Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has launched a bold initiative to secure UNESCO heritage status for iconic sites like Milliken Hill and Iva Valley while unveiling transformative plans to position the state as a premier tourism hub.

The governor made the announcement during the visit of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, to the State.
Special Adviser to the minister on media and publicity Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted the Governor to have highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Enugu.
Mbah emphasized the state’s unique features, including its name, which means “city atop the hill,” and its wealth of natural attractions.

“We have rolling hills, historic landmarks, and the highest number of waterfalls and caves in Nigeria, such as the renowned Awhum and Iva Valley.
“These sites deserve global recognition, and we are committed to preserving and transforming them into world-class destinations,” Mbah said.
The governor outlined his administration’s goal to attract at least three million tourists annually by investing heavily in infrastructure and creating unique visitor experiences.

Key projects as outlined by the Governor include development a world-class theme park at Milliken Hill, construction of a zip-line attraction in Iva Valley, building a canopy walkway at Awhum Waterfalls and establishing an ultra-modern International Conference Centre to position Enugu as Africa’s conference capital.

“Our vision is to make Enugu a leading destination for tourism and cultural heritage, not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” Mbah stated.
The minister applauded the governor’s ambitious plans, promising federal collaboration to unlock Enugu’s tourism potential.

“Enugu’s rich cultural and natural assets are undeniable. I am committed to working with the state government to ensure these sites receive global recognition and contribute significantly to tourism in Nigeria,” the minister said.
Enugu is widely recognized as a historical center for coal and iron ore mining and boasts vast natural resources, including limestone, fine clay, marble, and silica sand.
The state’s tourism strategy aims to harness these assets to drive economic growth and cultural preservation.

With these initiatives, Enugu is poised to become a leading cultural and tourism destination, blending its historical legacy with modern attractions.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has officially launched the ’25 Days of Christmas Festival’ in Enugu by lighting up 500,000 festive lights at the Naira Triangle and Unity Park over the weekend.

The Minister commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for his transformative leadership, highlighting the rapid development of the state and its growing potential in tourism and the creative economy.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the minister Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze, quoted her to have also lauded Governor Mbah’s commitment to the state’s cultural and economic revitalization.

“I thank the Governor and the good people of Enugu State for their warmth and hospitality. Enugu is a blessed state with a rich cultural and historical heritage,” said Musawa. “Governor Mbah is a visionary leader, and in just a year and a half, his achievements have been truly remarkable. I am honored to be here to light the Christmas lights and look forward to collaborating with the state in the future to enhance its arts, culture, tourism, and creative industries.”

Governor Mbah, in his response, expressed gratitude to the Minister for her contributions to the creative sector.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to developing Enugu’s tourism and creative economy.

“We are delighted to welcome you to Enugu, a city steeped in history and culture,” Governor Mbah said.
“Your work has been transformative, and we share your passion for unlocking the economic potential of the tourism and creative industries. Enugu has a rich history, from being the birthplace of Nollywood to its role as an economic hub in Nigeria.
“We are committed to creating new, exciting experiences for tourists and promoting Enugu as the conference capital of Africa.”

Governor Mbah also took the minister on a tour of key projects, including the soon-to-be-commissioned International Conference Centre, the Enugu Digital Museum, Unity Park, and the Naira Triangle. The Christmas Village was also inaugurated as part of the celebrations.

The Enugu Christmas Festival, running from December 7 to 31, 2024, will feature a variety of events, including street carnivals, art exhibitions, Santa Storm, musical performances, cultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment, promising a festive experience for all.

By Veronica Dariya

President, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Dr Dewayne Fraser, on Saturday said that Nigeria’s greatest wealth was not in oil but in its people and diverse cultures.
Fraser spoke in Jalingo, during an orientation program for the 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer (WHV) Initiative, aimed at creating awareness, preserving and protecting the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
He said that the AUN takes a lot of pride in partnering with the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), conveners of the event, to showcase the beauty of some of Nigeria’s heritage sites.
“Nigeria’s greatest wealth is not in oil; it is in the people and the diverse cultures they are blessed with and that is the 100 percent truth.
“I think that we can do so much more for people to come into this country, to learn about the wonderful tribes from Benue to Taraba, all the way to the Yorubas in places like Lagos and others.
“The cultures here is such a beautiful thing and if you didn’t know by now, they say one or two African- Americans have their history from the Nigerian heritage.”
Fraser added that it was important to find ways to bring more tourists from Nigeria, West Africa and all around the world, to visit the heritage sites, in to increase revenue to the government in the process.
He said that the 2024 WHV Initiative would not only promote tourism, but leave a legacy behind, as well as unforgettable stories that would linger in the history of the state.
He also encouraged the volunteers to always take such opportunities to go to places where there are tribes and roots that may be endangered or going away.
Fraser said: “Make sure you catch the cultural heritage history, do everything you can to keep local history alive because, it is like an endangered specie, once it is gone, it is gone forever.
“As an American, sometimes I wish that we have the unity that you all have; you have strength in diversity, do not let anybody tell you otherwise.
“People might try to divide you, but I tell you, your unity is your greatest strength.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 2024 UNESCO WHV initiative, is conveyed by AFIDFF, in collaboration with the Taraba state government.
Other partners include the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) and the National Park Service.
Others are, National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) Nigerian Red Cross Service, National Film and Censor Board, Nomad Africa, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and NAN among others.