By Uzo Ugwunze
The Director of the Anambra Unity Festival (ANUFEST), Mr. Ifeanyi Eziukwu, says the festival is designed to promote unity, preserve cultural heritage, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth across Anambra State.
In a press statement issued on June 22, Eziukwu said the week long festival will hold from September 21 to 27 across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas, celebrating the identity and heritage of Anambra people while creating opportunities for youths, businesses, and local communities.
He said activities lined up for the festival include cultural displays, football competitions, theatre performances, tourism excursions, wrestling contests, entrepreneurship summits, creative exhibitions, entertainment events, and community engagement programmes. Major attractions will include the Ugokwesiri and Dike Anambra Reality Series, as well as the ANUFEST Unity Cup involving teams from all 21 LGAs.
According to him, special stage performances will honour literary icon Chinua Achebe and Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, while the grand cultural gala will feature EKUMEKU, a production by the National Troupe of Nigeria directed by Prof. Ahmed Yerima.
Eziukwu noted that the festival is expected to generate significant economic activities in the hospitality, transportation, tourism, food services, media, fashion, technology, and small-scale enterprise sectors.
ANUFEST is being organised by JT Play Hub in partnership with the Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism and the Creative Law and Intellectual Property Finance Forum (CLIFF), with support from African Heroes Magazine, the National Troupe of Nigeria, and the National Tourism Development Agency.
He described ANUFEST as a celebration of identity, unity, and creativity that will position Anambra as a leading destination for culture, tourism, investment, and innovation in Nigeria.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
