Ifejika joyce
Enugu State has been confirmed as the host of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2025.
The announcement was made in Enugu on Wednesday by the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, during the Culture and Creative Economy Summit, which was held at the Landmark Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.
At the event, Asika also formally handed over the symbolic NAFEST Gong to the Enugu State Government, noting that the festival, which would run from November 22 to 29, 2025, would be the first time Enugu would host NAFEST since 2008.
Governor Peter Mbah was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke.
Sharing the news on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, the governor described the return of the festival to Enugu as historic and a testament to the state’s growing profile in Nigeria’s creative economy.
He assured that Enugu was fully prepared to host the country and the world to a memorable cultural celebration.
“Today, Enugu State received the NAFEST Gong, officially confirming us as the proud host of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2025,” he said.
“From November 22 to 29, 2025, the Coal City State will once again take its place at the heart of Nigeria’s cultural map. Seventeen years after we last hosted NAFEST in 2008, we are honoured to welcome the nation and the world back to celebrate our unity in diversity,” he stated.
He further assured that Enugu would deliver the most memorable edition yet.
“Enugu is ready. With our thriving creative economy, rich cultural heritage, and the legendary warmth of our people, we are set to deliver the most memorable NAFEST in history,” he said.
Mbah also extended an open invitation to Nigerians and the international community.
“We invite all Nigerians, friends of Nigeria, and lovers of arts and culture everywhere to converge on Enugu this November 2025 – to witness the strength of our traditions, the creativity of our people, and the dawn of our cultural renaissance,” he declared.
Chisom Orjiogbu
