The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy has allocated ₦290 million for the installation of solar street lights in Musawa Local Government Area (LGA). Musawa happens to be the LGA of the current minister, Hannatu Musawa.
This provision is outlined in the ministry’s 2024 budget, approved by President Bola Tinubu earlier this year. Alongside this, ₦3.7 billion has been allocated for research and development, as reported by Daily Trust.
Furthermore, specific allocations in the budget include ₦98 million for a “Nigerian pavilion” at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival in France. Additionally, ₦150 million has been designated for an “art culture information desk” at Abuja International Airport, with ₦26 million set aside for miscellaneous expenses like refreshments and publicity.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aims to foster growth in the creative economy.
In related news, the Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the appointment of Hannatu Musawa as Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy by President Bola Tinubu. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the case to court and that, even if they did, it lacked merit.
The case, which questioned the eligibility of Musawa’s appointment due to her alleged status as a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was brought forth by the Incorporated Trustees of Concerned Nigeria, along with Chief Dr. Patrick Eholor and Thomas Marcus.
However, the defendants, including President Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), argued that Musawa’s appointment followed due process and was in accordance with existing laws. They contended that holding an NYSC certificate or completing the program is not a mandatory requirement for ministerial appointment.
Musawa’s legal team further argued that the primary plaintiff lacked legal standing and failed to demonstrate a specific injury warranting their exclusive right to pursue the lawsuit.
