Enugu State Government Partners with OSDA to Boost Oghe Cultural Tourism
Oghe Town, Enugu State, June 24, 2025 — In a landmark collaboration aimed at promoting cultural heritage and economic growth, the Enugu State Government has partnered with the Oghe Social Development Association (OSDA) to develop and boost cultural tourism in Oghe. This partnership aligns closely with Governor Peter Mbah’s broader agenda to grow Enugu’s economy by leveraging the state’s rich heritage and tourism potential.
Strategic Vision for Cultural Tourism Development
Governor Peter Mbah has made cultural tourism a key pillar of his administration’s economic diversification strategy, targeting an ambitious goal of attracting over three million visitors annually to Enugu State. The collaboration with OSDA focuses on unlocking Oghe’s unique cultural assets, including historical sites, festivals, and traditional crafts, to position the community as a premier cultural tourism destination within the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“As part of our agenda to grow Enugu’s economy and attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, we are investing heavily in both soft and hard infrastructure that will unlock the tourism potential of communities like Oghe,” Governor Mbah stated. “Oghe’s rich cultural heritage is a treasure that deserves to be showcased to the world.”
Planned Upgrades and Infrastructure Improvements
The partnership includes comprehensive plans to upgrade Oghe’s cultural sites, improve access roads, and support traditional festivals that celebrate the community’s history and identity. Key projects underway involve:
- Restoration and Enhancement of Cultural Sites: Efforts are being made to preserve and renovate important landmarks in Oghe, including sacred groves, historical monuments, and traditional meeting places. These sites will be developed with visitor-friendly facilities to enhance the tourist experience.
- Road and Transport Infrastructure: Recognizing that accessibility is crucial for tourism growth, the state government is investing in the rehabilitation and construction of roads leading to Oghe’s cultural landmarks. Improved transport links will facilitate the movement of visitors and support local businesses.
- Festival Support and Promotion: OSDA, with government backing, plans to expand the annual Oghe Cultural Festival, incorporating cultural workshops, performances, and exhibitions. These events will be marketed regionally and nationally to attract larger audiences.
Leveraging Enugu’s Growing Tourism Ecosystem
This initiative benefits from Enugu State’s ongoing tourism renaissance, highlighted by the upcoming hosting of the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) themed “Connected Culture.” Enugu’s hosting of NAFEST, a prestigious week-long event celebrating Nigeria’s diverse cultures, is expected to draw over 5,000 competitors and millions of visitors, shining a spotlight on the state’s cultural wealth1234.
Governor Mbah emphasized that investments in Oghe’s cultural tourism are part of a wider state strategy that includes the development of iconic attractions such as the Awhum Waterfalls, Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway, and the Ngwo Pine Forest Zipline — projects that have already begun to position Enugu as a top tourist destination in Nigeria237.
Digitization and Marketing Efforts
To complement physical infrastructure upgrades, the Enugu State Government is also digitizing cultural heritage and tourist sites, making them more discoverable to local and international tourists through online platforms and virtual tours. Dame Rita Mbah, Chairman of the Enugu Tourism Board, highlighted the importance of destination marketing and collaboration with stakeholders across the creative, cultural, and hospitality sectors to create a positive and sustainable tourism identity for the state5.
Economic and Social Impact
The partnership is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Oghe’s residents by creating jobs in tourism, hospitality, and crafts industries. Local artisans and performers will gain wider exposure and new markets for their work, while improved infrastructure will enhance overall community wellbeing.
Moreover, the initiative supports cultural preservation by encouraging younger generations to engage with and take pride in their heritage. OSDA leaders have expressed optimism that this collaboration will foster social cohesion and community development through shared cultural celebration.
Looking Ahead
With the backing of the Enugu State Government and the active involvement of OSDA, Oghe is poised to become a shining example of how cultural heritage can drive sustainable economic growth. As preparations continue for NAFEST 2025 and other state-wide cultural initiatives, Oghe’s cultural tourism prospects look brighter than ever.
Governor Mbah concluded, “We are excited to partner with OSDA to bring Oghe’s culture to the forefront of Enugu’s tourism landscape. Together, we will ensure that Oghe’s traditions are preserved, celebrated, and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of our people.”
