Benue State Council for Arts and Culture

Benue State Council for Arts and Culture we're a total theatre organisation with professional artistes recognised locally and internationally

PRESS RELEASEBACT MARKS ONE YEAR OF REPOSITIONING ARTS, CULTURE, TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY IN BENUEMakurdi, 14 Septem...
14/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BACT MARKS ONE YEAR OF REPOSITIONING ARTS, CULTURE, TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY IN BENUE

Makurdi, 14 September 2026 — The Benue State Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism (BACT) has marked the first anniversary of the assumption of office of its Director-General, Dr. Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, with a renewed commitment to positioning arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy as strategic drivers of economic diversification, youth empowerment, social cohesion and State development.

Dr. Ukuma assumed office on 14 September 2025 following his appointment by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Chief Hyacinth Iormem Alia, at a period when the State was seeking new institutional approaches to harness its considerable cultural, tourism and creative assets.

Reflecting on the first year, the Director-General said the Bureau's approach had been deliberately focused on moving the sector beyond an event-based orientation towards institution building, cultural heritage preservation, tourism development, creative enterprise, youth development, digital documentation and strategic partnerships.

According to him, the central objective has been to demonstrate that Benue's cultural resources are not merely symbols of identity but assets capable of contributing to employment, enterprise, investment, tourism and economic growth.

“The first year has been about laying the institutional and strategic foundation for a new approach to arts, culture and tourism in Benue. We are moving from celebration to development, from attractions to tourism products, and from treating creatives as beneficiaries to recognising them as entrepreneurs and economic actors,” Dr. Ukuma said.

CULTURE AS A DEVELOPMENT TOOL

A major focus of the Bureau during the year has been the preservation and promotion of Benue's diverse cultural heritage, including the traditions of the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo and other communities.

The Bureau intensified efforts to document traditional festivals, oral traditions, indigenous music and dance, crafts, folklore, cuisine, historical narratives and other forms of tangible and intangible heritage.

It also sustained its monthly Cultural Variety Show, held on the last Friday of each month, providing a recurring platform for musicians, dancers, theatre practitioners, poets, visual artists, fashion practitioners, culinary practitioners and emerging creatives.

The programme has helped to create greater visibility for indigenous artistic expressions while providing practitioners with regular opportunities for performance and public engagement.

The Bureau also expanded cultural programmes targeted at children and young people, including cultural competitions, youth carnivals, holiday activities, masterclasses and educational engagements.

BENUE @ 50 AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

One of the major cultural milestones of the year was the State's Benue @ 50 Golden Jubilee celebration, in which BACT played a significant role in the cultural and entertainment programming.

As Chairman of the Entertainment Subcommittee, Dr. Ukuma coordinated the mobilisation of theatre professionals, dancers, musicians, puppeteers, masquerade performers, fashion practitioners and other creatives from within Benue, across Nigeria, Cameroon, and the diaspora.

The Jubilee demonstrated the potential of culture to serve simultaneously as a platform for celebration, tourism promotion, talent mobilisation, cultural diplomacy, youth participation and State branding.

The experience, according to the Bureau, has strengthened its resolve to develop future cultural festivals as professionally managed platforms capable of attracting audiences, visitors, sponsors, investors and development partners.

TOURISM MOVES UP THE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Tourism has also received renewed attention during the first year.

The Bureau has promoted natural, cultural and heritage attractions across the State, including Mbatoho Island in Makurdi, Enemabia Warm Spring in Ogbadibo, River Oyongo and its tributaries in Oju, and the Kyogen scenic landscape in Kwande.

The focus is increasingly shifting from simply identifying attractions to developing them into viable tourism products through improved documentation, packaging, marketing, visitor services and investment.

The Bureau also convened the first Benue Tourism Business Dinner, bringing together tourism and hospitality operators, investors, creatives, government representatives and development stakeholders.

The engagement represented a deliberate move towards greater public-private collaboration in developing Benue's tourism economy.

The Bureau has simultaneously intensified engagement with the hospitality industry through establishment mapping, inspection, classification and grading initiatives, stakeholder engagement and digital onboarding.

CREATIVE ECONOMY AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

The development of the creative economy has become a central component of BACT's strategy.

