Israel Oluyemi
President Bola Tinubu has highlighted Nigeria’s creative industry as a driver of economic growth during the “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition at London’s Tate Modern.
He called for increased investment and collaboration among the government, the private sector, and international partners to strengthen market structures and expand funding opportunities for Nigerian artists.
“This is a profound honour to stand here… to witness the soul of Nigeria on display,” Tinubu said, praising the exhibition for showcasing the country’s artistic ingenuity.
He reflected on mid-20th-century Nigerian artists who reshaped the nation’s narrative and asserted their cultural identity beyond colonial influence.
“What we see here is a people who have taken the best of global techniques and infused them with the enduring rhythms of our heritage,” he added.
Tinubu stressed that the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda recognizes creative industries—including music, art, film, and literature—as central to economic development and international engagement.
He urged Nigerians living abroad to continue projecting a positive image of the country and to contribute actively to national growth.
“You come from a lineage of pioneers… the ability to innovate, adapt and lead,” he told the audience.
He commended Access Holdings and Coronation Group for bringing the exhibition to London, calling it a platform connecting Nigeria’s past and shared future.
“Art has no borders. It is the language of our common humanity,” Tinubu said, emphasizing the unifying power of cultural diplomacy.
The exhibition attracted dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the Nigerian diaspora, marking the conclusion of Tinubu’s official engagements in the United Kingdom.