By Lucy Ogalue
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it would develop a smooth energy diplomacy mannequin constructed on music, leisure, tourism and different facets of tradition.
This is contained in a press release launched by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, on Friday in Abuja.
The minister mentioned this when he obtained the management of the Ileya Omo Okun Generational Foundation (IOOGF) on a courtesy go to.
He mentioned the transfer was to make the ministry’s insurance policies extra impactful on the day by day lives of Nigerians at residence and within the diaspora.
Enikanolaiye mentioned tradition had change into a vital part of diplomacy via smooth energy, as in opposition to robust energy choices.
He mentioned that smooth energy was an try to succeed in the minds of individuals via tradition, which he outlined as the entire lifestyle of a individuals.
“We want to project our invaluable culture like music, food, dress code, history, artefacts, and creative industry, among others.
“Nigeria has enormous talents or resources in this area. We are determined to harness and promote them to the outside world,” he mentioned.
The minister famous that the inventive business was dominated by hardworking Nigerians with little or no authorities assist.
He mentioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration was decided to reposition the sector.
Enikanolaiye mentioned preparations had been ongoing for CANTEX, an upcoming cultural pageant in Lagos, and urged his guests to key into the initiative.
He condemned the actions of pirates and the unprotected state of the inventive business, saying he had lengthy advocated safety of mental property.
The minister insisted that inventive professionals ought to be allowed to benefit from the fruits of their labour.
Earlier, the Local Organising Committee Chairman of the Ileya Omo Okun Festival 2026, Mr Richard Akese, defined the rationale for the pageant.
He mentioned its options embrace recognition for motherhood (Iya ni Wura), the Trailblazer Award (Ogo Okun), magnificence pageantry (Omidan Oge), Okun Super Cooking Competition and Zeetia Cares, an empowerment programme.
The pageant’s convener, Yeye Omoleye Aiyelabowo, mentioned her dream was to venture Okun tradition and develop Okun id as a worldwide model.
She and her partner congratulated the minister on his appointment, describing him as a satisfaction to his kinsmen and the nation. (NAN)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
