22/08/2026
BRACED Commission Technical Committee Meeting Strengthens Regional Collaboration on Culture and Creative Economy
Benin City, Edo State August 22, 2026: The Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture participated in the BRACED Commission Technical Committee Meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, from August 19 to 22, 2026, with Dr. John Suofe, Director, Department of Culture and Festivals, representing the Ministry as a delegate.
The meeting, themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Sustainable Development in the South-South,” brought together representatives of the six BRACED states Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States to deepen regional cooperation and promote sustainable development across the South-South region.
A major focus of the technical committee meeting was the fine-tuning of the BRACED Commission’s Policy Framework on Regional Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. The framework, which had earlier been drafted in 2024 and 2025, is designed to provide a stronger platform for collaboration among member states in developing the region’s cultural assets, tourism potential and creative industries.
The meeting attracted key stakeholders from across the participating states, including the Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Edo State; the Head of the Edo State Civil Service; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Edo State; the Director-General of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; the Director of Arts and Culture, as well as representatives of the BRACED Commission.
Representing the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture, Dr. John Suofe contributed to the technical deliberations and discussions aimed at strengthening the policy framework and ensuring that the cultural and creative economy of the South-South region receives greater attention through coordinated regional action.
The engagement provided an opportunity for participating states to share ideas, strengthen professional relationships and explore new avenues for collaboration in the areas of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy.
Speaking on the experience, Dr. Suofe described the meeting as a wonderful and worthwhile experience, noting that it provided an opportunity to meet new people, build new relationships and gain fresh perspectives. He also commended the people of Edo State for their warm hospitality.
The participation of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture in the BRACED Commission meeting further demonstrates the State’s commitment to regional cultural cooperation, sustainable development and the promotion of the creative economy across the South-South region.
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Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture.