ABUJA — Mrs. Ibiene Patricia Roberts, OON, has officially assumed duties as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, as well as the Federal Ministry of Tourism, following a formal handover ceremony that took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mrs. Roberts takes over from Mr. James Sule, OON, who has served in the role with distinction and expressed his gratitude to staff and stakeholders for their support during his tenure. In his farewell remarks, Mr. Sule highlighted the ministry’s vital role in advancing economic growth through the promotion of arts, culture, and tourism, especially in line with Nigeria’s growing emphasis on diversifying its economy. He also stressed the interconnectedness of culture and tourism as crucial sectors capable of boosting national development and job creation, particularly among the youth.
Speaking during the handover, Mrs. Roberts expressed appreciation for the reception she received and commended her predecessor for his dedication and service. She pledged to sustain the momentum and deepen the ministry’s impact across the creative and tourism sectors. According to her, the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, combined with its untapped tourism potential, offers immense opportunities that, if properly harnessed, can contribute significantly to the national GDP.
She reaffirmed her commitment to aligning the ministry’s initiatives with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promising to drive strategic reforms, strengthen institutional frameworks, and enhance partnerships that would elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global cultural and tourism map.
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy under the leadership of Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa has embarked on several policy directions aimed at revitalising the creative sector. These include fostering public-private collaborations, enhancing cultural diplomacy, and increasing the export value of Nigerian creative products.
With decades of civil service experience, Mrs. Roberts’ assumption of office has been met with optimism from key stakeholders who believe her leadership will energise the ministry’s operations and reposition Nigeria’s cultural and tourism sectors for greater relevance both locally and internationally.
The seamless transition marks a new chapter for the ministry, as expectations rise for impactful policies that will reflect Nigeria’s rich diversity, creativity, and tourism assets.
