BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
As part of the event marking the 2025 International Monument Day, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to the cultural renaissance currently sweeping across the state.
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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.
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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.”
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“It is in this spirit that we, as a government, are proud to present and advocate for the recognition of four significant heritage sites in Enugu State by UNESCO as official monuments of global importance:
1.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.
2.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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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“These sites, taken together, weave a powerful narrative about who we are — a people of thought, of invention, of leadership, and of legacy.
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“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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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“You have been professionally and candidly chosen being stake holders in these sites, to put our heads together and interface on how to move these sites to the next level. Our discuss today will lay the foundation for tourism prospects and development of these sites and inter alia the state.
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“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.
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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.
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According to him, “The consequences of social upheaval coupled with the challenges of climate change and
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.
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“Today, they occur spontaneously and are worrisomely becoming more wide spread. 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.
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“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 workedupon in the preservation of these properties.
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“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 heritageconservation issues, emerging threats of wars, climate adaptation, rural landscape conservation to promoting 3D documentation of sites at risk.
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“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.
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“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.
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This rising frequency of natural disasters such as flooding, wind storms and
droughts that precipitates 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 endanger both our collective heritage as well the managers of these properties.
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“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’.
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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.
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Onyejekwe said, “This global occasion emphasizes the profound 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.
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“Enugu State’s tapestry of history, culture, and innovation is a source of immense pride, yet it has faced signicant 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.
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“In alignment with international treaties and local efforts to protect cultural heritage, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM)—guided by CAP 242 of 2000 (formerly Decree 77 of 1979)—is tasked with declaring, exhibiting, and managing cultural resources.
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“Currently, Nigeria boasts 65 National Monuments across the six geo-political zones, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State and the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun State. 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
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Mr Ajuluchukwu Edechiene, a communication expert told journalists that NCMM Field Report revealed that Nsude Pyramids are a remarkable testament to Igbo ingenuity and cultural heritage.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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 Nsude town”, he stated.
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