The newly sworn in Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa has assured that Nigeria’s creative sector under her watch will contribute more to national economic growth.
The minister gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja when he assumed office and held maiden meeting with members of management and staff of the ministry and heads of agencies under the ministry.
According to Musawa, Nigeria is rich in arts, culture and creativity that should be well harnessed for export to the rest of the world for enhanced contribution to GDP.
She, therefore, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for giving her the opportunity to serve in such a critical sector of the economy.
“When I was told that I was nominated as Minister, there was no Ministry I would have wished to be sent to, other than that of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
“This is because I am an Artiste, an author and a songwriter, so, I understand the business of creativity, I understand the passion that is required to take this ministry forward.
“In this ministry, we are going to do a number of things to bring more revenue to the nation as we are going to export Nigeria to the outside world.
“There is an untapped treasure that we need to tap so that we can support in changing the narrative of who Nigerians are to the world,’’ she said.
The minister added: “Under my watch, we will uplift culture, because it is our identity, where we come from. a nation that has diverse and beautiful culture.
“So I present to you myself as I am here to work with you, I am here to learn from you and I am here to unite with you,
“Thank you for accepting me and I look forward to working with you’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister, was received by the Permanent Secretary Dr Ngozi Onwudiwe who congratulated the minister and assured him of unflinching support.
NAN reports that Musawa who hails from Kastina State is among the 45 ministers sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House.