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By Okorie Uguru
The Enugu State government is set to host participants from all the states of the country for the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). The state government assured that everything has been put in place to have a seamless celebration of the country’s culture, heritage and tourism. The festival is holding from November 22 to 29.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mrs Ugochi Madueke assured that every detail has been planned with precision. “From logistics to security and hospitality, Enugu is ready to welcome the nation with warmth and world-class organisation. We are proud to host this cultural Olympics and showcase the very best of the Coal City,” she said.
Assessing the level of preparation for the festival, the Director-General (DG), National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. Obi Asika, confirmed that the state capital, Enugu, is fully ready to welcome participants, delegates, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across the nation.
Asika commended the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah’s hands-on leadership, which he described as exemplary in both vision and commitment. “Enugu has demonstrated outstanding organisational capacity. Governor Mbah and his administration have ensured that every detail, from logistics to hospitality and security, has been meticulously planned,” he stated. The DG said the role of the Local Organising Committee, chaired by the state’s Commissioner for Tourism Mrs Ugochi Madueke, was central to the smooth coordination of the festival’s numerous moving parts.
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According to Asika, more than 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory have already confirmed participation, with expectations that additional delegations will join, surpassing last year’s record of 28 states and the FCT. “NAFEST is no longer just a cultural display; it has evolved into a national platform for the creative economy, tourism promotion, and cultural diplomacy. States now understand that participation goes beyond performance—it is a chance to showcase their identity, heritage, and investment potential,” he explained.
The NCAC boss noted that the recent Culture and Creative Economy Pre-Summit held in Enugu played a critical role in generating nationwide enthusiasm. The summit, which brought together commissioners of culture, creative industry leaders, and private sector partners, created a renewed sense of ownership and anticipation among the states. “Governors and Commissioners are approaching NAFEST with seriousness, recognising that this is a festival that merges culture with economic opportunity,” Asika said.
Enugu’s reputation for orderliness, hospitality, and charm, he added, provides a fitting backdrop for the week-long celebration. Delegates and visitors can expect high-quality infrastructure, well-maintained venues, and seamless logistics, ensuring that all participants focus on cultural performance rather than operational challenges. “The city’s capacity to host large events, demonstrated over years of political, religious, and entertainment gatherings, gives confidence that NAFEST 2025 will be executed flawlessly,” Asika affirmed.
He spoke of the enthusiasm displayed by participating states, many of whom are upgrading performances, improving choreography, redesigning costumes, and preparing elaborate showcases of music, dance, drama, culinary arts, and fashion. “The festival is a convergence of tradition and modern creativity. Young creatives, artisans, and professionals are being integrated into performances, ensuring a fresh and innovative presentation of Nigeria’s cultural wealth,” Asika noted.
