Economic Diversification: FG, Microsoft To Showcase Nigerian Culture In Locally Produced Video Games

As part of the plans of President Bola Tinubu to diversify the economy from over dependence on crude oil, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in collaboration with Microsoft Group, has unveiled plans to showcase Nigerian culture in locally produced video games.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, disclosed that plans are underway to reposition the video game animation industry in Nigeria.

Musawa disclosed this during the third quarter edition of the Xbox Developer Hangout, organised by Microsoft, in Lagos.

According to her, this will be done in such a way that Nigerian movies, music, fashion and culture will feature in every locally produced video game.

She said the industry holds lots of employment potential for the youth, adding that consultations with Microsoft would help in the actualisation of her vision in that respect.

She said that a working document had already been developed to actualise the mission but needed input from Microsoft.

“We want to look at the kind of innovation we can achieve through gaming, with the huge talent we have in the sector. I want the gaming space transformed and I know with collaborations we can achieve a lot.

“I promise to support in whatever capacity to actualise this and this is the reason I will continually remain grateful to President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

“I perceive Nigerians as the most creative beings who will transform the gaming industry, the billion-dollar industry, with help and support from the government.

“We want to see a situation where our indigenous movies, peculiar fashion sense, music and elements of our culture will serve as contents of our locally produced video games,” she said.

Earlier, Olatomiwa Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft, noted that the organisation was committed to empowering everyone with the needed tools to grow in the industry.

Williams said it was important to leverage all opportunities to achieve President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification.

“Partnering with the Federal Government is a thing of delight for us, young Nigerians deserve every right to thrive, and we are creating an inclusive industry also for women to thrive.

“Microsoft has been in existence for over 20 years and I can say that Nigerians have been contributing to our solution areas,” she said.

Also, Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Founder, of NuConti, said, “The videogame industry is larger than the Nollywood and the global music industry, it is a billion-dollar industry which should be taken seriously.”