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Tag: Hannatu Musawa

  • A shining star – Musawa hails Chidinma’s remarkable achievement at Miss Universe

    A shining star – Musawa hails Chidinma’s remarkable achievement at Miss Universe

    Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has  congratulated Nigeria’s Chidinma Adetshina on her remarkable achievement as the first runner-up of the 2024 Miss Universe pageant held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico on Sunday.

    In a statement issued on Monday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, Musawa described Chidinma’s remarkable feat as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for excellence.

    The minister said Adetshina’s accomplishment not only brings pride to Nigeria but also inspires a generation of young women to strive for greatness.

    The statement reads: “Chidimma’s achievement is a shining example of the creative and innovative spirit that defines our nation.

    “She was focused and never gave up in her days of trial. We are proud to celebrate her success and tenacity, and we recognize the impact she has made on the global stage.

    “Her commitment to empowering women and girls through education and advocacy aligns with our ministry’s vision for a vibrant and inclusive creative economy.”

    Musawa also commended Chidimma for her “exceptional” representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and values.

    The minister said her achievement serves as a catalyst for promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

    “Chidimma is a shining star and Nigeria’s pride. Nigerians are proud to celebrate her success and recognize the impact that she has made on the global stage,” she said.

    “As we celebrate Chidimma’s success, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering creative talents, particularly women, to excel in their chosen fields.”

    As first runner-up, Chidinma won $100,000 cash, a 1-year lease on a luxury apartment in New York, a $3m diamond-encrusted crown and connections and contacts to kick off a successful career in modelling and showbiz.

    Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, Miss Denmark, emerged as the winner, succeeding Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

    Alongside Adetshina and Theilvig, contestants from Bolivia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Russia, Chile, Thailand, Canada, and Peru were among the top 12 finalists.

  • Why I’m not worried about reshuffling of  cabinet – Minister of art, Musawa

    Why I’m not worried about reshuffling of  cabinet – Minister of art, Musawa

    Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has said she is not worried about the planned reshuffling of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

    Asked whether she was worried that the President would drop her from his cabinet because of the “controversies” around her person, the minister said, “I don’t think there is a controversy about my person, and I don’t think there is a controversy about my office. What I can tell you is that I campaigned for the President and I trust his judgement.

    “What I know of the President is that he has a vision and a mission to make Nigeria better than he met it. He is a very courageous man. As a leader, you have to take courageous decisions.

    “For him to give Nigerians his deliverables, he needs a team of lieutenants to do that. I think it is healthy in any democracy and any administration for him to look at his cabinet and his lieutenants to see who are working in tandem with him to give those deliverables and if anybody isn’t, I think we have to trust his judgement.

    “So, I am not worried because I know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the best interest of the nation and whatever he would make in terms of the restructuring or otherwise of his cabinet is going to be in the best interest of delivering his mission and vision for Nigerians.”

    There have been calls from different quarters for the President to remove some of his ministers termed as underperforming. In late September, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said his principal had expressed a desire to reshuffle his cabinet but no date was fixed for the exercise.

     

  • Culture Minister mourns Junior Pope

    Culture Minister mourns Junior Pope

    The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has expressed deep shock at the death of Nollywood actor, John Odonwodo, popularly known as “Junior Pope”.

    Junior Pope drowned in Anam River in Anambra on Wednesday, April 10, while returning from a movie location.

    This was barely 48 hours after the death of Kannywood actress, Saratu Gidado.

    Musawa, in a statement on Thursday through her media aide, Nneka Anibeze, described the recent spate of deaths in the entertainment industry as horrific and tragic.

    “It is a sad week for us in the creative and movie industry and a black Wednesday. Losing two lives in three days is not only horrifying but colossal.

    “We have lost great young talents and entertainment providers while generating content for Nigerian movie lovers.

    “We mourn and commiserate with their families. We stand by them at this tragic time and our thoughts are with all those who know them,” she said.

  • IWD: Musawa celebrates women in creative industry

    IWD: Musawa celebrates women in creative industry

    Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to foster an environment, inclusive, diverse, and supportive of women in the creative sector.

    Hannatu who congratulated women in the creative sector as they join the rest of the world to mark the 2024  International Women’s Day (IWD), said this in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, on Friday in Abuja.

    She said the that the federal government under President Bola Tinubu would continue to create opportunities for women to thrive in the arts and culture and other endeavors.

