FTAN Vice President Joins NAFEST 2025 LOC, Backs Enugu’s Drive for a World-Class Cultural Festival
By Maureen Aguta
Preparations for the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) received a major boost this week with the inauguration of Wilson Uche Ugwu, Vice President (South East) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), as a member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the event scheduled to hold in Enugu from November 22 to 29, 2025.
The inauguration followed the formal constitution of the LOC by Governor Peter Mbah, who charged members to deliver a festival that would reflect Enugu’s rich artistic heritage, creative dynamism, and growing reputation as a major cultural and tourism hub.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah emphasised that NAFEST 2025 must go beyond pageantry to become a strategic platform for cultural reawakening, tourism development, and economic growth. He urged the committee to prioritize meticulous planning, effective coordination, and timely execution of all festival activities.
“Enugu has earned its reputation as one of the most peaceful and culturally vibrant states in Nigeria. We must therefore ensure that NAFEST 2025 not only reflects our values but also leaves a legacy of excellence that future hosts will aspire to,” the Governor said.
The LOC, which is supervised by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Ugochi Madueke, comprises representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCSC), and the organized private sector, including FTAN.
Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Mr Ugwu expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government for the appointment and described his inclusion as both “an honour and a call to service.” He pledged to bring private sector expertise and collaboration to bear in ensuring the successful hosting of what he described as a potentially historic edition of NAFEST.
“Being inaugurated as a member of the NAFEST 2025 Local Organizing Committee is both an honour and a responsibility,” he said.
“As Vice President, South East, of FTAN, I have the privilege of representing the voice of private-sector practitioners within Nigeria’s vibrant tourism and culture ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu is not just preparing to host NAFEST — we are preparing to set a new benchmark in cultural celebration and creative innovation.”
Ugwu further lauded the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for its hands-on approach to festival planning, saying the collaboration between government and industry players was critical to achieving the state’s goal of positioning Enugu as Nigeria’s cultural capital.
“I sincerely appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause. We are confident that with the level of planning already in motion, NAFEST 2025 will be remembered as one of the best-organised and most impactful festivals in Nigeria’s history,” he added.
The FTAN Vice President assured that the private sector would continue to play a supportive role in complementing government efforts, particularly in areas such as logistics, hospitality, marketing, and destination branding. According to him, the 2025 festival offers a unique opportunity to showcase Enugu’s tourism assets — from its scenic landscapes and vibrant music scene to its world-famous cuisine and hospitality.
FTAN South East, in a separate statement, commended the Enugu State Government for its proactive approach to cultural development, describing the hosting right as a well-deserved recognition of Enugu’s growing influence in Nigeria’s creative economy. The federation pledged full commitment to working with the state and the NCAC to ensure a successful and memorable edition of the national cultural fiesta.
“FTAN will continue to collaborate with government and stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism, job creation, and cultural preservation. We believe NAFEST 2025 will not only boost local enterprise but also project Enugu as a top destination for cultural tourism in West Africa,” the statement read.
The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), often dubbed “Nigeria’s unity festival,” is an annual cultural showcase organized by the National Council for Arts and Culture to promote national cohesion, creativity, and cultural diversity. Each year, the festival rotates among Nigeria’s states, drawing participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
As preparations gather momentum, all eyes are now on Enugu — the Coal City — to deliver a world-class festival that celebrates the best of Nigerian heritage while setting new standards in cultural tourism and creative excellence.