Seamless Transition: Mrs. Ibiene Patricia Roberts, OON, Takes Over as Permanent Secretary at Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy and Federal Ministry of Tourism in Historic Handover Event
*ABUJA, July 31, 2024* – Yesterday, the office of the Permanent Secretary hosted a significant handover event as Mrs. Ibiene Patricia Roberts, OON, was officially welcomed as the new Permanent Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy (FMACCE) and the Federal Ministry of Tourism (FMT). The outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. James Sule, OON, led the ceremony, expressing deep gratitude for the attendance of ministry directors, the entourage of the newly appointed Permanent Secretary, the press, and other staff members.
In his farewell address, Mr. Sule reflected on his tenure, thanking God for the opportunity to serve under the leadership of The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, and The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John. He provided a brief history of the ministries’ creation on August 17, 2022, following the demerger of the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, leading to their current standalone statuses.
Mr. Sule emphasized the critical roles these ministries play in economic growth and job creation, particularly through youth empowerment, creative ideas, and innovation. “Tourism and cultural heritage are intertwined,” he noted, highlighting their combined potential as future economic drivers. He outlined the ministry’s comprehensive eight-point agenda, which aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. This agenda includes skill development, policy framework enhancement, promotion of cultural heritage, partnerships with the private sector, and more.
He urged the directors and staff to extend their full support to Mrs. Roberts, describing her as a cosmopolitan leader who values unity and professionalism. He praised her sound judgment, efficiency, and commitment to adding value, expressing confidence in her ability to lead. Mr. Sule concluded by encouraging a spirit of collaboration and teamwork to sustain the ministries’ progress.
In her remarks, Mrs. Roberts expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception and support from Mr. Sule and the ministry staff. She emphasized the importance of a collaborative work environment, stating, “We are all learning, and my doors are always open.” She acknowledged her reliance on the collective expertise of the staff and expressed her commitment to working closely with The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, and The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John.
Mrs. Roberts concluded by expressing her excitement about her new role and her commitment to fostering a positive working relationship with the directors, staff, and the two Honourable Ministers. She looked forward to a successful tenure marked by cooperation and shared goals.
*For more information, please contact:*
Chindaya Ahmadu
Director of Press, Ministry of Tourism/Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy
Phone: 08168835298
Email: ahmaduchindaya@gmail.com
