Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has reaffirmed his commitment to harnessing the full potential of the tourism and creative industry in the state.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa made remarks about the governor’s tourism commitment during her one-day visit to Enugu, where she toured key landmarks and participated in the official lighting of the Christmas Village at the Naira Triangle.
Musawa, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited the International Conference Centre, Enugu Digital Museum, Unity Park, and the Christmas Village, a state-private sector initiative. She lauded Mbah’s achievements in the past 18 months and pledged the Ministry’s continued support for arts, culture, and tourism development in the state.
“I can tell you unequivocally that Enugu is one of the luckiest states in Nigeria, and I don’t say this lightly. You have been governor for a year and a bit now, but you have completely distinguished yourself,” Musawa stated.
She added, “In every single corner of Nigeria, people have heard about the governor of Enugu State. What you have done with the smart schools and the innovation here will be remembered in the trajectory of Nigeria when the history of Nigeria is written. It is something that is really good. You have charted a path for other governors to follow.”
Speaking to journalists after her tour, Musawa expressed her joy at being part of the festivities, “I am very honoured to light the Christmas Village and Unity Park. I feel like a daughter of the soil who has come home. I look forward to coming back in the new year to see how my Ministry can collaborate and partner with the tourism, culture, and creative industry to see what we can do to open up the potential and work with the governor to really bring value to the people of Enugu State.”
She concluded with praise for Mbah’s leadership, “I think Enugu is a very blessed state. With a governor like Peter Mbah, who has proved and distinguished himself as a visionary and innovative leader, if Enugu has this kind of leadership for four to eight years, only God knows the heights you would reach as a people.”
In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its cooperation and reiterated his vision of developing Nigeria’s economy from the states.
“For us in Enugu State, we are committed to harnessing the full potential of the tourism and creative industry. And as you know, we have a history of that already. This used to be the home of Nollywood,” Mbah said.
He detailed plans to revitalise Enugu’s tourism sector, including enhancing the state’s natural attractions such as waterfalls and caves to create unique experiences for visitors.
“We have an ambitious plan in the tourism space. Our plan is to see how we can attract a minimum of 3 million visitors into Enugu for tourism every year,” the governor explained.
He further highlighted the ongoing development of a five-star hotel at the International Conference Centre, aimed at making Enugu the conference capital of Africa. Additionally, he unveiled plans for a world-class theme park at Milliken Hill, with aspirations for it to gain heritage site recognition.
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, blessed the Christmas Village during the event, commending Mbah’s innovative governance and praying for the state’s continued progress.
