NCC, NICO to leverage telecoms platforms to maximise Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission and Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, and his team further discussions on leveraging telecoms channels to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage, and boost the economy through a new Global Cultural Digital Platform (GCDP)

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a bid to further assert the importance of cultural diplomacy and economic benefits of globally promoting Nigerian culture export, 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.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC, which disclosed this development in a blog note said Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission recently welcomed a delegation from the NICO, led by Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, FCIA, Executive Secretary/CEO of the agency.

Leveraging telecoms tools to promote cultural heritage

The telecoms sector regulatory 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.”

It is recalled the Nigerian Government, May 2024, had unveiled plans to enhance cultural diplomacy and boost the country’s economy through a new Global Cultural Digital Platform (GCDP).

This initiative, which is aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale, is said to have received approval from Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

Unveiling ‘Dudu Plugs’ digital platform to promote creative economy

The digital platform christened ‘Dudu Plugs’, which also a key project of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, was designed to increase international exposure to the West African country’s cultural assets and advance creative economy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Besides, NICO has partnered with the American-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, aiming to attract 100-200 million daily visitors, report said.

Highlighting the potential impact of the platform, Otunba Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, 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 $20 billion annually for Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

As regards 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.

It was equally gathered that 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, and other countries.

Such an event, the

The Institute disclosed the event 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, said the Director-General.

Otunba Ajiboye asserted: “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.”