In Nigeria's efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency, the tourism and creative industries have taken center stage in national strategy discussions. The recent National Tourism and Creative Stakeholders Engagement highlighted the importance of these sectors in attracting attention from policymakers, investors, and cultural figures, underscoring their potential economic impact. With rising global interest in creative industries, stakeholders recognize the need for collective action to turn these sectors into significant contributors to Nigeria's economic growth.

Bakare Mubarak, a model and cultural entrepreneur, emphasized the necessity for greater institutional support during a high-profile discussion which included industry leaders and advocates. Mubarak's insights as the founder of BILARTERAL pointed towards the untapped potential of Nigeria's creative landscape, and he urged for innovative approaches to funding, marketing, and skill development. The session revolved around 'co-creating financial solutions' to bolster Nigeria's tourism and creative economy, reflecting an urgent call for new strategies in a landscape that is rapidly evolving.

As Nigeria continues to reposition itself on the global economic map, the interplay between policy, finance, and cultural entrepreneurship will be crucial. The involvement of stakeholders from various sectors marks a pivotal moment for the creative economy, highlighting a collaborative approach to problem-solving and resource mobilization. In an era where creativity can drive economic resilience, the engagement serves as an important step towards realizing a sustainable, diversified economic future for Nigeria.