By Emmanuel Elebeke

As part of activation of its Destination 2030 initiative, the Federal government in collaboration  with Discover Motherland Africa, yesterday, unveiled the Motherland 2025 Initiative.

The initiative is aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a premier global destination where tourism drives economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and national pride.

Unveiling the platform, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa described the launch as a groundbreaking initiative that will position Nigeria as a hub for African culture, investment, and tourism. 

The Minister, described the Motherland said the Motherland 2025 project should be seen as a transformative initiative that aligns with the Federal Ministry’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy, leveraging Nigeria’s rich heritage, economy, and tourism potential to drive global engagement.

“Motherland 2025 is more than a festivalit’s a homecoming. A movement inviting our global brothers and sisters to reconnect with their heritage while contributing to Nigeria’s economic and cultural renaissance. This initiative cements Nigeria’s role as a powerhouse of Black and African identity, commerce, and innovation.

“This is a call to the Diaspora and beyond. Motherland 2025 is an opportunity to shape Nigeria’s future. From investors and policymakers to cultural leaders and travelers, this initiative invites global stakeholders to experience and invest in Nigeria’s resurgence as a cultural and economic powerhouse.”

Musawa used the occasion to invite participants to the ‘See Motherland Through Your Eyes’ Competition, where they are expected to showcase Nigeria’s landscapes, communities, and traditions through visual storytelling. 

“This competition invites participants to capture and share Nigeria’s vibrancy, showcasing the beauty, resilience, and spirit of the Motherland. To mark the beginning of this journey, we are launching the See Motherland Through Your Eyes Photo and Video Competition  a celebration of Nigeria’s rich and diverse identity. From the Kelangu drumbeats of the North to the bata rhythms of the Southwest and the echoing Ogene of the East, our culture moves like a dance, alive in every moment”. 

The administer, who underscored the importance of collaboration, however, called on government agencies, ministries, state governments and private sector to join hands  in showcasing Nigeria to the world.

“The success of Motherland 2025 relies on strong collaboration across government agencies, ministries, and private sector partners. We invite policymakers, cultural institutions, investors, and development organizations to join forces in shaping Nigeria’s tourism, creative economy, and investment landscape. This initiative provides a strategic platform for long-term partnerships aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing global cultural exchange, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s soft power influence,” Musawa stated. 

Earlier in her remarks, the Managing Director of Discover Motherland Africa, Chidimma Nwankwi, said the unveiling of the initiative marked the beginning of a transformative movement which  not only open Nigeria to the world, but reconnects the Nigerian diaspora to their roots and also unlocks investment, cultural pride, and a future filled with opportunity.

“Motherland is a homecoming. It is a journey. It is a commitment. This December, we invite the global diaspora to experience Nigeria like never before—not as visitors, but as participants in a redefined vision of tourism. Over the course of seven unforgettable days, attendees will be immersed in Nigeria’s rich traditions, vibrant history, and dynamic progress. Whether you are part of the diaspora, a first-generation Nigerian, or someone who has never set foot in Nigeria, this is your invitation. Not just to visit, but to engage, to contribute, and to become part of something bigger”. 

The Motherland 2025 initiative is characterised  by several features:  the Motherland Expo and Festival, which offers an immersive platform for cultural exchange, business engagement, and entertainment. The festival will feature State Pavilions and Business Exhibitions, showcasing the cultural heritage, economic opportunities, and investment potential of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. 

The event will culminate in a spectacular Closing Concert, uniting attendees with top Nigerian and international artists in a vibrant celebration of music and culture.

The initiative  also comprised of the Motherland Travel Hub, a centralized platform simplifying travel logistics; the Citizenship by Investment Program, which allows diasporans and foreign investors to invest in national development; Diaspora City, a streamlined pathway for diasporans to establish themselves in Nigeria; and the Motherland Ambassador Awards, honoring diaspora leaders making significant contributions in various fields.