Nigeria must urgently reposition itself by deploying culture as a strategic national asset capable of driving economic growth, strengthening global reputation, and attracting international investment, Chief (Mrs.) Olateju Philips,Chairman of LASACO Assurance Plc, made the call in her keynote address, titled ‘Repositioning Nigeria through Strategic Cultural Engagement,’ at the Maiden Cultural Diplomacy Conference held in Lagos,
The event brought together traditional rulers, policymakers, government functionaries, business leaders, cultural practitioners, development partners, and students from Nigerian universities.
Describing cultural diplomacy as more than soft power, Philips said culture represents reputation capital that lowers investor risk, attracts tourism, and builds diplomatic trust.
She stressed that Nigeria’s music, film, fashion, and art exports are not merely entertainment but credible ambassadors of national standards, capable of signalling structured opportunity to the global community.
Adding a diplomatic perspective, she called for stronger institutions, investments in cultural infrastructure, protection of intellectual property rights, and “triple-helix collaboration” between government, private sector, and cultural stakeholders to unlock the full economic value of the creative sector.
Ambassador Zainah Mohammed, Convener said the event aims to strengthen Africa’s cultural presence in global discourse, train young cultural diplomats, and promote heritage preservation and creative economy development.
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She disclosed that selected students would undergo mentorship to help them tell African stories and promote positive narratives across borders.
Speaking President, Dr Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri, of All-African Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (AASME), represented by Dr Anire Okogun urged African governments to place culture and SMEs at the heart of trade diplomacy.
Dr Okogun said from a continental economic angle, African entrepreneurs are already practising cultural diplomacy through cross-border trade and innovation, but face challenges including complex regulations, weak digital infrastructure, and limited market intelligence.
She called for harmonised customs systems and SME-friendly policies to support inclusive growth.
Hajia Islamiat Oshodi, National President of the Association of Childhood Education Practitioners (ACEP), speaking on values and upbringing, she urged parents to instill positive cultural values in children from an early age, stressing that African culture promotes language, food, fashion, music, hospitality, and tourism.
The conference was graced by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH King Sir Emperor J.D. Nkpe II, JP, Paramount Ruler of Eleme Kingdom, Rivers State, who emphasised the role of traditional institutions in preserving African values and serving as custodians of heritage in a rapidly globalising world.
Also present was Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, the first elected female Deputy Governor in Nigeria, who called for greater integration of culture into governance and national development strategies, noting that leadership without cultural consciousness risks losing national identity and social cohesion.
Other prominent voices included Prof. Eghosa Oshahae, Director-General of NIIA, who spoke on bridging nations through cultural diplomacy; Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Founder of the Nigeria Network of NGOs; and Mrs Yekeene-Ajani, President of Women in Fashion Tech, who urged young people to embrace culture as a pathway to purpose, entrepreneurship, and global relevance.
Mrs Helen Onwuau, Head of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), described culture as a strategic asset for nation-building and sustainable development, noting that cultural diplomacy strengthens people-to-people relations and enhances Nigeria’s credibility in international affairs.
Highlighting the creative dimension of the event, Engr Oyama Osam Ntun thrilled the audience with Africa Ekuum Bass with electrifying and mystic performance m
Barrister Adeyinka Titilayo Adeyafa captivated the audience with spoken-word poetry celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage, while fashion parades and traditional performances showcased the diversity of African identity.
Stakeholders at the conference concluded that cultural diplomacy, when aligned with economic strategy, offers Nigeria and Africa a human-centred, inclusive, and sustainable pathway to global influence and shared prosperity, with traditional institutions, government leadership, and the creative economy acting as key drivers of a reimagined global identity.