NICO and ACI Entertainment Unveil DuduPlugs to Promote Nigeria’s Cultural Legacy
As reported by ThisDay newspaper, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), in conjunction with ACITeksystem, a subsidiary of ACI Entertainment, has announced the unveiling of DuduPlugs—a revolutionary digital platform designed to preserve and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and showcase its people’s inventiveness on the international stage.
Global Rollout of DuduPlugs Scheduled for 2025
Photo Source: THISDAYLIVE.
The platform’s architects made the statement at the pre-launch ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja. They also mentioned that preparations were being made for the platform’s global rollout, slated to take place in 2025.
Wale Adeniyi Highlights DuduPlugs’ Role in Promoting Nigerian Culture
Wale Adeniyi, CEO of ACI Entertainment and founder of DuduPlugs, emphasised the platform’s distinctive role in an increasingly interconnected society.
He explained that DuduPlugs is a dynamic social media and digital repository, enabling users to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s vibrant culture through nine plugs. These plugs include:
- Music
- Fashion
- Art
- Film
- Food
- Dance
- Green/artistic building
- Technology
- Language and Literature
He said the platform would advance cultural diplomacy and stimulate Nigeria’s creative economy, establishing the nation as a global frontrunner in cultural innovation.
DuduPlugs: A Global Community for Cultural Exploration
DuduPlugs is more than just a platform; it is a beacon for cultural heritage and a bridge connecting Nigeria to the rest of the world and vice versa. We aim to establish a global community where users can discuss, explore, and appreciate Nigeria’s vibrant culture.
He continued, “DuduPlugs allows users to become cultural curators and influencers by utilising cutting-edge technology.” Through its support for crowdsourcing and virtual exhibitions, the site contributes to preserving Nigeria’s cultural stories for future generations.
Fola Ogunsaikan on the Economic Impact of DuduPlugs
In his presentation, Fola Ogunsaikan, the Tech Leader of DuduPlugs, highlighted the platform’s potential for social and economic impact. He mentioned that the onboarding of a large number of users could significantly increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP). He also stated, “DuduPlugs is the perfect vehicle towards ensuring that foreign income comes into the country.”
DuduPlugs’ AI-Powered Cultural Experiences
Photo Source: Vanguard News.
Another prominent figure in the field of technology, Banji Oyewumi, praised DuduPlugs as cutting-edge technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate the creation of personalised cultural experiences—eliminating language barriers and providing GPS-enabled virtual tourism of famous Nigerian locations.
NICO’s Commitment to Promoting Nigerian Culture
Earlier, in his welcome address, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NICO, emphasised the alignment of DuduPlugs with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He also pledged his commitment to ensuring that the nation’s culture and creative industries contribute meaningfully to the national income and to establishing a stand-alone Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.
As an additional point of interest, he stated, “DuduPlugs is a revolutionary step in elevating Nigeria’s global cultural presence.” This platform enhances cultural diplomacy and opens up new economic potential by showcasing our heritage to the rest of the world.
DuduPlugs to Foster International Collaborations
This seamless mix of social connectivity promotes and conserves Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy to pass it down to new generations.
“It will attract global acceptance and accessibility; it will attract earnings in foreign exchange; and it will evoke an appreciation of the culture of Nigeria, which will ultimately strengthen the economy of Nigeria and its image in the international community.”
“It will serve as an educational resource that is easily accessible, and it will foster collaborations between cultural organisations, government agencies, and individuals to create a platform that is more sustainable for the preservation of cultural heritage and the exchange of information.”
Ajiboye’s projections indicated that by 2030, DuduPlugs will have attracted more than one hundred million users worldwide, substantially contributing to cultural tourism, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of Nigeria’s unique customs.
Foluke Michael on DuduPlugs’ Role in Job Creation
Foluke Michael, the Project Management Executive for DuduPlugs, stated in her presentation that the platform, once released, will act as an instrument for cultural diplomacy for Nigeria and create jobs for the country’s teeming youngsters. As a result, she appealed for support and partnerships from the government at all levels.
She said, “This project is driven by passionate Nigerians from the United States of America as well as by some talents that have made it around the world.” My goal is to ensure that the entire globe is aware that we are not only a reflection of what they read in the media but that there is something admirable about our country.
We wish to create employment opportunities, assist young people and children, and rebrand our culture. Our goal is to become the Chinese of the globe so that our cuisine will be coveted not just within Nigeria’s borders but everywhere else.
At the pre-launch event, key government functionaries, representatives of various federal agencies, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) offered goodwill messages about the organisation.
Furthermore, the ministries of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy and the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development communicate their expressions of goodwill through their respective deputies.
Nigeria-Pennsylvania Cultural Festival: A Step Toward Global Expansion
According to NICO and ACI Entertainment, the Nigeria-Pennsylvania Cultural Festival will take place in the United States of America in 2025. This is part of DuduPlugs’ global expansion, which includes other countries.
In addition, they stated that “the landmark event will gather international stakeholders, artists, influencers, and cultural ambassadors to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural impact on the global stage, therefore solidifying its role in cultural diplomacy.” They stated that the Nigeria-Pennsylvania cultural fiesta would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s music, fashion, film, food, and other cultural assets to the world.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates on DuduPlugs and other groundbreaking cultural initiatives by diving into our news category — your gateway to the vibrant stories shaping Nigeria’s heritage!