Mr Lincoln Downer, the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, recently paid a visit to Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy in Abuja as a gesture of goodwill. Jamaica and Nigeria are planning to work closely together in the realms of film and animation, as declared by the Jamaican government. During a diplomatic meeting held in Abuja, Mr. Lincoln Downer, the Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria, shared this information.
This was divulged during his visit to Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy. The High Commissioner Downer stressed the close ties between Jamaica and Nigeria, focusing on the innovative partnerships in the creative sector and showing eagerness to enhance and broaden these connections. He observed that Nigeria has been a great supporter of Jamaica through the technical eco-program, enabling collaboration and learning opportunities in fields such as Batik and jewellery production.
They commemorated 54 years of diplomatic ties.
Also, Nigeria and Jamaica have a long history of collaboration, especially in film and animation. Nigeria has assisted Jamaica in the creative sector for years by sending Artisans to Jamaica for exchanges in Batik and jewellery-making, through a technical eco-program. This has created significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. They anticipate the possibility of further expanding these collaborations in the future. It is worth mentioning the strong bond between Nigeria and Jamaica within the entertainment industry.
Numerous Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy and Wizkid have visited Jamaica, along with Victor Thompson who recently spent time in the country last month. They eagerly anticipate the upcoming interactions between the two countries and are excited to explore opportunities for the enhancement of collaboration through the creation of a solid framework. A momentous occasion was marked on April 29, 2024, as they commemorated 54 years of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Jamaica proposed an Audio-Visual Film Production Agreement.
Their keenness for future partnerships with Nigeria stems from their acknowledgment of Nigeria’s status not just as a cultural epicentre of Africa, but of the entire world. With their own diverse culture, they aspire to cultivate a more robust partnership with Nigeria. Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa was enthusiastic about the proposal, showing keen interest in Jamaica’s film development initiative and the Audio-Visual Film Production Agreement. She emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s IDICE program in offering financial assistance to creative individuals.
The artistic bond between Nigeria and Jamaica is strong, particularly in the realm of arts and culture. The potential for a cultural exchange program initiated by the Jamaican government is promising, and she is enthusiastic about the positive impact it could have. Jamaica has caught the attention of the minister with their proposed Audio-Visual Film Production Agreement. The Film Development initiative reminds her of Nigeria’s IDICE program as both provides financial support to empower creatives.
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She is eager to learn more about how these initiatives can help artists thrive. Exciting prospects for assisting artists within the field will be explored during their upcoming discussions. Mrs. Zainab Ali-Biu, the Director of International Cultural Relations, recently reached out to Jamaica in hopes of garnering their backing for the idea of establishing an International Afrobeat Music Day under UNESCO. Nneka Anibeze, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, summarized the meeting in an official statement.