NCC, NICO Partner To Maximise Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage By Leveraging Telecoms Platforms
By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, North
In a practical demonstration to situate the criticality of cultural diplomacy and economic benefits of globally promoting Nigerian culture export, telecommunications sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) recently discussed the possibility of leveraging telecommunications platforms to maximise the inherent potential in the industry.
Cyber Era NG learnt of the foregoing development, following a heads-up from an NCC blog note in which the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida recently welcomed a delegation from the NICO, led by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the agency, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye. Otunba Ajiboye, is a publisher and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Advertising.
The Commission stated: “The meeting provided a platform for both leaders and their teams to discuss leveraging telecommunications channels as a means to showcase and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.”
On May 2024, the Nigerian Government had unveiled plans to enhance cultural diplomacy and boost the country’s economy through a new Global Cultural Digital Platform (GCDP). This initiative, Cyber Era NG understands, is aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale, and has the buy-in of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The digital platform nick-named ‘Dudu Plugs’, a key project of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, was designed to facilitate Nigeria’s international exposure of Nigeria’s cultural assets and advance creative economy pursuant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Cyber Era NG further learns that NICO has partnered with the America-based ACI Technologies to develop the platform that would showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultures through the Internet and social media.
Dudu Plugs will feature content on Nigerian dress culture, films, music, indigenous languages, dance, and cuisine … with the aim of baiting 100-200 million daily visitors, stated the blog report .
Shedding light on the potential impact of the platform, Otunba Ajiboye was quoted to have said: “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.”
A report also noted research has suggested the digital platform could generate about US$20 billion annually for Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
On the significance of cultural diplomacy and the economic benefits of globally promoting Nigerian culture, Ajiboye stated: “Currently, Nigeria is lagging in cultural diplomacy, but this innovation can enhance our cultural identity and generate substantial economic resources.”
As part of preparations for the launch of Dudu Plugs, NICO is organising an international conference tagged, “Pennsylvania 2025”, which will gather experts from Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, among other countries.
The Institute disclosed that “Pennsylvania 2025”, aims to foster international cooperation and ensure the success of the platform.
The digital channel will benefit Nigerian children in the Diaspora through access to learning indigenous languages and understanding Nigeria’s cultural heritage, stated the NICO Director-General.
Ajiboye said: “The Renewed Hope Agenda aims to use culture as a tool to revolutionise the economy and enhance international diplomacy, creating a platform for global accessibility and Foreign Exchange earnings.”
- Editor’s Note: This story benefitted from background research from ConsumerConnect,
