Motherland Festival to Transform Nigeria’s Tourism Landscape
The Motherland Festival, part of the Motherland 2025 initiative, is a groundbreaking cultural and tourism event designed to position Nigeria as a top global tourist destination. The Federal Government launched it in partnership with Discover Motherland Africa. The festival aligns with the Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of Art, Culture, and Tourism Hannatu Musawa says Motherland Festival, a new initiative, would serve as a platform to connect Nigerians in the diaspora with their homeland and culture.
The minister disclosed this to reporters during a news conference on Monday in Abuja, where plans and programmes for the event were unveiled.
Musawa explained that the festival was part of the ministry’s broader strategy,” Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere”, an initiative designed to amplify the creative industries, strengthen international partnerships, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural footprint.
According to her, while Motherland 2025 ignites immediate engagement, Destination 2030 ensures that Nigeria remains a key player in the global tourism and creative economy for years to come.
She said as part of activities for the project, the ministry would launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition”, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.
The FMACTCE is organising the festival in collaboration with Discover Motherland Africa. It will be held from December 15 to 21 in Lagos and Abuja.
According to Musawa, the festival is conceived for reconnection, investment, and celebration of the nation’s shared heritage by stakeholders, including Nigerians in the diaspora and black people of Nigerian descent.
She said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s vision to position Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and national pride.
Her statement reads, “Motherland 2025 is more than just a moment; it is a catalyst for sustained engagement, forging lasting connections between the diaspora and their homeland, investors and opportunities, and global travellers and Nigeria’s dynamic experiences.
“As part of the long-term components of the project, we are developing Diaspora City—a thriving tourism hub where diaspora members can seamlessly invest, reconnect, and put down roots.
“Nigeria is the largest Black nation in the world, as one in every four persons of African origin is Nigerian. Our cultural and historical significance is undeniable.
“Whether through ancestry, culture, or spirit, we welcome all who seek to rediscover their roots and contribute to the next chapter of our nation’s story.
“Through the Motherland Festival and its Citizenship program, we empower individuals to trace their ancestry, fostering deeper bonds with Nigeria’s rich heritage.
“We will generate investment in Nigeria with a programme that legal frameworks will support to enable diasporans and foreign nationals to obtain citizenships to safeguard their investments in Nigeria.
“To our brothers and sisters worldwide: Nigeria is calling you home. This December, be part of something historic and experience our warmth, culture, and the limitless opportunities that await.
“Together, let us build a future that honours our heritage while driving forward economic and social progress; that is why we say: Home is coming”, she said.
She said as part of activities for the project, the ministry would launch the “See Motherland Through Your Eyes: Photo & Video Competition”, a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity.
Earlier, Mrs Chidinma Nwankwo, Managing Director of Motherland Africa, said the fiesta was a movement that would reconnect the Nigerian diaspora to its roots, unlock investment, cultural pride, and a future filled with opportunity.
“Motherland is more than an event; It is a homecoming, a journey, a commitment.
“This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined tourism vision.
“Over the course of seven unforgettable days, attendees will be immersed in Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress.
She said, “Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. We have designed an experience where everyone can find their place.”
Nwankwo said the festival attractions will include pavilions offering a taste of Nigeria’s food tastings, performances, and tourism showcases from across the country.
She said others include technology pavilions that will spotlight Nigeria’s brightest minds in AI, fintech, and agriculture, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Impact of Motherland Festival on Nigeria’s Tourism Industry
The Motherland Festival is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s tourism industry by attracting tourists worldwide, especially those of African descent. The festival will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through exhibitions, artistic showcases, and the Motherland Ambassador Awards. This will increase tourist arrivals and enhance Nigeria’s image as a vibrant and culturally rich destination.
It also aims to leverage tourism and the creative industry as economic empowerment and cultural preservation tools. By attracting global visitors, the festival will create job opportunities and stimulate local businesses. The development of Diaspora City, a tourism hub designed to facilitate diaspora investment and cultural reconnection, will further contribute to economic growth.
According to the festival’s organisers, the festival will feature various cultural showcases, including exhibitions, performances, and competitions. The “See Motherland Through Your Eyes” competition invites participants to capture and share Nigeria’s landscapes, communities, and traditions through visual storytelling. These showcases will highlight Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape and promote cultural exchange.
The Motherland Festival’s success relies on strong collaboration between government agencies, ministries, and private sector partners. It provides a strategic platform for long-term partnerships that drive economic growth, enhance global cultural exchange, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s soft power influence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Motherland Festival?
Answer: The Motherland Festival is a cultural and tourism event that is part of the Motherland 2025 initiative. It aims to position Nigeria as a top global tourist destination by showcasing its rich cultural heritage and fostering connections between Nigerians in the diaspora and their homeland.
- When and where will the Motherland Festival take place?
Answer: The festival will be held from December 15 to 21 in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria.
- What are the main objectives of the Motherland Festival?
Answer: The main objectives of the Motherland Festival are to boost tourism, create economic empowerment, engage the African diaspora, promote cultural showcases, and foster public-private partnerships to drive Nigeria’s tourism and creative industry.
- How will the festival impact Nigeria’s tourism industry?
Answer: The festival is expected to attract global visitors, increase tourist arrivals, stimulate local businesses, create job opportunities, and enhance Nigeria’s image as a vibrant cultural destination. It will also encourage diaspora investment and cultural reconnection.
