeria.

In her remarks, Minister Hannatu Musawa said the initiative is a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s vision to deepen federal-state collaboration in the cultural and creative sectors to achieve economic transformation.

“Earlier this year, Mr. President unveiled a plan for the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments in a handshake approach that promotes sustainable economic growth and job creation through culture and tourism,” Musawa explained.

She noted that the initiative is designed to let each state identify and leverage its unique cultural strengths, while the Federal Government provides technical and strategic support.

“This MoU allows each state to populate its own priorities — whether it’s restoring heritage sites, preserving monuments, or expanding the creative industry. This collaboration under the Renewed Hope Cultural and Creative Project will change the narrative about Nigeria,” she said.

Musawa praised Ogun State for its cultural richness, scenic landscapes, and its prominent role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity, saying the state was about to experience “something extremely special.”

“Through our culture, talents, creativity, and beautiful landscapes, we can reposition Nigeria in the eyes of the world,” she said.