•Governor Peter Mbah and NCAC Director-General, Obi Asika
The Enugu State Government has reiterated its readiness to host the forthcoming National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) on November 22 through 29, 2025.
A statement signed by Dr. Dennis Olofu, Head, Media, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), said that the 2025 edition of the event is with the theme: ‘Connected Culture.’
The statement hinted that at a meeting at the Enugu State Government House, recently, Obi Asika, Director- General, NCAC, led a delegation of senior directors to meet with Mr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State and his team, led by Dame Ugochi Madueke, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism of the state.
Asika lauded the governor for his developmental projects in the state since he was elected a governor about two years ago.
He said: “I am delighted to be back in Enugu or 042 as we know it, I grew up here and I carry Enugu in my heart everywhere I go. 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 Hon 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 five thousand competitors who will come from all over Nigeria are guaranteed a safe, secure and exhilarating experience. As beyond NAFEST, they will be able to visit some of the incredible vistas and locations in and around Enugu.”
In his remarks, Mbah, expressed delight for the selection of the state to host the annual event.
He declared that the state was ready to be an excellent host.
The governor also seized the opportunity to outline the developmental programmes of the state to the delegation.
According to him, as part of the state’s agenda to grow Enugu’s economy and attract three million visitors annually, the government was investing in both soft and hard infrastructure to further unlock its possibilities.
He added: “Enugu Air launches this month, we are investing in our heritage and tourism sites such as Awhum waterfalls, the canopy walks 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.”
In her remarks, Hannatu Musawa, the Minister for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, assured that the Federal Government would participate fully in NAFEST 2025.
The minister said that she was honoured to light up the Christmas lights last year in Enugu, adding that it was clear the governor had a vision, which he is delivering for the people.
“Congratulations to Ndi Enugu, I will certainly be there to enjoy what will undoubtedly be a most remarkable NAFEST,” she said.
Billed as Nigeria and Africa’s Cultural Olympics, NAFEST 2025 would bring together the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for a week-long celebration of music, arts, dance, fashion, drama, crafts, indigenous cuisine, and traditional sports performances.
This year’s festival would take place at multiple venues including the iconic Opara Square, the International Conference Centre and other venues in Enugu.
