By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
As part of events marking the 2025 International Monument Day, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the cultural renaissance currently sweeping across the South-East state.
Mbah, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said that the theme for this year’s celebration entitled: ‘Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future’, was timely and apt.
He noted: “Enugu State is a land where history, heritage, and humanity meet in a unique and powerful blend.
“Our monuments are more than relics —they are voices from the past, calling us to remember, to learn, and to build. Enugu is not just a land of coal, it is a land of culture, creativity, and continuity.
“As we invest in modern development, we must anchor our progress in the legacy of those who came before us. We are determined to protect our heritage and present it to the world as part of our identity and pride.
“It is in this spirit that we, as a government, are proud to present and advocate for the recognition of four significant heritage sites in Enugu State by UNESCO as official monuments of global importance:
“The Nsude Pyramid – An ancient structure of striking resemblance to the pyramids of Egypt, these clay monuments testify to the architectural and spiritual sophistication of early Igbo civilization. Nsude is a beacon of African ingenuity.
“The Lejja Iron Smelting Site – Home to some of the oldest known iron-smelting furnaces in West Africa, dating back over 2,000 years. Lejja is not merely a site; it is living evidence of Africa’s early technological advancement and industrial heritage.
“Zik’s Premier Residence in Enugu – The first official residence of the Great Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. This historic building served as a cradle of nationalist ideas and leadership. It stands as a monument to Nigeria’s journey to independence and democratic governance.
“The Okpoho Iron Site in Ezeagu – A complement to the Lejja site, the Okpoho site showcases another important center of ancient iron technology, reflecting the interconnectedness and industrial prowess of our ancestors across the region.
“These sites, taken together, weave a powerful narrative about who we are — a people of thought, of invention, of leadership, and of legacy.
“As we mark this International Monument Day, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation, promotion, and proper documentation of our cultural heritage. Let us also invite the global community, particularly UNESCO, to walk with us on this journey — to elevate these treasures from local landmarks to internationally recognized heritage sites.
“We are not only safeguarding our past—we are empowering our future. And in doing so, we offer our children, and indeed the world, a deeper understanding of the African story.”
Earlier in a welcome address, Curator and Head of South East Zone of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Duru Alloysius, had said that the International Day for Monuments and Sites is a yearly celebration that highlights the need for “the protection, conservation and promotion of our monuments and sites.”
The Curator added: “This year’s celebration here in Enugu is unique in that the collaboration with the state government and other relevant agencies is aimed at not only identifying, preparing and projecting some peculiar but interesting monuments and sites for listing as State, National-cum-World heritage sites.
“You have been professionally and candidly chosen being stakeholders in these sites, to put our heads together and interface on how to move these sites to the next level. Our discuss today will lay the foundation for tourism prospects and development of these sites and inter alia the state.
“All the relevant bodies are here represented and I wish to extend my warm appreciation to the iconic leadership and directions of His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, for ensuring that this gathering took place.”
Also speaking, Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr Olugbile Holloway, said: “There is no gainsaying that the increasing threat to the common heritage of mankind is formidable and a cause for concern. Since time immemorial, man’s socioeconomic activities have always had an impact on his environment.”
According to him, “The consequences of social upheaval coupled with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation have in no small measure made the task of preserving our heritage more cumbersome overtime. The incidents of disasters and conflicts are not restricted to any part of the world.
“Today, they occur spontaneously and are worrisomely becoming more widespread. This year, as the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) marks its 60th anniversary, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) joins managers of cultural assets across the world to reflect on the unique challenges confronting historic properties such as monuments and heritage sites and the lessons they have learnt from the journey so far.
In a keynote address, Dr Ijeoma Harriet Onyejekwe, noted, that “today, we gather to celebrate World Heritage Day, observed annually on April 18th—a day established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and endorsed by UNESCO in 1983.
“This global occasion emphasizes the profound importance of preserving cultural heritage for posterity. Each year, ICOMOS selects a theme to guide the celebration. This year, the theme and sub-theme, ‘Heritage Under Threat of Disasters and Conicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS; From Ruins to Remembrance: Celebrating the Heritage of Eastern Nigeria’ (Enugu State Perspective), highlights the urgent need to safeguard our heritage and honor its rich history.
“Enugu State’s tapestry of history, culture, and innovation is a source of immense pride, yet it has faced significant challenges shaped by the legacies of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, colonial dominance, and the Nigerian Civil War. The scars of these events are deeply woven into the region’s monuments, which stand as powerful testaments to our resilience and cultural identity. The restoration and recognition of these landmarks are pivotal to preserving, reclaiming, and celebrating our unique heritage.”
