The Enugu State Government has officially set the stage for hosting the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) as Governor Peter Mbah on Monday inaugurated a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to coordinate the landmark national event scheduled to hold in Enugu from November 22 to 29, 2025.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor charged the committee to deliver a world-class cultural fiesta that would spotlight Enugu’s artistic excellence, rich heritage, and unique tourism potential.

He urged the LOC to uphold the state’s image as a peaceful, vibrant, and culturally dynamic destination, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning, coordination, and timely execution of all preparatory activities.

According to the terms of reference, the committee will plan, organize, and implement all activities leading to and during the hosting of NAFEST 2025 in line with the objectives of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). It is also tasked with coordinating all sub-committees, handling logistics, publicity, hospitality, and security, while showcasing Enugu’s cultural and tourism endowments to both local and international audiences.

Governor Mbah further directed the committee to develop a comprehensive work plan and timeline, oversee venue preparations, accommodation, transportation, welfare, sponsorships, media relations, and branding — all geared towards ensuring a seamless and memorable festival.

The LOC, which will operate under the supervision of the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Ugochi Madueke, comprises representatives from relevant ministries, agencies, the private sector, and cultural stakeholders.

In her response, Barr. Madueke expressed gratitude to the governor for his confidence in the committee, assuring that members would deliver excellent results and make NAFEST 2025 in Enugu a cultural milestone.

She noted that the festival would not only strengthen national unity through cultural exchange but also project Enugu as a leading destination for arts, culture, and tourism in Nigeria.

The LOC includes notable figures such as the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; SSA to the Governor on Media, Hon. Dan Nwomeh; SSA on External Relations, Hon. Uche Anichukwu; Executive Secretary, Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, Hon. Laurence Ani (who will serve as Secretary), among others from the NCAC, academia, and creative industry.

With the formal constitution of the committee, preparations for NAFEST 2025 have gathered momentum — signaling Enugu’s readiness to host Nigeria and the world in a celebration of culture, creativity, and unity in diversity.