Abuja:The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to establish a soft power diplomacy model leveraging music, entertainment, tourism, and cultural elements. This initiative aims to make the ministry’s policies more impactful on the lives of Nigerians both at home and abroad.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a courtesy visit from the leadership of the Ileya Omo Okun Generational Foundation (IOOGF). Enikanolaiye emphasized that culture is increasingly becoming a critical component of diplomacy through soft power, which seeks to influence others through cultural appeal rather than force.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural assets, including music, food, traditional attire, history, and the creative industry, as areas with significant potential for international promotion. He noted the creative industry is largely driven by industrious Nigerians who currently receive minimal government support. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, there is a commitment to reposition this sector.
Preparations are underway for CANTEX, an upcoming cultural festival in Lagos, and Enikanolaiye encouraged participation in this initiative. He also addressed the challenges faced by the creative industry, including piracy and the need for intellectual property protection, advocating for the rights of creative professionals to benefit from their work.
During the visit, Mr. Richard Akese, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Ileya Omo Okun Festival 2026, outlined the festival’s features, which include various cultural recognitions and competitions. The festival aims to celebrate and promote Okun culture, with its convener, Yeye Omoleye Aiyelabowo, expressing her vision of establishing Okun identity as a global brand.