Abuja: The Commandant of the Namibian Command and Staff College, Brigadier-General Benhard Erastus, has commended Nigeria’s creative sector, describing it as a model for other African nations. Erastus made these remarks during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Erastus led a delegation of students from the college on a study tour to Nigeria as part of their familiarization itinerary. He noted that Nigeria’s booming arts, culture, and creative industries, with a vast array of artists and creative works, represent the continent on the global stage. The visit to the ministry aimed to gain first-hand information on the sector’s workings in Nigeria and explore potential areas of collaboration.
Erastus emphasized that Nigeria is a significant player in the global market due to its rich industry, appreciating the pioneers and founding fathers for their foresightedness. He remarked on Nigeria’s rich culture, its preservation, and its exportation of cultural knowledge worldwide. This exposure is important for military personnel, explaining the visit to the ministry for insight into Nigeria’s creative sector.
He further highlighted that Nigeria has acted as a “big brother” to Namibia, recalling the solidarity and sacrifices made by Nigerians for the Namibian and South African people in the past. Erastus acknowledged that no other African country has represented and showcased Africa’s heritage on the world stage like Nigeria.
Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director Overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary of the FMACTCE, expressed readiness to share experiences and deepen mutual understanding with stakeholders. She acknowledged the historical ties between Nigeria and Namibia, noting Nigeria’s active role during Africa’s liberation struggles.
Akudo-Nwosu welcomed the Namibian delegation, highlighting the visit’s purpose of providing expository knowledge on the ministry’s operations. She described the ministry as a fortified entity composed of three giant non-oil sectors aimed at delivering economic transformative policies under Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She further recalled Nigeria’s support for Namibia’s independence in 1990 and its contributions to the UN Trust Fund for South Africa and Namibia during the liberation movement. The bilateral ties between the countries are strengthened through cultural and tourism exchanges.
The meeting featured an interactive session with a PowerPoint presentation on the ministry’s operations. The event’s high point was the presentation of gifts to the visitors on behalf of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.