James Sule, the new permanent secretary of the federal ministry of art, culture and creative economy, has solicited the cooperation and support of members of staff to achieve the ministry’s mandate.

Mr Sule made the appeal on Wednesday when he assumed office at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The new permanent secretary was formally received by the minister of art, culture and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa.

Mr Sule was redeployed from the ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation to take charge of the ministry.

He thanked the minister for her warm reception and extolled her efforts towards putting Nigeria on the world map of art, culture and entertainment.

“I know that you have hit the ground running with the blueprint that will make Nigeria a creative, cultural and entertainment capital and hub of the world.

“I am aware of the efforts you are making, including your Eight-Point Agenda tagged ‘Destination 2030’, and I have watched your video and I am impressed.

“I want to assure you that we are ready to make ourselves available to the political head in accordance with the civil service.

“I promise to provide the necessary support needed towards the realisation of the mandate of this ministry,” he said.

Welcoming the ministry’s scribe, the minister said the ministry was created on August 21, 2023, to provide an enabling environment to develop and harness potentials that abound in Nigeria’s art, culture and creative sectors.

“I warmly welcome you to the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.

“The Ministry is saddled with the responsibility of providing overall political leadership and guidance for the attainment of goals and objectives of the ministry.

“We also provide oversight in the formulation and implementation of policies necessary for the realisation of mandates of the ministry and also provide oversight for various arts and culture-related programmes and activities.

“We are happy to have you as permanent secretary to help steer the administration of this ministry according to the civil service rules. We are grateful that you are in a position to advise us accordingly,” she said.

The federal ministry of art, culture and creative economy has 11 agencies under it, which include the National Council of Arts and Culture, the Nigerian Film Corporation, and the National Theatre.

Others are the National Films and Censors Board, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture, the National Gallery of Art, the National War Museum and National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies, the National Troupe of Nigeria, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

(NAN)