…calls on UNESCO for recognition
The governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah has reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to the cultural renaissance currently sweeping across the state.
.
Mbah who spoke through the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said that Enugu State is a land where history, heritage, and humanity meet in a unique and powerful blend.
The governor was speaking in an event to mark this year’s International Monument Day with the theme: “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future”.
The governor highlighted some of the monumental sites in Enugu state to include:
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.
.
Continuing, the governor through the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, said…”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”. The governor stated
.
Earlier in a welcome address, Curator and Head of South East Zone of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Duru Aloysius 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 cum National World heritage sites.
.
“You have been professionally and candidly chosen to be stakeholders in these sites, to put our heads together and interface on how to move these sites to the next level. Our discussion 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 Mba, for ensuring that this gathering took place”. Aloysius said.
.
Also speaking, Director General, National commission for Museums and Monuments Mr Olugbile Holloway said, 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.
.
“The consequences of social upheaval coupled with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation has 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.
.
“This occasion of the International Day for Monuments and Sites celebration also affords us the opportunity to regularly draw attention to Nigeria’s cultural treasures, reflect on the successes achieved and identify the areas that need to be worked on in the preservation of these properties.
.
“ICOMOS, has over the years helped shape the global narrative in this respect from the crafting of the ‘Venice chatter’ which focused on the conservation, monitoring and advocacy for historic monuments and sites, to galvanizing global efforts at addressing urban heritage conservation issues, emerging threats of wars, climate adaptation, rural landscape conservation to promoting 3D documentation of sites at risk.
.
“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, much of the national monuments are situated in rural areas. However, the crave for the proverbial greener pastures in the cities and even outside the shores of our country by the younger generation reflects their declining interest in these historic resources.
.
“Therefore, the Commission via this forum seeks to address this anomaly by rekindling the interests of the younger generation in those cherished values that earned the historic properties their national recognition by involving them as critical stakeholders in
conservation process.
.
This rising frequency of natural disasters such as flooding, wind storms and
droughts that precipitate wild bush fires as well as spontaneous eruptions of social disturbances such as kidnappings, banditry, armed robbery and political
uncertainties breed an atmosphere of insecurity that endangers both our collective heritage as well the managers of these properties.
.
“The Commission in view of these challenges is collaborating with international scholars and organizations on identifying vulnerabilities peculiar to selected monuments across the nation in order to come up with appropriate conservation strategies specific to each property through the recently launched ‘State of Conservation Project”. Holloway stated
.
In a keynote address, Dr Ijeoma Harriet Onyejekwe emphasized the 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), highlight 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 transatlantic 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.
.
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.
.
“Situated in Ugwuto village, Nsude Town, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, their precise geographical coordinates lie between Latitude 6°24’N to 6°25’N and Longitude 7°19’E to 7°20’E.
These ten pyramids were historically temples dedicated to the gods of ‘Uto,’ and they hold profound signicance for Nsude town.
.
“The pyramids are arranged in two parallel groups of five, spaced 5 meters apart, symbolizing the unity of the ten villages that constitute Nsude Town. Over the years, these structures have faced deterioration caused by natural agents such as wind and water, as well as human neglect. Their dimensions today range from a diameter of 8.8–11.1 meters to a height of 2.5–2.8 meters, compared to their original grandeur documented in 1935 by G. I. Jones, with a diameter of 18.3 meters and a height of 14.7 meters. Culturally, these pyramids serve as iconic representations of Nsude town’s unity, especially during the ‘nkwa festival,’ held biennially.
.
“This sacred celebration involves sacrices at the shrine of ‘Uto’ atop Ugwu Uto hill, reecting the collective spiritual devotion of the ten villages.
An intriguing feature of the Nsude Pyramids is their resemblance to ancient step pyramids, such as the Step Pyramid of Saqqara in Egypt (constructed in 2648 BC) and the Deffufa structures of Nubia. This connection underscores their global cultural significance, enriching their status as vital pieces of Igbo heritage.
.
“Nkwa festival’ is celebrated once every two years. During the festival, each of the ten villages sends a representative who makes special sacrifices at the Shrine of Uto for the peace and progress of the Nsude town”. He stated.