    “We must strive to empower women, provide them with platforms to express their creativity and ensure that their voices are heard and valued.

    “This day serves as a reminder of the remarkable achievements of women around the world and the invaluable impact they have made in shaping our society.

    “On this remarkable occasion, we recognize and celebrate the extraordinary talents, creativity, and resilience of women in the Art, Culture, and the Creative sectors.

    “Your contributions and innovations have enriched our cultural heritage and have been instrumental in driving progress and positive change in our communities and country as a whole.

    “Through policies, initiatives, and partnerships, we will work towards creating a more equitable and accessible landscape where women can fully participate and lead.

    “On this occasion of International Women’s Day, themed  ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, let us all reaffirm our commitment to gender empowerment.

    “Together, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to fulfill her potential and make lasting contributions to the arts, culture, and the creative economy.” she said.

    International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 as a flagship point in the women’s rights movement, with focus on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.

    The theme for the 2024 IWD is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”.

  • Culture minister mourns Yoruba comic actor, Sisi Quadri

    Culture minister mourns Yoruba comic actor, Sisi Quadri

    The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, has commiserated with the movie industry, family and friends of late Nollywood comic actor, Tolani Oyebamiji, known as “Sisi Quadri”, who died on Friday.

    Musawa, in a statement through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, expressed shock following the sudden demise of the Yoruba actor.

    “l learnt a movie, titled, “Anikulapo: The Return of Spectre,” in which Sisi Quadri played a spectacular role was released on Netflix on Friday and is already making waves.

    “His death at this time when he should be reaping the fruits of his labour is untimely and saddening.

    “I sympathise with his immediate family members on this unfortunate incident and pray for the repose of his soul,” she said.

    Sisi Quadri dominated the online comedy skit-making and the Yoruba movie industry.

    His major breakthrough in the movie industry was when he played the role of an insultive personality in the Yoruba epic movie, “Seniyan Seranko”.

    He captivated his audience with his unrelenting ability to ridicule his rivals in movies without pausing.

     

  • Cultural summit: Shehu of Borno holds grand durbar

    Cultural summit: Shehu of Borno holds grand durbar

    The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on Sunday, led over 40 District Heads in a grand durbar to mark the end of the maiden Kanem Borno Global Cultural Summit.

    The three-day summit graced by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and dignitaries from Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Ghana and Central Africa Republics is designed to showcase the return of peace and unity among the people in the state.

    The theme of the summit is: “Towards achieving sustainable peace, fostering unity and development “.

    The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Amb. Zanna Hassan-Boguma, described the summit as unique privilege for the young ones to know the rich history and culture of the over 1,000-year old Kanem Borno dynasty.

    “Our purpose in this summit is to identify and recommend strategic areas for enhance collaboration among our diverse communities focusing on the advancement of our ideals as a people.

    “Our expected outcomes in this meeting is a strategic action plan outlining the pathway for strengthened partnership and concrete collaborative engagement among our people.

    “The three-day event that started with prayers for peace on Friday at the Shehu’s grand mosque will also provide an opportunity for our leaders, the vast majority of our people and governments to reflect on measures and strategies in the promotion of development, regional integration, stabilisation, peace and security,” he said.

    In their separate remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum and Hannatu Musawa advocated establishment of Kanem Borno Museum to serve as centre for research and documentation of the cultural heritage on the rich history of Borno.

     

  • Charly Boy blasts minister of arts over hospital visit to Zack Orji

    Charly Boy blasts minister of arts over hospital visit to Zack Orji

    Nigerian Veteran singer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy has blasted the Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musuwa over her visit to ailing actor, Zack Orji.

    Zack Orji, reportedly slumped at the new year eve and was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in Abuja, before he was transferred to a private.

    Following the news, the veteran actor was visited by Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, in the hospital.

    Giving a health update, Musawa disclosed that the actor had undergone brain surgery on Tuesday following his transfer to an exclusive Abuja hospital.

    She called for Nigerians to support the veteran, describing him as a valuable asset to the country.

    In response to the visit via X, Charly Boy said that although Nigeria has a more serious terminal issue than Zack Orji, the government is neglecting it in favour of the ailing actor.

    He wrote: “Chronic attention seekers make we hear word. Nigeria currently has bigger terminal problem wey pass Zack Orji,” he wrote.