The Bureau is working to create stronger connections between creative talent, skills development, entrepreneurship, markets, technology and investment.

Its areas of focus include performing arts, visual arts, film, fashion, crafts, literature, music, culinary arts and digital content creation.

Partnerships with educational and professional institutions have also been used to expose young people to practical skills in festival management, tourism operations, destination branding, digital content creation, hospitality, cultural conservation and arts entrepreneurship.

Dr. Ukuma noted that the objective is to create an ecosystem in which talent becomes skill, skill becomes enterprise, and enterprise creates employment and income.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION

The Bureau has strengthened its digital presence through its website and online communication platforms, improving public access to information on programmes, tourism opportunities, cultural resources and institutional activities.

The digital strategy is also being developed as a foundation for a more comprehensive database and repository of Benue's cultural, tourism and creative assets.

The Bureau believes that systematic documentation will support education, research, tourism marketing, investment promotion, policy development and heritage protection.

TAKING DEVELOPMENT TO THE 23 LGAs

Another emerging priority is the decentralisation of cultural and tourism development.

The proposed Benue Rural Tourism and Creative Economy Initiative (2026–2031) seeks to systematically identify and develop cultural, natural and creative assets across the State's 23 Local Government Areas.

The initiative is intended to connect community cultural assets with tourism, youth enterprise, local economic development and investment opportunities.

According to the Bureau, many of Benue's most significant cultural and tourism resources exist outside Makurdi, making grassroots participation essential to building a sustainable State-wide cultural economy.

SECOND YEAR: FROM FOUNDATION TO IMPACT

As BACT enters its second year, the Bureau intends to consolidate the foundation established during the first year through stronger emphasis on implementation and measurable outcomes.

Priority areas include development of a comprehensive Benue Creative Economy Framework, rural tourism, cultural heritage protection and digitisation, tourism destination development, youth creative enterprise, festival professionalisation, hospitality-sector development, staff capacity building and stronger engagement with private investors and development partners.

Dr. Ukuma expressed appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for the confidence reposed in him and for the administration's support for the repositioning of the sector.

He also commended the Deptuy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, mni, Secretary to the State Government, the supervising Ministry, traditional institutions, artists, cultural practitioners, tourism and hospitality operators, educational institutions, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, the media and staff of BACT for their contributions during the first year.

He emphasised that the achievements recorded so far are collective achievements and that the work of repositioning the sector is still ongoing.

“Our ambition is to make Benue's culture a source of pride, our heritage a protected legacy, our tourism a competitive economic sector, and our creative economy a pathway to opportunity and prosperity. The first year has laid the foundation. The next phase is to build, scale and deliver measurable impact,” he said.

The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development vision of the Alia Administration by ensuring that arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy become increasingly visible and measurable contributors to employment, investment, social cohesion, State branding and the overall prosperity of Benue State.

Saaniyol Ezekiel Akiga
Chief Information Officer, and
Acting Director, Research, Planning and Documentation
BACT

Celebrating One Year of Transformative Leadership, Innovation, and Renewed Vision.The Management and Staff of the Bureau...
14/09/2026

Celebrating One Year of Transformative Leadership, Innovation, and Renewed Vision.

The Management and Staff of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi, warmly congratulate the Director-General, Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, PhD, on the successful completion of his first year in office.

Since your assumption of office on 14th September 2025, you have demonstrated purposeful leadership, commitment to institutional growth, innovation, cultural diplomacy, arts development, tourism promotion, and the advancement of the creative economy in Benue State.

Your administration has continued to provide renewed energy and unswerving direction to the Bureau, while strengthening programmes and initiatives aimed at repositioning arts, culture and tourism as important instruments of economic development, employment creation, cultural identity and social cohesion.

As staff, we particularly appreciate the leadership, guidance, mentorship, and opportunities provided under your administration, while commitment to staff participation, professional development, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence has continued to inspire us to contribute meaningfully to the mandate of the Bureau.

This anniversary is, therefore, not only a celebration but also an appreciation of the collective efforts of the entire workforce whose dedication and commitment continue to drive the Bureau forward.

We also commend you for the vision, resilience, and passion for the development and promotion of Benue's rich cultural heritage and creative potential, which is unrivalled. We are confident that the foundation laid during the first year will provide an even stronger platform for greater achievements in the years ahead.

