THE Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has stirred widespread online debate after appearing at a public event wearing luxury sunglasses.
Musawa represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 edition of the Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State over the weekend.
News Point Nigeria had earlier reported that the event, held at Lake Nwonyo in Ibi Local Government Area, attracted tourists and dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
Reflecting on the festival via her X handle, the minister described it as a celebration of life.
“From the thrilling fishing competition to the dazzling displays of dance, music and boat regattas, this festival is indeed a celebration of life itself.
“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.
“I wish to thank His Excellency the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, for being a gracious host and cultural ambassador, 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.”
However, reactions have since trailed the minister’s appearance, particularly the sunglasses she wore, with social media users expressing mixed views.
Multiple online retailers and e-commerce platforms identified the eyewear as Gucci GG1244S-001, while others referenced a similar series, GG0541S.
OtticaSM, an online eyewear retailer based in the Republic of San Marino, listed the sunglasses at €729.00.
1stDibs, an American e-commerce company, priced the item between €590 and €760.
On Farfetch, an international luxury fashion platform, the price ranges between €760 and €780, depending on region and listing.
Another user, Ishaq Samaila (@ishaqsamaila5), commented: “THE RICH AND THEIR LIFESTYLE. Today’s trending debate is about the sunglasses worn by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Hajiya Hannatu Musa Musawa, at the Taraba State fishing festival. There has been a lot of discussion about the expensive eyewear she appeared with at the event. The sunglasses, identified as Gucci GG1244S-001, are sold for about $566.84 – roughly ₦764,000. The wealthy will always live according to their means – best to let them be.”
Abubakar Yunusa (@Pharmacio001) added: “Those glasses are very expensive. $690…₦1,100,000…Name of the glasses: GUCCI GG0541S AUTHENTIC Star Oversized Mask. I thought the glasses were for welders, but it turns out the glasses is not meant for poor 😁.”
Sir Kay (@Rise_Forge) wrote: “₦800,000… for glasses? 👀 Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Hannatu Musa Musawa, was rocking eyewear worth about $690 that’s over ₦800k in today’s economy. In a country where many can’t afford basic healthcare…Luxury or disconnect? Let’s talk. 🧐.”
On Facebook, Alhassan Auwal Kirikasamma wrote: “Tinubu achievements can’t be visible without this type of glasses.”
Despite the criticism, some users defended the minister’s choice of eyewear.
Safiyya Maijama’a (@Jost_Jefa) wrote: “So na Hannatu Musawa dey use ministry money buy expensive glasses now. Don’t you know who that woman is??? BUA’s ex-wife o. Asin the same woman whose son is positioned as the heir apparent to his father’s billion dollars business weeks ago? You guys are funny, walahi.”
Bukhari Turaki (@Bukhari_Turaki) also defended her, stating: “Honestly this isn’t ridiculous as you guys think. $690 glasses is not expensive to women of Hanny’s calibre.”
Similarly, Mal. Imran U. Wakili (Pullo) (@IU_Wakili) said: “The glass no fine and it is weird but it’s purely insane to say Hannatu Musawa is using $700 glasses because she is Minister 😂 BUA’s ‘LOML before’ 😂, Shey no be together we read the news about her son just few weeks ago?”