The Federal Government has inaugurated an eight-member Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the planning and execution of the African Global Festival Nigeria (AGLOFEST), a cultural initiative aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage while promoting economic diversification.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who inaugurated the committee, stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, the festival is designed to shift Nigeria’s economic focus from oil dependency to cultural investments.
A statement released on Tuesday by the Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, quoted Akume—who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri—as saying that AGLOFEST would create job opportunities, particularly for the youth, and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The African Global Festival will serve as a game changer in providing job opportunities to the teeming population of youths in the country,” the statement read.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the SGF, includes representatives from key government agencies such as:
- Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy
- Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment
- Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun
Speaking at the event, the Convener of AGLOFEST, Babatunde Mac Alabi, projected that the festival could attract up to $20 billion in investments over the next five years if fully harnessed.
“The goal of AGLOFEST goes beyond celebrating cultural music and dance; it is also about discussing business opportunities available in Nigeria where people in the diaspora can invest,” Babatunde said.
The festival is expected to serve as a major platform for economic engagement, drawing global investors into Nigeria’s creative industry.