On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi, we wish the Director-General continued wisdom, strength, good health and greater accomplishments as he enters the next phase of his service to the Bureau and Benue State.

Congratulations, Sir,
Happy One-Year Anniversary in Office!

Lucy Maafan Boor
DAS

On behalf of the management and staff, Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi

Benue Moves to Take Its Creative Economy Global, To Partner Hudson Global on Digital MarketingThe Bureau for Arts, Cultu...
09/09/2026

Benue Moves to Take Its Creative Economy Global, To Partner Hudson Global on Digital Marketing

The Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Benue State, has called for increased investment in the creative industries as a major pathway to economic growth, job creation, and global visibility for the state.

The Director General of the Bureau, Shadrach Teryila Ukuma PhD, made the call during a plenary session at the Benue 2035 Economic Transformation, Capital Formation and Prosperity Summit 2026, held at the SEMA Hall in Makurdi.

The three-day summit, themed “From Potential to Prosperity,” focused on developing practical models and strategies to accelerate economic growth and prosperity in Benue State.

Dr. Ukuma described Benue’s creative industry ecosystem as a multi-billion-dollar opportunity waiting to be unlocked, stressing that the state has a strong comparative advantage in natural heritage, culture, arts and creative talent.

He said the challenge was not a lack of potential but the need for deliberate investment, strategic partnerships, and policies capable of turning the state’s creative assets into sustainable economic value.

The Director General called for a shift from the traditional model of government as the sole provider to one in which the government serves as a strategic investor, enabler, and regulator.

According to him, the government must create the right environment for private-sector investment through purposeful leadership, focused policies, and programmes that encourage innovation and enterprise in the creative sector.

In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Global Consulting, Prince Thomas Isehohi, expressed support for the Bureau’s position, particularly its emphasis on digital marketing and global visibility.

Prince Isehohi said Hudson Global Consulting is ready to explore collaboration with the Bureau to connect Benue’s creative and cultural sector with digital marketing firms in the United States.

He said such partnerships would help Benue tell its stories, promote its heritage, and showcase its creative talents to a much wider international audience.

The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen the digital promotion of Benue’s arts, culture, and tourism assets while creating opportunities for greater international exposure, partnerships, and investment.

The summit concluded with the adoption and signing of a draft communique reflecting resolutions reached during the plenary sessions.


Saaniyol Ezekiel Akiga
Chief Information Officer

PRESS RELEASEDG BACT Congratulates Miss Veronica Adoga on Miss Tourism Nigeria First Runner-Up PositionThe Director-Gene...
09/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

DG BACT Congratulates Miss Veronica Adoga on Miss Tourism Nigeria First Runner-Up Position

The Director-General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi, Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, PhD, congratulates Miss Veronica Adoga, Benue State’s representative at the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant, on emerging as First Runner-Up at the national finale.

Dr. Ukuma also commended Miss Adoga for securing first position in the Traditional Attire category, describing the achievement as a significant accomplishment and a proud representation of Benue State’s rich cultural identity and heritage.

The Director-General described her accomplishments as a source of pride for Benue State, commending her diligence, confidence, cultural awareness, discipline, and commitment to promoting the state’s rich heritage and tourism potential.

He noted that her outstanding performance at the competition reflects her qualities as a worthy ambassador of Benue State, particularly her ability to project the state’s cultural values and creative expressions on a national platform.

Dr. Ukuma also commended Miss Adoga for her diligence in visiting the Bureau for an interaction and subsequent endorsement, as well as for expressing her desire to collaborate more closely with the Bureau in advancing Benue’s tourism and cultural development. He described the gesture as evidence of humility, dedication, and respect for institutional collaboration.

The Director-General noted that tourism pageants provide valuable platforms for cultural diplomacy, destination promotion, heritage, advocacy, and youth empowerment. He encouraged Miss Adoga to continue using her platform to project Benue positively and showcase its rich cultural and tourism assets.

He called on traditional institutions, private-sector organisations, tourism practitioners, cultural organisations, corporate bodies, development partners, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Bureau in creating sustainable platforms for young talents and cultural ambassadors to thrive.

