She came to talk about culture and tourism, but it was her eyewear that had everyone talking.
Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, turned the 2026 National Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi, Taraba State, into her own personal runway this weekend, and all eyes were on one accessory: a pair of dramatic oversized shield shades.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the festival’s grand return after 14 years, the minister did not do subtle.
The Look That Stopped Ibi
Pictures from the red carpet show Musawa working a full royal-blue moment. She wore a flowing, sequin-dusted boubou over a vibrant Ankara kaftan printed with pink, electric blue and black geometric shapes. On her head was a perfectly sculpted Black turban tied with a bow, layered over a bright blue underwrap.
But the showstopper was the eyewear. In close-up shots at the podium, Musawa is seen in huge black visor sunglasses, the kind more often spotted on a Rihanna world tour than a federal government event. The frameless shield stretched from her brow to the top of her cheekbones, finished with tiny gold studs along the upper edge. She paired them with a deep mauve lip, chunky gold layered chains and navy-blue drop earrings.
She kept the shades on for everything, while delivering her speech from the green-white-green podium, while receiving a giant gold-framed portrait of President Tinubu on stage, while walking the red carpet through a sea of thousands, and even while sharing a laugh with Taraba Governor Dr Agbu Kefas in the VIP lounge.
In one telling image, she is mid-conversation with the governor, leaning in, still fully shielded behind the glossy black lenses. In another, she strides past chanting supporters holding “RESTORATION” placards, looking every inch the fashion minister on a mission.
What She Said
Taking to the stage, Musawa hailed the festival as more than just a fishing contest.
“It was a great honour representing His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the 2026 National Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Ibi, Taraba State,” she told the crowd.
“From the thrilling fishing competition to the dazzling displays of dance, music and boat regattas, this festival is indeed a celebration of life itself.”
The lawyer-turned-politician, appointed by Tinubu in 2023 to drive his “Renewed Hope” cultural agenda, used the moment to push her signature policy, turning heritage into money.
“Harnessing Nigeria’s vast cultural assets and repositioning festivals like this as global tourism destinations will become economic engines that create jobs, empower youth, and showcase our nation’s rich heritage on the global stage,” she said.
She also thanked her host, Governor Kefas, for “reviving this festival after 14 years, which has stood as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and showcasing the rich traditions of the Ibi people.”
While the fishermen were fighting for the biggest catch in the river, Musawa was reeling in the cameras on the bank. Those futuristic shades were not just for the Taraba sun; they were a statement piece. Nigeria’s creative economy now has a face, and it comes with a visor.
