The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is set to honor artists, creators, musicians, filmmakers, performers and cultural custodians who have shaped Nigeria’s cultural landscape over the past five decades as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations.

In a statement, the NCAC Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Obi Asika, paid tribute to the nation’s rich and diverse cultural, creative, and tourism sectors.

He emphasised the importance of traditional arts and crafts, indigenous festivals and cultural institutions in preserving Nigeria’s identity.

Asika acknowledged the vital role of state councils for arts and culture, as well as public sector leaders who have worked tirelessly to advance Nigeria’s creative economy.

He also expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, and commended Minister Hannatu Musawa for her steadfast commitment to the sector’s growth.

He further recognised the contributions of Nigeria’s traditional rulers in preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural heritage, highlighting their role in safeguarding customs, festivals, languages, and governance systems.

“From the Obas of Yorubaland and the Emirs of the North to the Igwes of the East and the Oba of Benin, these royal figures continue to serve as custodians of Nigeria’s rich traditions,” he said

He also celebrated Nigeria’s masquerade culture, royal festivals, drumming traditions, and ancestral rites, which reflect the nation’s cultural diversity.

He noted that major festivals such as the Ojude Oba Festival, Argungu Fishing Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, Ofala Onitsha, and Durbar remain key cultural milestones that unite Nigerians across the country.

Asika highlighted Nigeria’s growing global influence, stating that the country’s cultural content has reached over two billion social media followers and amassed billions of views and streams worldwide.

He credited Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion, and Nigerian cuisine as key drivers of Nigeria’s expanding soft power, with Afrobeats now dominating international music charts and Nigerian designers dressing global icons.

The NCAC boss also noted that Nigerian cuisine is gaining prominence in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Speaking on the role of Nigerians in the diaspora, Asika acknowledged their contributions across film, television, sports, media, fashion, and photography.

He highlighted Ṣàde Adu, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and John Boyega as notable figures representing Nigerian heritage in global cinema.

The NCAC boss also mentioned that Nigerian-American filmmaker Julius Onah is set to direct Captain America: Brave New World, further cementing Nigeria’s influence in Hollywood.

In sports, he praised Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Victor Osimhen, and NBA legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Giannis Antetokounmpo (of Nigerian heritage) for bringing global recognition to Nigeria’s sports sector.

He also highlighted world champion fighters such as Anthony Joshua, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman, who have dominated boxing and the UFC, showcasing Nigerian athletic excellence.

Asika further applauded digital content creators such as Emmanuella, Mark Angel, Mr. Macaroni, and Brain Jotter for redefining entertainment in the digital space.

Asika reaffirmed Nigeria’s limitless potential in arts, culture, and the creative industries as NCAC celebrates 50 years, emphasising the need to continue nurturing and promoting the country’s cultural assets on the global stage.