The vibrant pulse of Nigeria’s culture and creativity sector is about to get a boost as the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) gears up to host the 54th edition of the Culture and Creative Economy Summit (CCES). Set to take place from Monday, August 26th to Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, at the Ajuji Greenwich Hotel in Abuja, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for the nation’s Arts and cultural landscape.
The summit, which kicks off daily at 9:00 AM, will serve as a forum for stakeholders across Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries. It’s more than just a meeting; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of a sector that plays a crucial role in defining our national identity.
One of the major highlights will be the presentation of the Hon. Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa Esq., as she unveils her roadmap for advancing the sector. This roadmap is a game-changer, setting the pace for how subnational entities will align their strategies with the federal vision. Attendees can also look forward to seeing how different states present their approaches to the Council’s development plan, offering different perspectives on innovative ideas across the country.
The summit will also feature contributions from multilateral organizations and funding partners who will explore innovative ways to unlock financial resources for the sector. In an industry where creativity meets commerce, these discussions would open new doors for growth and investment.
One of the summit’s most exciting segments will be the deliberation and adoption of formats and syllabuses for major national cultural events. These include the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and the International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC). By setting the stage for events like Nigeria’s Got Talent (NGT), Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE), Origins, and the Creative Leap Accelerated Programme (CLAP), the summit will be instrumental in ensuring these cultural celebrations are both successful and impactful.
A notable initiative to be discussed at the summit is the MEFA chain of concert venues to be developed across 6 states in Nigeria. These stadiums are designed to serve as hubs for creative and cultural activities, providing a dedicated space for performances, exhibitions, and other events. MEFA is expected to significantly boost the creative economy by fostering local talent, creating jobs, and enhancing the visibility of Nigeria’s cultural heritage on both national and international stages.
Obi Asika, the Director General of the NCAC, will play a key role in bridging various aspects of the summit, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to the discussions. His involvement underscores the Council’s commitment to fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, paving the way for a unified strategy to propel Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries forward.
Beyond planning and strategizing, the summit will also unveil new initiatives aimed at promoting peace, unity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and connectivity across the nation. These initiatives resonate deeply with the broader goals of NAFEST and other national cultural events, underscoring the importance of culture in fostering national cohesion and development.
The event is set to be a gathering of top-tier stakeholders, including Commissioners and Directors from the 36 States Councils for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, as well as representatives from the FCT, Sister Parastatals, and the media. With such a diverse and influential group in attendance, the 54th Culture and Creative Economy Summit is a landmark event in Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to witness the future of Nigeria’s culture and creative economy take shape.
