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The Nigerian Government has unveiled plans to enhance cultural diplomacy and boost the economy through a new Global Cultural Digital Platform (GCDP). This initiative, aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale, has received approval from the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
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The digital platform, named ‘Dudu Plugs,’ is a key project of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO). It is designed to increase international exposure to Nigeria’s cultural assets and bolster the nation’s creative economy, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
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NICO has partnered with the American-based ACI Technologies to develop the platform, which will showcase Nigeria’s diverse culture through the internet and social media. Dudu Plugs will feature content on Nigerian dress culture, films, music, indigenous languages, dance, and cuisine, aiming to attract 100-200 million daily visitors.
Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary and CEO of NICO, highlighted the platform’s potential impact. “The Nigerian culture, especially Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo, has over 700 to 800 million enthusiasts globally. Tapping into this market could significantly boost the Nigerian economy,” Ajiboye stated.
Platform could add $20b to Nigeria’s GDP
Research suggests that the platform could generate close to $20 billion annually for Nigeria’s GDP.
Ajiboye emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy and the economic benefits of globally promoting Nigerian culture. “Currently, Nigeria is lagging in cultural diplomacy, but this innovation can enhance our cultural identity and generate substantial economic resources.”
To prepare for the platform’s launch, NICO is organizing an international conference, “Pennsylvania 2025,” which will gather experts from Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and other countries. This precursor event aims to foster international cooperation and ensure the platform’s success.
Ajiboye also noted that the platform would benefit Nigerian children in the diaspora by providing access to learning indigenous languages and understanding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“The renewed hope agenda aims to use culture as a tool to revolutionize the economy and enhance international diplomacy, creating a platform for global accessibility and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
