The Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, has emphasized the critical and urgent need for the digitisation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Speaking at the International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo 2025 Investment Roundtable in Abuja, the Commissioner argued that this step is vital to secure the country’s relevance in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem and drive economic development.
Fagbayi stated that using digital platforms to showcase cultural festivals and activities is already economically and significantly aiding the nation’s creativity.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s cultural and historical assets are essential resources for AI development and for the overall growth of the creative economy.
He then encouraged all states of the federation to immediately key into the digitalized initiatives suggested by the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Obi Asika, to effectively promote cultural activities for economic growth.
The Commissioner highlighted Ogun State’s success, explaining that digital innovation surrounding Olumo Rock has already attracted more tourists and increased state revenue.
Fagbayi stressed the imperative for states, organizations, and individuals to collaboratively work together to achieve the desired impact, emphasizing that such partnership is essential to reposition Tourism and Culture as a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He further underscored the critical importance of youth engagement in the Arts, Culture, and creative industries, describing them as the significant driving force necessary for achieving digital transformation.
Empowering young people with digital skills, he noted, will not only boost creativity and job creation but also contribute substantially to both state and national economies.
Fagbayi also commended the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his continuous support of the Ministry’s participation in the Expo, which he said has tremendously improved the state’s Culture and Tourism sector.
Earlier in the event, Director-General of the NCAC, Obi Asika, urged stakeholders in the sector to intensify efforts in projecting Nigeria’s stories through digital platforms to bring the world closer to the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Asika suggested that digital storytelling holds the immense potential to generate revenue comparable to earnings from the oil sector.
