President Bola Tinubu announces the “Motherland Festival” for Dec 15-21 in Lagos and Abuja, aiming to unite Nigerians and the diaspora, attract investment, and boost tourism and cultural ties

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to host the Motherland Festival, a major initiative designed to foster unity among Nigerians across the continent and in the diaspora.

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The announcement came in a statement personally signed by the President on Thursday, marking the second anniversary of his administration.

In his address, President Tinubu stated: “In the spirit of democracy and national renewal, we are preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria soon for the Motherland Festival. This landmark gathering will spotlight our rich heritage, dynamic creative industries, and the vibrant energy of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s beauty through tourism, culture, and innovation, inviting the world to rediscover our nation.”

The President underscored the crucial role of the Nigerian diaspora in the nation’s transformation, highlighting their expertise, investment, and global perspective as key to shaping Nigeria’s future.

He noted that the government has introduced policies such as the diaspora bond and the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) to facilitate investment and engagement from Nigerians abroad.

“The Motherland Festival will bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire, and lead,” President Tinubu concluded.

According to Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE), the Motherland Festival is a new initiative serving as a crucial platform to connect Nigerians in the diaspora with their homeland and culture.

During a news conference in Abuja to unveil plans for the event, Musawa explained that the festival is part of the ministry’s broader strategy, “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere,” an initiative designed to amplify the creative industries, strengthen international partnerships, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.

While Motherland 2025 aims for immediate engagement, Destination 2030 ensures Nigeria’s long-term presence in the global tourism and creative economy.

As part of the project activities, the ministry will launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition,” a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.

The festival is being organized by the FMACTCE in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa and is scheduled to hold from December 15 to 21 in Lagos and Abuja.

The Motherland Festival will bring together voices from across the continent and the diaspora in a decisive moment of unity and purpose, affirming that Nigeria is not only a leader in Africa but a committed global partner ready to engage, inspire, and lead.

It is conceived as an event for reconnection, investment, and a celebration of the nation’s shared heritage by stakeholders, including Nigerians in the diaspora and black people of Nigerian descent.

Musawa reiterated that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s vision to position Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and national pride.

“Motherland 2025 is more than just a moment in time, It is a catalyst for sustained engagement, forging lasting connections between the diaspora and their homeland, investors and opportunities, and global travelers and Nigeria’s dynamic experiences,” she stated.

As a long-term component of the project, the ministry is developing “Diaspora City,” envisioned as a thriving tourism hub where diaspora members can seamlessly invest, reconnect, and establish roots.

Musawa emphasized Nigeria’s undeniable cultural and historical significance as the largest Black nation, welcoming all who seek to rediscover their roots and contribute to the nation’s story.

The festival and its “Citizenship program” aim to empower individuals to trace their ancestry and will generate investment supported by legal frameworks to enable diasporans and foreign nationals to obtain citizenships, safeguarding their investments.

Earlier, Mrs. Chidinma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Motherland Africa, described the festival as a movement to reconnect the Nigerian diaspora to their roots, unlock investment, foster cultural pride, and create a future brimming with opportunity.

“Motherland is more than an event, It is a homecoming, It is a journey, It is a commitment,” Nwankwo said, inviting the global diaspora to experience Nigeria “like never before” this December.

She promised attendees a seven-day immersion into Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress, designing an experience where everyone can find their place, regardless of their connection to Nigeria.