Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, has called for Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s support in developing strategies for promoting and preserving literary arts in the country.

A statement by the minister’s spokeswoman, Nneka Anibeze, stated that Ms Musawa made the call during a courtesy visit to Soyinka.

The minister said the sector needed to tap into the literary icon’s wealth of experience in promoting the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

“It is an honour to share my vision for the development of the arts, culture, and creative economy with the Nobel Laureate,” said the minister. “The purpose of this visit is to invite you to share your invaluable experience with us, including insights, guidance, and advice on how to add to the development of literary arts in the country.

According to Ms Musawa, Nigeria boasts great writers like Mr Soyinka, the late Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, Okey Ndibe, and many others.

The minister also discussed initiatives to encourage the younger generation to embrace and celebrate their cultural identity, artistic and creative development, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the creative economy.

She said the initiative of cultural diplomacy, utilising arts and culture as tools for international diplomacy, and promoting the nation’s cultural diversity on the global stage would also be considered.

Mr Soyinka expressed delight in the visit and described his interest in culture and literary arts as comparative. He called for a conscious effort to preserve the culture and tradition of the Nigerian people.

“Culture is interrelated and inter-connected with different other cultures, so culture is universal. Nigerians are faced with diverse issues due to the neglect of heritages and monuments.

“We need to promote indigenous languages and cultures to preserve morals and values across the country. The performing artiste is at a disadvantage, as his resources are limited,” he explained.

Mr Soyinka added, “All an actor can do is join forces. Nigeria boasts of writers, musicians, painters, sculptors and artists who believe in opening up certain horizons for human striving.

“I am an artist and a producer, a creative person and I like to go into galleries, to listen to music and to read books.

“The arts are the material expression of the people’s essence, of their spirituality, and of their dignity. Return the spirituality to Africa by returning all the looted works.” 

(NAN)