Int’l monument Day: Gov. Mbah vows to invest in modern development, Cultural Renaissance

By Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

As part of the event marking the 2025 International Monument Day, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the cultural renaissance currently sweeping across the state.

Mbah who spoke through  Dame Ugochi Madueke, State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, said that the theme for this year’s celebration entitled: “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future” was timely and apt.

Dame Madueke noted, “Enugu State is a land where history, heritage, and humanity meet in a unique and powerful blend.

In the Governor’s words: “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.”

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.

Earlier in a welcome address, Curator and Head of South East Zone of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Duru Alloysius said that the International Day for Monuments and Sites is a yearly celebration that highlights on the need for the Protection, Conservation and Promotion of our Monument and Sites.

“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.

Also speaking, Director General, National commission for Museums and Monuments Mr Olugbile Holloway said, “There is no gain saying 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

ADSUBEB boss, Babayi Signs N12 billion Basic Education Deal for Adamawa

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.

“The challenges facing Nigeria’s 65 national declared monuments and 112 national proposed monuments and by extension cultural heritage, are varied but can be aggregated to a large extent. For instance, many of the national monuments are situated in rural areas..

In a keynote address, Dr Ijeoma Harriet Onyejekwe, noted, “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.

“Additionally, 12 sites are listed tentatively for UNESCO consideration, with 112 proposed for declaration during Nigeria’s centenary celebration. However, Enugu State remains underrepresented, with only one National Monument—the Odo

Mr Ajuluchukwu Edechiene, a communication for development  expert told journalists that NCMM Field Report revealed that Nsude Pyramids are a remarkable testament to Igbo ingenuity and cultural heritage.