FG Calls for Leveraging Culture to Enhance Nigeria’s Global Image

Nigeria should leverage its cultural assets to enhance its global reputation, stimulate economic growth, and attract foreign investment.

This was the call made by Olateju Philips, Chairman of LASACO Assurance Plc, during her keynote address at the inaugural Cultural Diplomacy Conference in Lagos. The event brought together traditional rulers, policymakers, senior government officials, business leaders, cultural practitioners, development partners, academics, and university students from across the country.

Philips described culture as “reputation capital” that reduces investor risk, attracts tourism, and builds diplomatic trust. She emphasised that Nigeria’s music, film, fashion, and art sectors are more than entertainment—they serve as strategic ambassadors capable of projecting national creativity, standards, and economic opportunities to the world.

She called for stronger national institutions, greater investment in cultural infrastructure, and robust protection of intellectual property, warning that Africa risks losing billions annually due to piracy and weak regulatory frameworks. Philips also noted that cultural diplomacy extends beyond soft power, advocating for collaboration between government, private sector players, and cultural stakeholders to unlock the full economic potential of the creative industries.

Zainab Mohammed, convener of the conference, said the initiative aims to elevate Africa’s cultural voice on the global stage while developing a new generation of cultural diplomats. She revealed that selected students from participating universities would benefit from mentorship programmes, international exposure, and capacity-building workshops to help them tell African stories, shape global narratives, and represent the continent with professionalism and confidence.

Dr Ebiekure Eradiri, President of the All-African Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, represented by Dr Anire Okogun, highlighted that Africa’s SMEs are the backbone of cultural trade, with entrepreneurs practising cultural diplomacy through cross-border commerce, innovation, fashion exports, digital content, and creative services.

The Royal Father of the Day, Emperor J.D. Nkpe II, Paramount Ruler of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State, stressed the ongoing relevance of traditional institutions in modern diplomacy. He noted that traditional rulers remain key custodians of African heritage, preserving values, mediating conflicts, and promoting unity in rapidly changing societies.

Other notable attendees included Sinatu Ojikutu, Nigeria’s first elected female Deputy Governor, who urged political leaders to integrate cultural awareness into governance. Speakers such as Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in bridging nations, while Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, founder of the Nigeria Network of NGOs, discussed the impact of civil society in shaping cultural narratives.

Mrs Yekeene-Ajani, President of Women in Fashion Tech, encouraged young people to view culture as a tool for entrepreneurship, innovation, and global relevance.

The conference underscored the importance of culture as both an economic driver and a strategic asset for positioning Nigeria and Africa on the world stage.