    “Everyone including the factory fitted mumu’s for dis country know he is the least of our problems.

    “How does dat visit bring down the price of petrol or the devilish rising cost of living.

    “Shey, no be civilians for Plateau state who were ‘mistakenly’ bombed by the Air force. Over 300 casualties, dey do not deserve visitation or a day of national mourning abi?

    “If una wan help Zack, carryam go abroad since na una strong supporter. National hospital is a mortuary.”

     

  • He’s alive, he had neuro surgery – Minister reveals outcome of visit to Zack Orji in hospital

    He’s alive, he had neuro surgery – Minister reveals outcome of visit to Zack Orji in hospital

    Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, on Tuesday visited ailing Nollywood actor, Zack Orji, at a private hospital in Abuja, where he had a brain surgery.

    The minister was received by the wife of the ailing thespian, Ngozi Orji, and some family members .

    According to the minister, the visit was to support the veteran  actor, wish him quick recovery and as well convey the Federal Government’s goodwill to him and his family .

    “This is a man that has given his time, his effort not only to make us laugh but to entertain Nigerians for decades.

    “He is one of the individuals that was the very foundation of the film industry in Nigeria, and unfortunately, he is having health challenges and had a Neuro surgery.

    “The least that we can do as an administration is to give him all the  necessary support to ensure that he recovers quickly.

    “Neuro surgery is very delicate, so it was important for me not only as a minister of arts, culture and the creative economy but as a Nigerian to visit him.

    “For me, it was just a matter of coming to see him and his wife, and we are able to talk today, by God’s mercies, he is alive.

    “I want Nigerians to pray for him and do what we can to give the family the necessary support to save his life,” she said.

    Musawa explained that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government understands the pivotal role of the creative industries to national economic growth and was committed to the welfare of stakeholders in the sector.

    According to her, “the ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, under my watch, is working painstakingly towards ensuring that programmes and policies are in place towards the welfare of industry players.

    Musawa, who made a personal donation of an undisclosed amount to support the medical bills of the ailing actor, assured that better days were ahead for Nigerian creatives.

    “One of the main initiatives that we have within our ministry is to give welfare, not only to veterans in the industry, but to see how we can give welfare to all members of the industry.

    “We understand that the issue of mental health is key in determining the quality of life of members of the society, especially members in this particular industry.

    “One of our initiatives in the ministry is  to ensure that we look at and interrogate the different policies in terms of the kind of welfare that we give them and we will be able to run that very soon.

    “I can assure you that members of the entertainment industry and of course, members of the arts, culture and creative economy will have full support from this particular administration .

    “It is part of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President to ensure that we give the best and achieve the best in terms of what the industry has to offer,” she said.

    Zack Orji, 64, reportedly slumped at the new year eve and was admitted at the  Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in Abuja, before he was transferred to a private hospital for the surgery.

  • Creative economy to expand GDP to $100bn by 2030

    Creative economy to expand GDP to $100bn by 2030

    The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa, says the sector is set to expand the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 100 billion dollars by the year 2030.

    Musawa stated this at the Art, Culture and Creative Economy Roundtable, tagged ‘A Creative Industry Intervention’, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The event was supported by the Office of the Vice President, Trembly, Providus Bank, Leadway Assurance Plc and other relevant stakeholders.

    According to the minister, since she assumed office some months ago, she and her dedicated team have been working relentlessly on a multitude of initiatives across various work streams.

    The Minister explains that their collective aim is singular, bold and to position Nigeria as the world’s culture, creativity and entertainment capital of the world.

    “We have since moved beyond mere interventions; we are now on a trajectory of transformation and acceleration in every facet of our creative sector.

    “The creative industries are the heartbeat of the new economy, serving as an engine of economic growth, a catalyst of change, and a generator of employment opportunities.

    “We are uniquely positioned in this great nation, endowed with an abundance of human capital and boundless possibilities.

    “Our transformation team has delved deep into the very fabric of this sector, understanding its dynamics, sizing up the opportunities it presents, and benchmarking against model countries and sectors.

    “We have engaged extensively with many of you in this room, the driving forces behind our creative industries.

    “Our objective is to contribute ten per cent to the Nation’s GDP expanding sectorial GDP to a remarkable $100 billion by the year 2030,” Musawa stressed.

