June 04, (THEWILL) – This year’s National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) will be held in Enugu state from November 22 to 29, under the theme “Connected Culture”, according to a statement by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), organisers of the festival.
This was the outcome of a meeting held between the Director-General/Chief Executive, National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Obi Asika’s delegation and Governor Peter Mbah and his team, led by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke.
Asika, who was delighted to be back in Enugu, recalled that he grew up in Enugu and carries Enugu in his heart everywhere he goes. “We have been watching the incredible work His Excellency Peter Mbah has been doing, and I want to thank him for all we have seen and for accepting to host Nigeria. I also want to thank the Commissioner, Dame Ugochi Madueke, for being engaged and working with us to ensure Enugu hosts NAFEST. I know it’s going to be an incredible event, and the over 5 thousand competitors who will come from all over Nigeria are guaranteed a safe, secure and exhilarating experience. I must mention the canopy walkway at the Nsugbe pyramid site, the Golf resort at Ovu Lake, the first zip-line in Nigeria at Ngwo Pine forest, the highest cross in Africa at Okpatu and the Water Park at Akwuke. We can’t wait for Enugu to show all it has to offer to the rest of Nigeria as well as to the whole world,” he said.
Governor Mbah said Enugu is delighted to have been selected to host NAFEST 2025, assuring that the state is ready. “As part of our agenda to grow Enugu’s economy and attract 3 million visitors per annum, we are investing in both soft and hard infrastructure to further unlock our possibilities. Enugu Air launches this month, we are investing in our heritage and tourism sites such as Awhum waterfalls, the canopy walk and of course, we have over 300 hotels here. We can’t wait to host Nigeria and have the whole country come together to celebrate our connected culture live here in Enugu”, he added.
The Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed delight to hear that Enugu will host NAFEST, adding that she can’t wait to be part of it. “I was honoured to light up the Christmas lights last year in Enugu, and it is clear that the Governor has a vision and is delivering for the people. Congratulations to Ndi Enugu, I will certainly be there to enjoy what will undoubtedly be a most remarkable NAFEST”, the Minister said.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
