Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has called for deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable growth in the country’s art industry. Speaking at the International Art Fair held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lagos, Musawa praised the diverse artistic expressions on display, ranging from paintings and photography to sculptures.
Musawa expressed her appreciation for the Plus 234 Art Fair, organized by Soto Gallery in partnership with Ecobank, describing it as a celebration of Nigeria’s rich artistic talent. She toured the exhibition with Tola Akerele, Director General of the Wole Soyinka Theatre, and emphasized the transformative power of storytelling in art, noting its ability to shape narratives and inspire change.
She underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering innovation, expanding market opportunities, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global creative economy. Acknowledging the contributions of Ecobank Nigeria, the Africa Finance Corporation, Soto Gallery, and other sponsors, she commended their efforts in providing emerging artists with a platform to showcase their talent.
“This event beautifully reflects the richness of Nigeria’s emerging talent and creative ideology. It serves as a bridge to the future, drawing inspiration from our artistic heritage,” Musawa said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the creative sector, she assured attendees of continued support to ensure young artists receive the exposure and opportunities needed to contribute to national economic growth. She noted that her presence at the fair’s second edition was a testament to the administration’s dedication to positioning Nigeria’s creative industry on the global stage.
The Plus 234 Art Fair, hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, remains a significant platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work and engage with key stakeholders in the art
