By Benjamin Njoku

Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, has officially kicked off the ’25 Days of Christmas Festival’ in Enugu by lighting up a whopping 500,000 lights at the Naira Triangle and Unity Park.

During her visit, Musawa praised Governor Peter Mbah for his innovative transformation of Enugu State within his first year in office, commending his rapid development of the coal city and commitment to harnessing the full potential of the tourism and creative industry.

Musawa also expressed her gratitude to the Governor and the people of Enugu State for their hospitality and warmth, describing Enugu as “a blessed state and one of the bastions of culture and history in Nigeria.” She also acknowledged Governor Mbah as “a rare gift to the nation” and Enugu as “the luckiest state to have him.”

“Gov Mbah is a rare gift to the nation, and Enugu is the luckiest state to have him. He has proved and distinguished himself as a visionary innovative leader. What he has done in just one year and half has been absolutely exemplary. I am very honoured to be in Enugu to light the Christmas lights. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I look forward to coming back in the new year to see how our Ministry can collaborate and partner with the state to further develop the arts, culture, tourism, and creative potentials of the state and other related initiatives of the governor,” Musawa said.

Mbah responded by thanking Musawa for her significant contributions to the creative industry and expressed his desire to collaborate with her ministry to further develop the arts, culture, tourism, and creative potentials of Enugu State.

Some of the exciting events lined up for the Enugu Christmas Festival, which runs from December 7 to 31, 2024, include: street carnivals, art exhibitions, Santa Storm, Christmas village musical performances, cultural display and family- friendly entertainment.