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.