The quest to get Minna designated as a UNESCO City of Literature got a boost yesterday as the Goernor submitted a letter seeking the endorsement of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM). Mr Governor’s letter was received on behalf of the Secretary General of the Commission by Mr Ojo M. Oluwafemi, together with the Head of Culture, Mr Peter Omale, Mrs Queen Onwughalu, and the Head of Education, Mr Kennedy Ejike, amongst others.
The Niger State delegation included Dr. Murtala Bagana, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties; Alh. Bala Abdullahi Kwatu, Initiator and sponsor of HIASFEST; Mr. Makama Shekwoaga (a Trustee of HCAF); Amb. Lawrence (member, Minna City of Literature Committee); Mr Abel Onaforume (Photographer); Ms Soluchi Irene Udo (HCAF NYSC); and Ms Happy Yohana (HCAF NYSC).
Dr. Bagana, the Special Adviser to the Governor, spoke on Minna’s bid two years ago and observed that there were issues he hoped would be resolved this time around. He said the Niger State Government was committed to the Minna UCCN project. He stated that Minna is indispensable in the story of African literature and deserves a befitting throne as a leader of literary productions on the continent. Stating further that, the UNESCO designation matches the current approach of Gov. Bago to lift Niget State above its peers in Nigeria.
Mr Makama spoke on the growth of Literature in Niger State where Minna city is the epicentre, and the HCAF’s continued efforts towards promoting Teen Arts in Niger State and across Nigeria through various art events and festivals; Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival, ( HIASFEST), The Minna Photography Contest, our MAAR Residency, various online journals and literary contests, etc.
Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu, an arts Goodwill Ambassador, promoter, and great sponsor, spoke on HIASFEST, the largest teen arts festival in Africa, its philosophies and strive towards discovering talented young artists which has led to the publication of over 50 books in Prose and Poetry. He urged the NATCOM officials to let us know where Niger got it wrong the last time and what needs to be done, going forward. He pledged his full support towards ensuring Minna gets designated as a City of Literature this time around.
In their response after receiving Gov. Bago’s letter, NATCOM officials stated the need for more urgent engagements between the Niger State Government, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and NATCOM towards the bid. To demonstrate the Federal Ministry’s willingness to support Niger, it wrote to the state government in December 2024 in technical support after receiving a letter from Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation for the 2025 bid. “A quick response will help to see that the deadline for submission of application is 3rd March 2025. They further called for more visibility and networking between Niger State and HCAF to the various UNESCO programmes in Nigeria.
