Enugu state Governor , Dr. Peter Mbah has inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) Enugu 2025 , with a charge on members to deliver a world-class cultural festival , showcasing Enugu’s rich cultural heritage and tourism assets to national and international audiences .
He also charged the committee to ensure a successful festival holding on 22nd-29th November 2025.
Enugu state Governor,Dr. Peter Mbah
Inaugurating the committee on Monday, 2nd November,2025, at the Government House,Enugu, Governor Mbah, charged the committee to plan, organize, and implement all activities on the hosting of NAFEST 2025 in line with the theme and objectives of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)..
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia , Governor Mbah, said the terms of reference are as follows;: “To coordinate all committees, sub-committees, and stakeholders involved in the festival; To ensure effective logistics, publicity, hospitality, and security arrangements; To showcase Enugu’s rich cultural heritage and tourism assets to national and international audiences.; To liaise with the NCAC and other national bodies for smooth collaboration and to deliver a world-class cultural festival reflecting the excellence and hospitality of Enugu State,
SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia inaugurating the NAFEST LOC.
On the functions of the committee, Governor Mbah said the Local Organising Committee shall: “Develop a detailed work plan and timeline for all festival activities; Oversee and coordinate the activities of all sub-committees; Supervise venue preparation, accommodation, transport, and welfare arrangements.; facilitate sponsorships, partnerships, and donor engagements.; manage communication, branding, and media relations”.
LOC members being inauguration.
Other functions are to ensure security and safety of participants and visitors;Provide periodic progress reports to the Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.; Submit a comprehensive post-event report and recommendations.
The committee comprises representatives from: Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Chairing Ministry) NCAC Enugu Office, Enugu State Tourism Board, Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Relevant MDAs, private sector, and cultural stakeholders.
Members of the LOC committee during the inauguration
Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, the chairman of the committee and commissioner for culture , tourism and creative economy, Dame Ugochi Madueke expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in the members, assuring that the committee would deliver excellent results and create an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors.
Madueke delivery an acceptance speech
She said the 2025 NAFEST in Enugu would not only strengthen national unity through culture but will also project Enugu as a leading destination for arts, culture, and tourism in Nigeria.
Members of the committee are the Commissioner for Culture,Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Ugochi Madueke; Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Chairman, Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board, Rev. Fr. Chinedu Mgbodile; SSA to the Governor on Media, Hon. Dan Nwomeh; SSA to the Governor on External Relations, Hon. Uche Anichukwu; General Manager, Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency, Hon. Francis Aninwike; Director of Culture and Cultural Dialogue, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Dr. Ozo Ferdinand Anikwe. SA to the Governor on Research and Publication, Joshua Ejeh; and former Executive Secretary, Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture/Cultural Ambassador, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Chief Izueke Eddie Okolo.The Executive Secretary, Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, Hon. Laurence Ani -Secretary of the committee.
Secretary of the LOC and Executive Secretary , Enugu state Council for Arts and Culture, Laurence Ani in a handshake with the SSG,Prof Chidiebere Onyia
Others are SSA to the Governor on Revenue, Hon. Adenike Okebu; SSA to the Governor on Legal Matters, Hon. Juliet Okonkwo; SA to the Governor on Revenue Mobilization, Hon. Sandra George; representative of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Pamela Agu; representative of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Chioma Emeafor; Vice President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, South East Chapter, Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu; Curator, National Museum of Unity, Enugu, Aloysius Duru; Curator, National Gallery of Arts, Enugu, Patricia Nkwocha; Chief Heritage Officer, National Museum of Unity, Enugu, Dr. Ijeoma Onyejekwe; Executive Director, Centre for Memories, Iheanyi Igboko; HOD Creative Arts, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Charles Eze; and HOD Performing Arts, Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, Florence Igboneku, among others.
According to Governor Mbah, the Committee shall function from the date of inauguration until the completion of all post-eve activities and submission of the final report.
The LOC will be reporting directly to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State.
