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.

By Veronica Dariya

Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Saturday, promised to give full support to the preservation of the cultural heritage, as well as enhancing tourism in the state.
The governor spoke when he received a team of volunteers and partners for the 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer (WHV) Initiative in Jalingo, Taraba.
Kefas, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, stated that it was a great honor to have people who wish to enhance and showcase the potential of the state to the whole world.
He said: “By the time this initiative is successfully carried out, Taraba will be on the global stage with it’s cultural heritage and tourist potentials on display for the whole world to see.
“We assure you of our sincere support and also assure you that your time here will not be wasted, but hope that it brings a lasting legacy to the people of Taraba.
“This will surely benefit us.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UNESCO WHV was initiated to encourage young people to undertake concrete actions and play an active role in the protection, preservation and promotion of World Heritage.
It consists of action camp projects put together by the organizations, Dr Dewayne Fraser, national and international volunteers in awareness-raising and hands-on activities.

Earlier, Director General, African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) and also convener of the initiative, Mrs Malame Mangzha, indicated that the initiative was meant to contribute significantly to the preservation of such, for the future generation.
According to her, the state’s unique biodiversity, cultural richness, and the warm hospitality of its citizens make it an ideal location for the 2024 initiative
She added that the theme for the 2024 WHV initiative is “Elevating the Gashaka-Gumti National Park from tentative recognition to World Heritage site status.”
“It aims to preserve and protect the national park’s outstanding scenic, natural, scientific, recreational, and significant property values.
“It focuses on maintaining important wetlands and water catchment areas, exploring the linkage between nature, culture, and human activities and documenting the park’s attributes to produce a Nomination Dossier for UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription,” she said.
Also speaking, President of the American University of Nigeria (AUN)
Dr Dewayne Fraser, emphasized the need for Nigeria to focus on culture preservation, while stating thet the country was blessed with diverse cultures.
He added that it was Nigeria’s uniqueness from other African countries and the world at large and therefore, must be explored sufficiently, while taking pride in preserving it.
NAN reports that the 2024 WHV is initiated by AFIDFF, in collaboration with the Taraba state and other government and non government partners.