The Director of the Anambra Unity Festival (ANUFEST), Mr Ifeanyi Eziukwu, says the festival aims to foster unity, promote cultural heritage, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth across Anambra State.
Eziukwu told newsmen on Monday that the week-long festival would hold from Sept. 21 to Sept. 27 across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
According to him, ANUFEST celebrates the identity and heritage of Anambra indigenes while creating opportunities for youths, businesses, and local communities.
“The festival will feature a wide range of activities, including cultural displays, football competitions, theatre performances, tourism excursions and wrestling contests.
“Others are innovation and entrepreneurship summits, creative exhibitions, entertainment events and community engagement programmes.
“Some of the major attractions will include the Ugokwesiri and Dike Anambra Reality Series and the ANUFEST Unity Cup involving teams from all 21 LGA
“We will also have stage performances celebrating literary icon Chinua Achebe and Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“The grand cultural gala will feature “EKUMEKU”, a performance by the National Troupe of Nigeria directed by renowned playwright Prof. Ahmed Yerima, “he said.
Eziukwu said ANUFEST would generate significant economic activities across the hospitality, transportation, tourism, food services, media, fashion, event production, technology, and small-scale enterprise sectors.
He noted that the event would provide a platform for entrepreneurs, creatives, artists, innovators and local businesses to showcase their products, services and talents to a broader audience.
Eziukwu said 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), is organising the festival.
He added that the event had received support from African Heroes Magazine, the National Troupe of Nigeria and the National Tourism Development Agency.
“ANUFEST is not just a festival; it is a celebration of identity, unity, creativity and the future of Anambra
“The festival will also position Anambra as a leading destination for culture, tourism, investment, and creativity in Nigeria,” Eziukwu said.
