Minister Hannatu Musawa commended Gov Peter Mbah for Enugu’s rapid transformation, highlighting his commitment to boosting tourism and the creative economy.
In a remarkable display of praise for Enugu State’s progress, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, lauded Governor Peter Mbah for his visionary leadership and the rapid transformation of the state within just one year of his tenure.
The Minister’s commendation came during the ceremonial flag-off of the ‘25 Days of Christmas Festival’ in Enugu, which was marked by the illumination of 500,000 Christmas lights at the Naira Triangle and Unity Park.
Musawa, speaking during the event, expressed her admiration for Mbah’s leadership and his commitment to unlocking the tourism and creative industry’s potential in the region.
She acknowledged Enugu’s rich cultural heritage and the significant strides the Governor had made in enhancing the city’s infrastructure and cultural offerings.
“I thank the Governor and the good people of Enugu state for their hospitality and warmth,” Musawa said. “Enugu is a blessed state, one of the bastions of culture and history in Nigeria.
Governor Mbah is a rare gift to the nation, and Enugu is fortunate to have him. What he has achieved in such a short period has been exemplary.”
The Minister’s visit to Enugu was part of the ongoing ‘25 Days of Christmas Festival’, an annual celebration that runs from December 7 to 31, 2024.
The festival features an array of attractions, including street carnivals, art exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural displays, all set against the backdrop of the state’s stunning landmarks.
Governor Mbah, in his response, thanked Musawa for her ongoing efforts in advancing Nigeria’s creative sector and expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the Minister’s Ministry to further promote Enugu’s tourism and cultural initiatives.
“We welcome you to the historic and artistic city of Enugu state. Your dedication to unlocking the tourism and creative industry’s economic potential has been impressive,” Mbah remarked.
“Enugu has a deep-rooted history in the arts, particularly as the birthplace of Nollywood. We are committed to reviving and promoting our state’s cultural and natural resources, including our waterfalls, caves, and the new state-of-the-art International Conference Centre.”
The Governor further revealed plans to transform Enugu into a key tourism destination by developing a new kind of experience for visitors, leveraging the state’s historical significance and scenic beauty.
Enugu, known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, is poised to become a hub for conferences and cultural tourism in Africa.
As part of her visit, Musawa toured several key sites in the city, including the soon-to-be-commissioned International Conference Centre, the Enugu Digital Museum, Unity Park, and the Naira Triangle—where she also lit the Christmas Village, marking the official start of the festive season.
The Enugu Christmas Festival promises to be a major draw for both locals and tourists, with a wide range of family-friendly entertainment, musical performances, and cultural events throughout the month of December.
Governor Mbah’s ambitious plans for Enugu signal a new era of growth and development for the state, with tourism and creative industries at the forefront of his administration’s agenda.
The state is not only embracing its cultural legacy but also innovating to ensure its future as a vibrant economic and tourism hub.