The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has officially flagged off the Renewed Hope Cultural Project in Katsina State, signaling the beginning of a transformative initiative to revitalize Nigeria’s cultural heritage and creative economy.
The project, which is set to be replicated across all 36 states of the federation, is designed to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage by showcasing its diversity and unlocking the tourism potential of local communities. Central to the initiative is the establishment of Renewed Hope Cultural Villages—comprising Creative and Art Studios, Arts and Crafts Markets, Exhibition Centres, and spaces tailored to the unique cultural expressions and craftsmanship of each state.
The project also includes the renovation of historic monuments and heritage sites, as well as capacity-building initiatives targeted at rural communities, especially the youth. These interventions aim to provide platforms for creative expression, empower local artisans, and generate millions of jobs across the country.
During the flag-off ceremony, Minister Musawa commended the Katsina State Government for its dedication to preserving iconic historical sites such as the Gobarau Minaret (est. 1348), Radar Daurama (dating back over 2,600 years), the Kusugu Well, and Durbi Takusheyi, among others.
Speaking at the historic Ƙofa Ukkur Gate, which suffered damage due to heavy rains last year, the Minister emphasized the project’s goal.
“The Renewed Hope Cultural Project was conceived to harness the immense creative potential of Nigerians, ensuring the preservation of our history in its most authentic form. This will drive local tourism, boost the economy, increase GDP contributions, and create job opportunities for millions nationwide.”
In response, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, Katsina State Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, expressed appreciation for the initiative, lauding the selection of Katsina as the project’s pioneer state. He pledged the full support of the State Government to ensure its success.
As part of her visit, the Minister paid homage to the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Faruk, CON, at his palace, where she conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill message to the Emir and the Daura Emirate Council. She reiterated the President’s unwavering commitment to spreading development across all parts of the country through people-focused projects.
In his welcome address, the Emir of Daura expressed gratitude to the President for appointing Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, describing her as a “round peg in a round hole.” He praised the Renewed Hope Cultural Project and pledged the Emirate’s support towards its implementation.
Responding, Hon. Abiola Abdulkareem, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Subnational Development and Project Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Cultural Project, emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative. He noted that the project is strategically designed to ensure no one is left behind in the Federal Government’s cultural revitalization agenda.
“This initiative is about taking development to the grassroots. We want creatives in rural communities to truly feel the presence—and the purse—of the government through tangible interventions that support their craft, heritage, and livelihoods,” he stated.
The Minister also visited key cultural heritage landmarks, including Fadar Daurama, Kusugu Well, and the Museum of the historic Teachers Training College, Katsina. She assured that the Federal Government would collaborate with the State Government to upgrade and preserve these heritage assets.
With the enthusiastic support of the Katsina State Government and the Daura Emirate Council, the Renewed Hope Cultural Project is poised to ignite a renaissance in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors, unlocking socio-economic development through the preservation and promotion of the nation’s rich heritage.
