Enugu State has been announced as the host of the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), a week-long event themed “Connected Culture,” slated for November 22–29, 2025. The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, presented the hosting rights to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu, citing the state’s rich cultural heritage, recent developments, and vibrant atmosphere as reasons for the selection.
Asika commended the state’s growing cultural and economic influence, noting that NAFEST would attract over 5,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond. He added that the festival’s return to Enugu, after 17 years, would not only foster unity but also stimulate youth empowerment and capacity-building opportunities, particularly for the state’s creative sector.
Governor Mbah welcomed the development, promising to deliver an exceptional NAFEST experience. He said hosting the festival aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a premier hub for business, leisure, and tourism, with a target of attracting three million visitors annually. He assured participants of safety and a conducive environment, given the state’s investment in security infrastructure.
The 2025 NAFEST is expected to significantly boost Enugu’s economy, spotlight its cultural landmarks such as the Awhum Waterfall and Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway, and position the state as a key destination for arts and culture in Nigeria. Governor Mbah expressed optimism that the event would be a memorable one, leveraging Enugu’s aesthetic appeal and ongoing infrastructural advancements.