According to him, stronger stakeholder collaboration remains critical to deepening the impact of initiatives aimed at promoting Benue’s cultural heritage, tourism economy, and creative potential while creating greater opportunities for young people.

Dr. Ukuma reaffirms the Bureau’s commitment to supporting credible young talents and leveraging their platforms to advance cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and the creative economy of Benue State.

The Director-General once again congratulates Miss Adoga on her First Runner-Up position and first-place achievement in the Traditional Attire category, wishing her continued success and greater accomplishments in her future endeavours.

Saaniyol Ezekiel Akiga
Chief Information Officer
Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi

Anticipate a Benue Cultural and Creative Industries Gala and Awards.Talent will be recognised Enterprise will be provisi...
07/09/2026

Anticipate a Benue Cultural and Creative Industries Gala and Awards.
Talent will be recognised
Enterprise will be provisioned
Service will be rewarded
Legacies will be celebrated.
And opportunities will be made available!

Prepare as you countdown to December 2026.

Contact the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Benue State for sponsorship and more information!

03/09/2026

Information and Orientation Commissioner Visits Bureau for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Calls For Sustained Efforts to Promote The Language and Cultural Heritage of the State.

The Benue State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Honourable Chief Solomon Iorpev, today Thursday 3rd September, 2026, paid an official visit to the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the Bureau in projecting the image, cultural heritage and tourism potential of Benue State.

The Commissioner, who was received by the Director-General of the Bureau, Shadrach Teryila Ukuma PhD, and members of the management team, commended the Bureau for its efforts towards repositioning the arts, culture and tourism sector whilst promoting the rich cultural identity of the state, as well as making concerted efforts to preserve indigenous languages which is the hallmark of culture.

Chief Iorpev stressed the importance of effective information management and strategic communication in showcasing the achievements of the state government in a bid to attract greater attention to Benue’s cultural and tourism assets saying that the arts, culture and tourism sector has enormous potential to contribute to economic growth, youth empowerment, employment creation, cultural diplomacy, and the overall development of the state which the Bureau has effectively championed.

The Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the Bureau, particularly in the areas of publicity, documentation, media visibility, cultural diplomacy and promotion of tourism destinations and events across the state with the firm assurances to the Bureau of the Ministry’s readiness to provide the necessary communication support to ensure that programmes and initiatives of the Bureau receive adequate visibility within and outside Benue State.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Shadrach Teryila Ukuma PhD expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the Governor Alia led administration’s commitment to repositioning the creative, cultural and tourism sector.

Dr. Ukuma highlighted some of the Bureau’s initiatives aimed at reviving the state’s cultural ecosystem, promoting indigenous artistic expressions, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and harnessing the creative economy as a tool for sustainable development.
He stated that the Bureau would continue to work closely with relevant government and traditional institutions, cultural practitioners, creative industry stakeholders, the media and development partners to reposition Benue as a major cultural and tourism destination; while also documenting Benue’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. He noted that effective documentation and publicity would preserve the state’s cultural memory while creating opportunities for education, tourism, and economic development.

The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of collaboration, including publicity campaigns, cultural event coverage, creative economy, documentation of cultural heritage, tourism promotion, media engagement and the development of communication strategies, while promoting the identity, unity and socioeconomic development of Benue State.

Saaniyol Ezekiel Akiga
Chief Information Officer

Miss Tourism Nigeria Contestant Pays Courtesy Visit to DG, Bureau for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Makurdi.Benue State’s ...
31/08/2026

Miss Tourism Nigeria Contestant Pays Courtesy Visit to DG, Bureau for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Makurdi.

Benue State’s representative at this year’s Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant finale, Miss veronica Adoga today Monday 31st August, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Makurdi, Shadrach Teryila Ukuma PhD, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and promote Benue State’s rich cultural and tourism potential.

The visit, provided an opportunity for the contestant to interact with the Director-General to seek support and collaboration, as well as conversations on issues relating to tourism promotion, cultural preservation, youth participation in the creative sector as well as the role beauty pageants play in projecting Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

Miss Adoga said, through the contest, she will leverage her digital story experience to tell the Benue story to the world given the splash of historical monuments and tourism sites to draw investment to the state. She made a strong case for her pet project, “Beyond Where You Are”, which is a mentorship initiative for teenagers to change stereotype and social limitation narratives for them to achieve their goals.

