…“Enugu in the news nonstop for great things happening” – FG
…“We guarantee most memorable NAFEST experience” – Gov. Mbah
Enugu State has secured the hosting rights for the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), themed “Connected Culture.”
Announcing the development during a formal handover ceremony at the Enugu State Government House, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, said the choice of Enugu was inspired by its rich history, vibrant cultural heritage, immense potential, and visible transformation under the current administration.
“Enugu has been on the news nonstop for great things. We see what is happening and we are proud of what you are doing and we want to be part of it. My supervising minister – the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy – is happy about NAFEST coming to Enugu,” Asika said.
“Enugu is one of the best cities in Nigeria and you have one of the best governors in Nigeria. We have been observing everything you have been doing,” he added.
He further emphasized the significance of NAFEST as a unifying tool, recalling its origin as a Federal Government initiative to promote national unity after the civil war. “It will interest you to note that NAFEST was established by the Federal Government as a platform to unite Nigeria after the civil war, and interestingly, the first edition was hosted in Lagos after the civil war and the East Central State won it. Since then, the only time the event was held in Enugu was 2008. That was 17 years ago.
“But it is coming back. We see what Enugu is doing and I want to commend it. We also see especially some of the investment that you are putting in the Awhum Waterfall, the Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway and other great things.”
Asika stated that the 2025 festival, scheduled for November 22 to 29, would attract over 30 states and more than 5,000 competitors and foreign participants, contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth and youth empowerment.
“Enugu has a lot of limitless possibilities. I watched the Enugu Tech Festival and I love it. Enugu has a lot of schools than many states in Nigeria and NAFEST has a capacity-building side that will empower and upscale the capacity of these young ones to give them opportunities into the future.
“There are opportunities in NAFEST for the creative people, digital people, the content creators, the poetry people. Enugu has a strong background in masquerade and wrestling. These are some of the elements that are part of NAFEST,” he noted.
Responding, an elated Governor Peter Mbah said the NAFEST hosting right aligned perfectly with his administration’s agenda to attract 3 million visitors annually, stating that Enugu was “purpose-built” for such cultural showcases.
“Enugu lends itself to arts and culture. So, this is a situation where opportunity meets preparation. I can assure you that you are going to have one of the most memorable NAFEST events because we are ready and we are hungry for it,” he said.
“One of the major transformational agenda of this government is to make here one of the top three economies and the premier destination for business, leisure, living and tourism. We have set a target to attract 3 million visitors every year. So, this is already like a marriage made in heaven. We are going to do everything to ensure that the objective of the NAFEST is achieved and we provide you with the environment,” Mbah added.
He also reassured prospective visitors of their safety, citing investments in security infrastructure across the state.
“Today, I can assure you that we are one of the safest states to live in because we have built infrastructure to ensure that we nip crime in the bud. But we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to build on that,” the governor assured.
