This year’s National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) will hold 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 endorsement was the outcome of a meeting held between 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.

Organised by NCAC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, NAFEST is a yearly event in Nigeria that showcases the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and promotes national unity.

The event is divided into three categories namely: competitive events, which comprise traditional and contemporary Nigerian culture, such as traditional wrestling, archery, and traditional board games. The non-competitive events include indigenous dance and music, drama, choral music, poetry, display of local fabrics and cuisine. While children event include: children essay writing, cultural quiz, arts and crafts, and storytelling.

Its objectives include promoting national unity and economic development, showcasing Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creating cultural bridges between the country’s diverse communities and attracting tourists and foster mutual cultural understanding.

Speaking on the endorsement, Asika said: “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 5,000 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 added, “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 Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy – is happy about NAFEST coming to Enugu.

“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.

“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 Water fall, the Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway and other great things.”

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, 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.

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,” minister said.