Culture can transform into economic power – Gov Mbah

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on Nigerians to transform the country’s cultural wealth into economic power that would create millions of jobs and drive sustainable growth. Declaring open a three-day Culture and Creative Economy Summit at the Landmark Nike Resort, Enugu, on Tuesday, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary […]

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on Nigerians to transform the country’s cultural wealth into economic power that would create millions of jobs and drive sustainable growth.

Declaring open a three-day Culture and Creative Economy Summit at the Landmark Nike Resort, Enugu, on Tuesday, the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the creative economy must be seen as central to Nigeria’s future.

“Enugu State is proud to stand with the Federal Government in this vision. We are ready to provide platforms, infrastructure, and partnerships that will unlock the real potential of Nigeria’s creative sector, from Nollywood to Afrobeat, from heritage to tourism, and to digital innovation. The message is clear that the creative economy is not just entertainment; it is Nigeria’s blue economy,” Mbah said.

He reminded participants that his administration had set a target of growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2030, stressing that every sector must contribute to achieving the vision.

He urged the private sector, cultural custodians, and young people to “create the legacy of a Nigeria where our culture is celebrated, our creativity rewarded, and our economy transformed.”

Governor Mbah further announced that Enugu would host the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in November 2025, assuring that the state had already invested in the infrastructure needed for a successful outing.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Lyndsay Duthie of the University of Creative Arts, United Kingdom, said that creating wealth through culture requires collaboration, innovation, and technology.

“Culture and creativity equal economic power,” she said, adding that Nigeria has one of the strongest opportunities to build a competitive creative economy if government policies, infrastructure, and incentives are aligned.