    She explained that the ministry was ready to share its vision for the creative sector, a vision that many have had a glimpsed in the summary of the ministry’s strategic blueprint published last month.

    Musawa further explained that the vision of the new ministry is built upon five key pillars, including ‘Policy, Legislative, Regulatory and Intellectual Property Reforms’, ‘Cultural’ and ‘Economy’ plans.

    “Others are ‘Private Sector Engagement’ and ‘Destination 2030, Nigeria Everywhere’, which created a brand that will unite us across all initiatives as both our overall strategic direction and our soft power initiative.

    “Destination 2030, Nigeria Everywhere will promote our culture and showcase our creators to the world, establishing Nigeria as the leading global hub for arts, culture and creativity.

    “We believe that Nigeria’s cultural influence should transcend borders, and we are committed to making it a reality.

    “As we embark on this transformative journey together, let us remember that each one of you, with your creativity and passion, is an indispensable part of this narrative.

    “Our collective efforts will not only make Nigeria the world’s creative capital but also enrich the lives of our people and inspire generations to come,” Musawa said.

    The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital Creative Economy, Mr Fegho Umunubo, said Musawa has articulated a vibrant road map for the creative sector that would impact on all regions of the country.

    “It is my hope that together with industry players, we will achieve a one billion dollar economy by 2030. The creative economy is gradually becoming the new oil.

    “We are hopeful the achievements of the players in this industry would help reposition the image of this great country,” Umunubo said.

    Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Trembly, Mr Lawrence Ogungbe, said Nigeria’s creative industry is the most vibrant eco system in the world, adding that the world is yet to embrace all we have.

    Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Providus Bank, Mr Walter Akpani, suggested that the $100 billion mark should be increased to $200 billion.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Simon Lalong; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu; officials from the office of the Vice President, industry players and other stakeholders from the art and culture industry.

  • Minister of art, Musawa is a serving Corps member – NYSC confirms

    Minister of art, Musawa is a serving Corps member – NYSC confirms

    The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, is a serving corps member.

    The confirmation follows a claim by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil society organisation, that Musawa is undertaking the one-year mandatory youth service scheme while she is still a member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

    Director of Press and Public Relations at the NYSC headquarters, Eddy Megwa, confirmed to TheCable yesterday that the minister is a corps member.

    “Yes she is a serving corp member,” Megwa wrote in a message to TheCable when he was contacted for enquiries.

    On Monday, President Tinubu swore in 45 ministers, including Musawa as members of the federal executive council (FEC).

    But in a statement on Wednesday, HURIWA claimed that the culture minister is a member of NYSC, whose place of primary assignment is a law firm in Abuja.

    When contacted by TheCable, the minister did not answer calls put through her mobile phone, nor did she reply to messages sent to get her response.

    HURIWA had asked the management of the NYSC to compel Musawa to focus on her national youth service or the ministerial appointment.

    “HURIWA wondered why the correct status of Musawa wasn’t made known to the members of the public before the senate sensationally failed to screen her as it should,” the statement read.

    “HURIWA wonders about the kind of scrutiny being conducted by the Department of State Services so much so that it wasn’t disclosed that the minister is actually a youth corper.

    The rights group alleged that years back, Musawa abandoned her NYSC in Ebonyi state but later showed interest in completing it.

    The organisation added that the minister was mobilised this year and got posted to a law firm in Abuja before President Tinubu picked her as a nominee.

    “She was confirmed by the Senate without proper screening and sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as minister of arts, “HURIWA further alleged.

    In September 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Musawa as a national commissioner representing the north-west geopolitical zone on the national pension commission board.

    But the Senate in October of the same year rejected her nomination over a report from the committee on establishment and public service matters that Musawa failed to provide her NYSC certificate or exemption letter.

    An NYSC certificate or exemption letter is a mandatory requirement for those seeking public offices on the basis of election or appointment.

    When the culture minister appeared before the senate during the ministerial screening, the lawmakers did not ask her any questions regarding her NYSC certificate.

    However, according to the NYSC Act, those who are 30 years and above are exempted from taking part in the mandatory one-year scheme.

    Others who are excluded are those who have served in the armed forces of the federation or the Nigeria police force for a period of more than nine months, or a staff member of the Nigerian security organisation, the state security service, the national intelligence agency, the defence intelligence service or anyone who has been conferred with any national honour.