The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, recently expressed her unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures and amplifies the creative talents of individuals in Nigeria.

She emphasised the importance of developing robust infrastructures that not only support artists and creatives but also provide ample platforms for them to showcase their skills and artistry.

Barr Musawa highlighted the significant impact of Nigeria’s vibrant afrobeats genre, underscoring the need for efficient systems that can facilitate the full expression of these artists.

She assured both creatives and art enthusiasts that the Mefa Arena is dedicated to ensuring that afrobeats up-and-coming artists and stars receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve for full expression, ultimately enhancing their ability to connect with and satisfy their fans.

The minister made this known on Tuesday at the Mefa groundbreaking ceremony held at the Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja. She noted that Mefa aims to create a thriving cultural ecosystem that empowers Nigerian talent and showcases the richness of the nation’s creative economy on a Nigerian stage.

Barr Musawa announced that the Mefa project will be completed in 6 to 8 months and will play a vital role in diversifying the cultural landscape of Nigeria. Notably, Mefa will not only be situated in Abuja but will also be the first of six interconnected venues planned across the country.

In her remarks, she emphasised, “This marks a significant milestone in my leadership within this ministry. We have made considerable strides in cooperation and policy development. However, the success of our efforts is ultimately dependent on the establishment of robust infrastructure for the creative industry.

As a proud Nigerian, I celebrate the diverse musical expressions that originate from our nation. It’s disheartening that we currently lack an arena to fully showcase these talents, compelling us to travel to countries like Ghana or Rwanda to see our artists perform Afrobeats. This new venue represents more than just a building; it will serve as a sanctuary for creativity, a stage for talent, and a home for the rhythms that define our lives. It will stand as a tribute to the unifying power of music and its ability to heal.”

The director general of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, expressed his enthusiasm over the project, highlighting that while the Art and Craft Village has existed since 1988, this is the first time such a high-value structure will be erected there.

He noted that Mefa has secured a 20-year lease for the location, with an option for an additional 10 years, ensuring that all infrastructure will ultimately benefit the council.

Asika called for enhanced collaboration and support from various stakeholders, stating, “If states like Akwa Ibom or Delta bring their funding efforts forward, numerous states already have the financial resources necessary to contribute to this initiative.

The Mefa Arena will serve as a beacon for cultural enthusiasts, enhancing sectors such as entertainment, media, fashion, and the arts. Press support will be instrumental in instilling confidence in the ecosystem and attracting investors and partners eager to engage with this exciting venture.”

Speaking on behalf of the founders, Yinka Obebe, co-founder of Mefa, articulated the vision shared among the company’s founders to reshape Nigeria’s cultural landscape. He shared that Mefa is committed to developing a state-of-the-art performance arena that not only highlights music but also embraces multiple forms of artistic expression.

This facility is envisioned as a unifying hub for both artists and audiences, nurturing a vibrant community where creativity can thrive.