In a further attempt to create regional economic prosperity, the BRACED Commission organized a summit for commissioners of Arts, Culture, and Tourism from BRACED states, as well as permanent secretaries, directors, and stakeholders on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the famous Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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The Director General of the BRACED Commission, His Excellency Amb. Joe Keshi, O.O.N, FAIA, in his opening remarks, thanked the participants for honoring his invitation. Amb. Keshi especially thanked the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Sim Fubara, and the Commissioner for Culture, Arts, and Tourism in Rivers State, Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, PhD, for the state’s support in hosting the meeting in Port Harcourt.
He mentioned that the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Abuja, Mr. Obi Asika, promised to attend the meeting but could not make the trip due to unforeseen circumstances beyond his control, as he was engaged in an official assignment in Abuja.
Amb. Keshi reminded the participants that the meeting was initiated by the management of the BRACED Commission to discuss how the six South-South BRACED states can create a regional economic force through cooperation and integration. He emphasized the exchange of ideas to utilize culture, arts, and tourism for the collective benefit of people in the region and beyond.
According to Amb. Keshi, “BRACED states are sitting on a gold mine; culture, arts, and tourism are wealth.” He also stressed that many of Nigeria’s top musicians hail from BRACED states, including Burna Boy, Rema, Davido (whose mother is from Edo State), Timaya, and Timi Dakolo, among others.
He urged the BRACED states’ commissioners and permanent secretaries to draft memos to their various state governments for action plan approvals, stating that civil servants are the engine room where government policies are cultivated.
Furthermore, he encouraged them to focus their discussions on how best to harness culture, arts, and tourism in promoting economic wealth for the region, stressing that it can change the narrative of BRACED states’ dependence on oil and gas as the only means of revenue.
He stated that if culture, arts, and tourism are properly managed, considering the current digital technology revolution, they could significantly reduce the number of unemployed graduates in the labor market.
For instance, he detailed that entertainment tourism through regional annual festivals could generate over 40 million annually, if properly planned, as major Nigerian musicians from the region will attract significant funds when performing in the area and abroad. This could also serve as a platform for talent hunts within the region.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Culture, Arts, and Tourism in Rivers State, Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, Ph.D., thanked His Excellency Governor Sim Fubara, whom he described as a “cultural and tourism enthusiast,” for his support in hosting the BRACED meeting. He also acknowledged the management of the BRACED Commission for selecting Rivers State for this significant event, despite circulating rumors regarding the political climate in the state, emphasizing that Rivers State remains peaceful and is a hub for culture, arts, and tourism.
Hon. Ngbuelo mentioned some of the cultural and historical tourist sites, including the ongoing King Jaja Memorial Museum in Opobo, which, upon completion, is expected to attract tourists from Nigeria and beyond. He also highlighted other tourist attractions such as Tourist Beach, Isaac Boro Park, and the conservation forest for elephants in Adoni, among others.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for regional collaboration to attract visitors and expressed concern that over-dependence on oil and gas has hindered progress in the region, stifling the enthusiasm to harness other potential sectors.
This is why he urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions with the professionals present to identify opportunities for economic growth. He recommended that all BRACED states must integrate cultural, arts, and tourism components into their state frameworks and establish electronic satellite stations and websites for global visibility of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The expected outcome of this initiative could foster reciprocity from other nations like Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, which have influential cultural, artistic, and tourism sectors that resonate globally.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Culture, Arts, and Tourism in Edo State, Hon. Dr. Miss Uyi Oduwa Malaka, also contributed during the event, stating that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government prioritizes the promotion of culture, arts, and tourism. She highlighted Edo State as the home of cultural heritage in Nigeria, noting that cultural activities generate substantial revenue for the state due to the influx of domestic and international tourists interested in its rich heritage.
Hon. Malaka expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for sponsoring state officials to various festivals abroad and noted that Edo State is currently developing a state-of-the-art modern museum to showcase its artefacts and cultural heritage, attributed to its ancient history.
She also mentioned a recent musical festival organized in Edo State featuring local and national musicians like Rema and Davido, which was a source of joy for both Edo people and visitors.
She encouraged other BRACED states to consult Edo State for ideas and collaboration.
The Commissioner for Culture in Bayelsa State, Hon. Keku Godspower, thanked the Director General of the BRACED Commission, Amb. Keshi, during his presentation. He asserted that Bayelsa State boasts some of the best cultural sites and highlighted the annual boat regatta festival, as well as cultural heritage events connected to historical events such as the Akasa War of 1898 against British explorers.
He called for continuous collaboration among BRACED states to ensure the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage.
In addition, Hon. Alla John, the Commissioner of Tourism for Bayelsa State, urged collaboration among BRACED states to prevent cultural extinction, asserting that culture, arts, and tourism can serve as alternative revenue sources if properly managed.
He also praised Governor Douye Diri for endorsing the blue economy, asserting that Bayelsa’s extensive coastal line could attract significant investments in tourism.
Another significant presentation was made by Hon. Preye Kiyaramo, the Executive Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BRACED Tourism Promotion Initiative, a registered NGO, and former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Douye Diri. Hon. Kiyaramo commended Amb. Keshi for hosting the event and for inviting experts to contribute to the discussions. He urged BRACED states to leverage this opportunity to find lasting solutions to challenges related to poverty and tourism development.
Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to harness tourism’s potential for poverty reduction, Hon. Kiyaramo concluded by stating that cooperation is crucial for unlocking the cultural, artistic, and tourism potential for the benefit of the people in the region.
In conclusion, observers are advocating for the BRACED Commission to be integrated into the budgetary processes of BRACED states, ensuring smooth operation and sustainability akin to the Oduduwa Investment initiative owned by the western states in Nigeria, which has established offices in each state.
This is a heartfelt appeal to the Governors of BRACED states who are also keen on diversifying their economic activities to heed this call.
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