Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has announced plans to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for key historical sites in the state, including the iconic Milliken Hill and Iva Valley, as part of a broader initiative to transform the region into a major tourist destination. Governor Mbah made the revelation during a visit by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa.
In a statement, Governor Mbah emphasized that Enugu is home to several natural and cultural landmarks that are deserving of global recognition. “We believe that sites like Milliken Hill and Iva Valley, along with our numerous waterfalls and caves, have the potential to be recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites,” he stated. The governor also highlighted the state’s unique geographical features, such as its positioning “atop the hill” and its abundance of waterfalls and caves, including those at Awhum and Iva Valley.
Enugu’s rich history as a coal and iron ore mining hub adds to its cultural significance. The state also boasts significant deposits of limestone, fine clay, marble, and silica sand, all of which contribute to its potential as a prime location for heritage and eco-tourism.
Governor Mbah outlined an ambitious vision to draw at least three million visitors annually to Enugu by capitalizing on these unique assets. “We are building structures like the state-of-the-art International Conference Centre, with the goal of making Enugu the conference capital of Africa and a major tourist hub,” he said. Plans are also in place to develop world-class tourism experiences, including a canopy walkway at Awhum Waterfall and a zip-line at Iva Valley.
Further enhancing these efforts, the governor revealed plans for a theme park at Milliken Hill, which is already in the design stages. “This will not only increase the site’s global profile but also help develop a world-class tourism destination,” he added.
Minister Musawa expressed her support for Enugu’s tourism ambitions, stating, “I look forward to working closely with the state’s ministries to create more opportunities for tourism to thrive and ensure that Enugu’s cultural and natural offerings gain national and international recognition.”
With these developments, Enugu is poised to become a key player in Nigeria’s tourism sector, blending its rich history, natural beauty, and ambitious infrastructure projects to attract a global audience.