Receiving the contestant, Dr. Ukuma expressed appreciation for the visit and commended her interest in using the Miss Tourism Nigeria platform to promote tourism and cultural values. He noted that tourism remained an important instrument for economic development, cultural diplomacy, employment creation and the empowerment of young people, stressing the need for stakeholders in the tourism and creative industries to work together in showcasing Nigeria’s cultural assets.

Dr. Ukuma encouraged the contestant to use the platform to promote responsible tourism, cultural appreciation, and the positive values associated with Nigeria’s diverse communities. He further emphasized the importance of young people taking ownership of the country’s cultural heritage and contributing to its preservation and global promotion.

The Director General reiterated the commitment of the Bureau to partnerships and initiatives that would advance the development of arts, culture, and tourism in Benue State, particularly those that provide opportunities for young people and creative practitioners.

The visit underscores the growing importance of collaboration between tourism institutions, cultural organisations, young people, and the creative industry in advancing Nigeria’s tourism agenda.

Saaniyol Ezekiel Akiga
Chief Information Officer

NIPR Seeks Collaboration With Bureau for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, for Strategic Communication.Chairman, Nigerian Inst...
28/08/2026

NIPR Seeks Collaboration With Bureau for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, for Strategic Communication.

Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Benue State Chapter, Dr Philip Toryue says the NIPR is poised to tell the Benue story using arts, culture, and tourism to drive plausible investments and development in the state. He made this known while on a courtesy visit to the Director General of Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism with his Executive Committee Members.

Dr Toryue underscored the need for the Bureau to adopt strategic communication strategies to project and promote the cultural and arts heritage as well as the state's tourism offerings, saying it will spur investment opportunities for the state.

He added that NIPR was interested in fostering strong collaboration with the Bureau centred on strategic communication, media relations, cultural publicity, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy for Benue's tourism attractions, which he believes that through these initiatives, the Benue story would be told in a more compelling manner to the world, while also preserving Benue’s cultural wealth and effectively communicating it to the world as an important resource for tourism, investment, and development.

Dr Toryue sought partnership and support from the Bureau for the forthcoming world public relations forum Holden in Abuja, which will provide a platform to showcase Nigeria's cultural heritage, providing a platform to showcase Benue's exhibitions through dance and kwagh-hir art forms.

In response, DG Bureau for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Makurdi Shadrach Teryila Ukuma PhD. appreciated members of the organisation for the visit, saying it was central to forging an agenda for promoting the arts,culture, and tourism potentials of the state to the world.

Dr. Ukuma Reechoed the pivotal role the Bureau plays, housing the traditional media communication apparatus over the years, adding that through dance, tapestry, and other cultural expressions, the state has engaged effectively within the realm of cultural diplomacy.

The Director General avowed to support the NIPR to tell the Benue heritage story in a bid to correct the negative views emanating from the state across the board to drive meaningful development and investment.

Saaniyol Ezekiel Akiga
Chief Information Officer

BENUE TO THE WORLD: MISS TOURISM AFRICA 2026 MAY BE COMING TO BENUE!Benue is positioning. Benue is opening up. Benue is ...
12/08/2026

BENUE TO THE WORLD: MISS TOURISM AFRICA 2026 MAY BE COMING TO BENUE!

Benue is positioning. Benue is opening up. Benue is ready for the world!

The Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Shadrach Teryila Ukuma, yesterday received Miss Tourism Africa International 2018, Fransisca Chisom, for a strategic review of a proposal for Benue State to host the 2026 edition of the prestigious Miss Tourism Africa International pageant.

But this is more than a beauty pageant.

It is an opportunity to put Benue’s culture, tourism, creativity and people on the international stage. ✨

From our rich cultural heritage and colourful festivals to our cuisine, fashion, performing arts, landscapes and emerging creative talents, Benue has stories that deserve to be seen, experienced and celebrated by the world.

Hosting an international tourism event of this magnitude could provide a powerful platform for:

International destination branding
Global visibility for Benue’s tourism assets
Promotion of our rich cultural heritage
Youth empowerment and talent development
Creative economy and enterprise opportunities
Increased tourism and visitor interest
Cultural exchange and international partnerships
Investment and economic opportunities

The strategic question is therefore not simply “Can Benue host Miss Tourism Africa?”

