Culture

Enugu State nominates four historic sites for UNESCO world heritage status

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2025

Enugu State seeks UNESCO recognition for four key historic sites, including ancient pyramids and iron smelting sites, highlighting the region’s rich cultural and technological heritage

The Enugu State government has officially proposed four significant historical sites for consideration as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, underscoring its dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage and gaining global recognition.

Also read: Enugu Speaker pledges continued support for Igbo language, culture

The proposed sites include the unique Nsude Pyramids, the ancient Lejja Iron Smelting Site, Zik’s Premier Residence, and the Okpoho Iron Site, each representing a vital aspect of Nigeria’s history and cultural identity.

The announcement was made during the 2025 International Day for Monuments and Sites event in Enugu, themed “Preserving the past, inspiring the future.” Governor Mbah highlighted the historical significance of each proposed site.

The Nsude Pyramids, ancient clay structures in Udi LGA, bear a striking resemblance to Egyptian step pyramids, reflecting early Igbo architectural sophistication.

The Lejja Iron Smelting Site, dating back over 2,000 years, stands as one of West Africa’s oldest iron-smelting locations, showcasing early African technological ingenuity.

Zik’s Premier Residence, the first official residence of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was pivotal in the nation’s nationalist movements.

The Okpoho Iron Site in Ezeagu complements Lejja, further illustrating the region’s ancient iron technology and interconnected history.

Curator Aloysius Duru of the NCMM emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting these monuments for international acknowledgment and tourism development.

Director-General of the NCMM, Mr. Olugbile Holloway, acknowledged the threats to Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the ongoing ‘State of Conservation Project’ aimed at preservation.

Dr. Ijeoma Onyejekwe reflected on Enugu’s history and the significance of restoration, while communication expert Ajuluchukwu Edechiene highlighted the unique nature of the Nsude Pyramids, historically temples central to the Nkwa Festival.

Stakeholders at the event collectively called on UNESCO to consider Enugu’s proposal, recognizing its potential to safeguard cultural heritage and foster economic and educational opportunities.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”