Adewale Ayuba hails tourism,culture ministries merger

Dr Adewale Ayuba, renowned Fuji musician, on Friday, praised President Bola Tinubu’s bold move of merging the tourism and culture ministries, calling it a game-changer for the creative industry.

Ayuba while speaking with our reporter, in Lagos, said he believed this merger would not only boost tourism.but also provide a platform for Nigerian arts and culture to shine on the global stage.

He however advised the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, to give preference to promoting cultural exchange programmes between operators in the industry, local actors, artistes and their global counterparts.

He said doing this would give more visibility to the different local music genres, most especially Fuji.

According to him, Fuji music can be given global prominence by deliberately organising cultural exchange programmes between local artistes and those of other countries.

“President Tinubu has taken a beautiful step by merging the tourism industry with the arts, culture and creative economy because tourism and culture have to operate seamlessly to be able to harness the full potential of the creative industry.

“It is important we take opportunity of our musical strength to promote other music genres like Fuji, Apala, Waka and all.

“I am calling on the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to look into this space critically, because this is the way we can fully promote tourism.

“With the ministry’s support, Fuji music can reach new heights, attracting international audiences and collaborations.

“Foreigners want to come and discover more about our music, we should create programmes that would attract them,” he said.

The Bonsue Fuji crooner called for support for emerging Fuji musicians, to assist them gain recognition and success.

It was reported that President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday announced a minor cabinet reshuffle, merging the tourism ministry with arts, culture and creative economy ministry.

The cabinet reshuffle led to the sack of Mrs Lola Ade-John as the Minister of Tourism.