President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s creative economy as a pivotal driver of economic diversification and global influence.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival, Tinubu emphasised the sector’s growing contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP and its role in showcasing the nation’s cultural richness.
“We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians—a people of culture, art, colour, and shared values,” the President said at Eagle Square, Abuja, during the event-themed “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country.”

Tinubu highlighted the carnival as a platform for cultural diplomacy and economic empowerment, adding, “Over the years, this carnival has revitalized local industries, fostered cultural exchange, and solidified Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage.”
The event featured performances from across Nigeria and beyond, reinforcing the administration’s vision of leveraging culture as a unifying force.
Tinubu also urged international participants to view the carnival as a bridge for fostering understanding and shared humanity.
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The President commended the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration, for their roles in organizing the event, describing the carnival as a celebration of Nigeria’s diversity and resilience.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by Oraelumo Obi Raphael, hailed the carnival as a unique platform for artistic expression, innovation, and national unity.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Director of Social Welfare in the FCTA, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the event underscores the nation’s resilience and collective hope for a brighter future.