Di British Council don come out to talk say di state visit wey President Bola Tinubu make go United Kingdom go help strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and UK, and e go support di growth of Naija creative industry through better partnership and long-term collaboration.
According to statement wey di Regional Head of Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, Chengetai Mujakachi, release, di British Council say dem dey proud to dey involved for di state visit of President Bola Tinubu to United Kingdom. Di statement read say di visit represent important diplomatic opportunity to make cultural ties better and help creative industries grow, wey both countries don identify as key drivers of economic development.
Di British Council talk say during di state visit, both countries announce two important developments for dia cultural and creative cooperation. Dem say di announcements show joint commitment to long-term partnerships and sustainability for di sector. “These announcements underline a joint commitment to strengthening long-term partnerships, building institutional capability and supporting sustainability,” di statement read.
Di organisation add say di announcements mark shift towards more structured collaboration wey go aim to make Nigeria creative economy stronger through better systems, infrastructure and professional capacity. “Today’s announcements mark a shift towards a more structured collaboration, with both countries recognising the need for stronger systems, improved infrastructure and enhanced professional capability to sustain Nigeria’s growing global creative economy. The shared aim is to deliver practical, long-term value through stronger partnerships and technical cooperation,” di statement talk.
Di British Council also highlight how important creative economy dey to economic growth, employment, innovation and cultural influence for both countries. Dem talk say for UK, creative industries be one of di country highest-growth sectors, wey government dey support through funding, investment incentives, and industrial strategy to boost innovation, skills development, export growth, and international partnerships.
Di statement note say Nigerian government don outline plans to grow im creative economy through policy reforms, skills development and public-private partnerships wey go aim to increase global competitiveness and foreign exchange earnings.
Di statement further explain say di UK/Nigeria bilateral season go support creative systems and partnerships through artistic collaboration, infrastructure development, skills development and international market access. “The season will focus on strengthening creative systems and production infrastructure, including the adoption of emerging technology; supporting skills development and leadership across arts, culture and education sectors; improving access to UK and international markets through structured mobility pathways and industry engagement, and enabling UK and Nigerian creative institutions to form lasting partnerships that continue beyond the Season,” di statement talk.
According to di statement, activities go take place across both countries for 2028 after two years of partner engagement, visiting delegations and programme incubation.
Meanwhile, di UK Arts Minister, Ian Murray, talk say culture get power to unite people and create new opportunities for growth for creative sector. “Culture has an amazing power to bring people together. When we work together, we open our eyes to new creative possibilities and build opportunities to grow our creative sectors,” Murray talk. “With the UK being home to the largest Nigerian diaspora in Europe, we’re perfectly placed to make the most of these opportunities. So many of our brightest stars have shared heritage across Nigeria and Britain, and I look forward to these cultural bonds only growing stronger through the joint Season of Culture in 2028,” e add.
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