For the first time in Nigeria, Arts/Culture and Tourism will get separate ministries at the federal level.
Both ministries will stand independent of each other, and indeed independent of Information ministry.
What more, both ministries will be headed by women as substantive ministers.
In the ever-evolving landscape of politics and governance, the appointment of new ministers marks a crucial turning point. As the gears of leadership shift and fresh faces step into prominent roles, it’s a moment of great anticipation, curiosity, and potential.
From ministries dedicated to vital sectors like health, education, finance, and more, each appointment is a strategic move that reflects government’s priorities and goals. While the individuals appointed to these ministries are tasked with steering policies, shaping strategies, and helping the country navigate through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, they are also expected to bring with them experience, expertise, and vision that will contribute to the intricate tapestry of the administration.
On Wednesday August 16, 2023, President Bola Tinubu released the list of portfolios assigned to his minister-designates. The list saw some ministries take on new identities with some others newly-created. Before now, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism were fused. But now Tourism will be a distinct federal ministry, in sync with the yearnings of practitioners in that sector.
Similarly, Culture will also now stand alone but with a broader scope as reflected in it’s new identity- Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
Both will have a feminine touch with the new ministers being Hannatu Musawa, (who was first appointed as Special Adviser in June) and Lola Ade-John for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and Tourism respectively.
Here is what we know about the two women who will be at the helm of affairs of these crucial sectors:
Hannatu Musawa
Hannatu is a lawyer, politician and author. She is the daughter of late Katsina politician, Musa Musawa. She studied Law at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom; and has a Master’s degrees in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales; and Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. She is also a qualified solicitor in England and Wales, UK; and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Ms. Musawa has established herself as a respected legal practitioner. She has worked with different firms, and is the Principal Partner of her own legal firm, Hanney Musawa and Associates.
She was the Deputy Spokesperson & Deputy Director Public affairs of the All Progressives Congress’ Presidential Campaign Council. Until her appointment as minister, she was the Special Adviser on Culture and Entertainment Economy to President Tinubu.
Asides her professional achievements, she is also known for her creative interests like poetry and writing and family values. She enjoys going out in style and often shares her outings on social media.
Ms. Musawa believes that “If effectively harnessed, the [creative] industry has the potential to produce 15 million jobs by 2030 with a high potential for employment of young people.”
Lola Ade-John
Ms. Ade-John is an Information and Technology expert. The Lagos State indigene studied Computer Science at the University of Ibadan, where she finished top of her class in 1984.
With vast experience in designing, integrating, deploying, and managing core systems for global banking institutions, she has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive strategic business results and improve operations in small, medium, and large-scale working environments.
Her professional journey began as part of the National Youth Service assignment, where she supported systems used by Petroleum Engineers and the Personnel department in various divisions. Subsequently, she served as a System Analyst at The Shell Petroleum Development Company Of Nigeria Ltd for seven years and three months, contributing her expertise to critical projects.
Lola’s career continued to flourish as she joined Magnum Trust Bank Ltd. (now part of Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc.), where she played a key role in establishing Information Technology, Administration, Personnel & Training, and Business Development departments. She pioneered the use of structured cabling in the Nigerian banking industry and successfully implemented new technology platforms for the bank, ensuring its competitiveness and growth.
In June 1998, she transitioned to Access Bank Plc as the Group Head of Support Services and Technology. Over a period of 13 years and one month, she led transformative projects, including the construction of a new Head Office building and data center with an investment of $3 million in technology. Her innovative approach, such as implementing a paperless office environment, set new standards for efficiency and sustainability.
Continuing her journey in the banking sector, Lola Ade-John served as the Head of Applications at United Bank for Africa, where she led a project team to migrate customer and bank data to a centralised core banking platform, driving the bank’s growth and modernisation.
With a career spanning over three decades, she contributed significantly to Ecobank Nigeria, where she held various senior management roles within and outside Nigeria, solidifying her reputation as a top technology expert.
Prior to her appointment, Lola Ade-John is the Principal Consultant at Novateur Business Technology Consultants, a company she founded in 2014. The firm specialises in providing technical management and consulting services to both private and public sector clients, helping them improve their operations and performance through the application of technology systems knowledge and operational techniques.
