Successfully hosted the 32nd National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2019), the highest participation ever, attracting 30 states and over 395,000 delegates. This prestigious event generated an estimated N3 billion in revenue for Edo State.
Empowered over 2,000 youths by providing them with valuable vocational skills training and certificates, enhancing their employability.
Revitalized historical tourism assets such as the Captain Philip Grave and Oba Ovoranmwen Rest Place through renovations. These efforts attracted educational tours from universities like Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Ilorin, Kwara State (2018-2019).
Celebrated World Culture Day annually from 2017 to 2019, fostering a sense of cultural pride. Local Government Areas actively participated with their cultural troupes, promoting and preserving Edo’s rich cultural heritage.
Collaborated with organizers of prominent festivals like the Ososo Festival and Igarra-Aba Drum Festival (2017), showcasing vibrant cultural expressions and attracting a surge in tourist activity.
Welcomed a delegation of African-American tourists (2019) seeking to reconnect with their ancestral roots in Edo State. This visit not only fostered cultural exchange but also expanded the state’s tourism network.
Facilitated productive meetings with the American and German Ambassadors to Nigeria (2017-2018). These dialogues aimed to create a more supportive environment for Edo indigenes residing abroad.
Diaspora Engagement
Held stakeholder meetings with Edo communities across Europe and North America (2017-2018). These discussions focused on promoting Edo State’s unique cultural heritage and its favorable investment climate, fostering stronger ties with the diaspora.
Participated in Town Hall meetings held in Germany (2018), advocating for the repatriation of Edo artifacts currently located in museums and collections around the world. Edo State believes these artifacts hold immense cultural significance and their return would enrich the state’s cultural landscape.
Celebrated World Mother Language Day for the first time in 2019 with the theme “Indigenous Language: Matter for Development, Peace Building and Reconciliation.” This event aimed to preserve and promote Edo indigenous languages, ensuring their continued use for future generations. It was well-attended by Palace Chiefs, relevant stakeholders, teachers, and students from across the state’s three senatorial zones. Students contributed to the event’s vibrancy with recitations, indigenous games, dramas, newscasting, riddles, jokes, storytelling, poems, and counting in Edo local languages.
Staff Development & Capacity Building
Conducted in-house training, promotions, and transfers for eligible staff (2018-2020). These initiatives significantly boosted staff morale, job satisfaction, proficiency, productivity, and overall capacity, leading to a more effective Ministry.
Led a delegation of top government functionaries to the 2nd Blue Cube International Arts Festival in Hangzhou, China (October 2019). This participation served to promote Edo State’s cultural and tourism attractions on a global stage and further strengthen the ties between Edo State and the Chinese diaspora.
Revived the Edo State Festival of Arts and Culture (EDOFEST) in 2017 and 2018, a significant cultural event. This five-day festival featured seminars, a carnival/road show, music, an award night, film premieres, and exhibitions. Notably, the event provided an excellent platform for all Local Government Areas in the state to showcase their cultural and tourism potential to a wider audience.
Rebranded the Edo Cultural Troupe to enhance professional performance standards, leading to increased revenue generation and more impactful cultural promotion efforts.
Established Culture Clubs in secondary schools across the state (February 2018). These clubs play a crucial role in ensuring the timely transmission of the state’s cultural heritage to future generations. Over 500 students and 70 schools from all three Senatorial Districts of the state were represented at the inauguration ceremony.
Appointed Cultural Ambassadors in strategic countries including Germany, Canada, the United States of America, and the UK, along with several European and American nations. These ambassadors serve as representatives, promoting and advocating for the rich cultural heritage of Edo State on a global scale.
Strengthened the Ministry’s workforce and productivity by strategically absorbing over 35 staff members from the Edo State Information Communication and Technology Agency (IC
Additional Initiatives
Unearthing a Natural Wonder: A collaborative effort between the Ministry and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources led to the discovery of the Okokpon/Obaretin Hot Water Spring in Ovia South West Local Government.
Established Creative and Innovative Hubs to support job creation, film production, and skill acquisition in Edo State.
Led an investment delegation to the UK and Canada (2018), attracting significant interest from foreign investors.
