Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Thursday, joined his colleagues at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting held at the NGF Secretariat, Abuja, under the leadership of the Forum’s Chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
The session began with a solemn moment as members observed a minute of silence in honour of Pa Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, late father of the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo. Governor Alia, on behalf of the Government and people of Benue State, extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Ododo, his family, and the people of Kogi State, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed.
At the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy presented a comprehensive Strategic Roadmap aimed at positioning Nigeria’s creative and tourism industries as major contributors to national growth. The plan targets a $100 billion GDP contribution by 2030, alongside the creation of more than three million jobs.
The initiative includes the establishment of a $200 million Creative Economy Development Fund and a $1 billion Creative & Tourism Infrastructure Corporation, as well as flagship projects such as the Lagos Arena, Abuja Creative City, and Renewed Hope Cultural Villages. The reforms also focus on strengthening intellectual property rights, expanding tourism, and elevating Nigeria’s cultural presence on the global stage.
Governors at the meeting unanimously endorsed the far-reaching reforms, pledging support through the creation of State Creative Economy Desks, collaboration on festivals, and adoption of the Naija Season platform to showcase local talents.
Governor Alia, highlighting Benue’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant music, art, and tourism potential, assured that the state would tap into these opportunities to empower its people. He emphasized that the creative economy has the potential to generate jobs, engage young people meaningfully, and foster national unity.