It is:

“How can we use Miss Tourism Africa to tell the Benue story to Africa and the world?”

The Bureau is exploring the proposal with a clear vision: to transform major cultural and tourism events into platforms for destination marketing, investment promotion and sustainable economic development.

If successfully hosted, Miss Tourism Africa 2026 could become a major international window into Benue—introducing new audiences to our heritage, attractions, hospitality, creativity and limitless possibilities.

Benue is not just a destination.
Benue is a story waiting to be discovered.

BENUE TO THE WORLD!

BACT MEDIA ✍🏿

BENUE SET TO BENEFIT FROM CHINA–NIGERIA CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP — DGBy Bureau of Arts, Culture and Tourism Media UnitMakurd...
07/08/2026

BENUE SET TO BENEFIT FROM CHINA–NIGERIA CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP — DG

By Bureau of Arts, Culture and Tourism Media Unit

Makurdi, Benue State | August 7, 2026

The Director-General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Benue State, Dr. Shadrach Teryila Ukuma has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to positioning Benue as a leading destination for creative enterprise, cultural tourism and international collaboration following his participation at the China–Nigeria Film and Literature Symposium and the Signing Ceremony of the CMC–NTA Strategic Cooperation Agreement.

The high-level symposium, which brought together government officials, diplomats, media executives, filmmakers, authors, academics and cultural stakeholders from both Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, explored new opportunities for cooperation in film production, literature, broadcasting, digital media, cultural exchange and creative industry development.

The event also witnessed the signing of a landmark strategic cooperation agreement between China Media Group (CMC) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), a partnership expected to strengthen media collaboration, promote technology transfer, facilitate capacity development and enhance the global visibility of Nigerian creative content.

Speaking shortly after the event, the Director-General described the symposium as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy and opening new opportunities for states with rich cultural assets such as Benue.

“This engagement goes beyond diplomacy; it is about creating sustainable opportunities for our creatives, preserving our cultural identity and connecting Benue to global creative markets. The partnerships emerging from this symposium have enormous potential to transform our arts, culture and tourism sector,” he said.

According to the Director-General, Benue State is strategically positioned to leverage the outcomes of the symposium because of its rich cultural heritage, vibrant literary tradition, thriving music and performing arts scene, indigenous festivals and growing tourism potential.

He noted that the international collaboration could create opportunities for Benue filmmakers, writers, actors, musicians and other creative professionals to participate in co-productions, international festivals, exchange programmes, professional training and global content distribution.

“Benue is blessed with compelling stories, diverse cultural expressions and exceptional creative talents. What we require are stronger partnerships, wider platforms and strategic investments to showcase these assets to the world. This symposium presents such opportunities.”

The Director-General further stated that the Bureau would intensify efforts to attract international collaborations capable of supporting film production, cultural preservation, digital storytelling, literary development and tourism promotion across the state.

He explained that the Bureau is already implementing programmes aimed at strengthening the creative ecosystem through policy development, cultural documentation, skills acquisition, tourism promotion and institutional partnerships in line with the development agenda of the Benue State Government.

“Our participation reflects the commitment of the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to repositioning arts, culture and tourism as viable pillars of economic diversification, youth empowerment and sustainable development. We shall continue to seek global partnerships that create jobs, stimulate investment and project Benue’s cultural identity on the international stage.”

Industry observers at the symposium noted that enhanced cooperation between China and Nigeria is expected to unlock fresh opportunities in film production, broadcasting, publishing, cultural exchanges, digital innovation and creative entrepreneurship, sectors that continue to contribute significantly to economic growth worldwide.

For Benue State, stakeholders believe the partnership could accelerate the promotion of indigenous languages, cultural festivals, heritage sites, traditional performing arts, literary works and locally produced films while attracting investors and tourists interested in the state’s unique cultural offerings.

The participation of the Director-General at the symposium underscores the Bureau’s resolve to ensure that Benue remains an active player in national and international conversations shaping the future of the creative economy, while creating pathways for local artists and cultural practitioners to compete and collaborate on the global stage.

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KM 4, Old Otukpo Road
Makurdi

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Monday 08:00 - 16:00
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Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

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