By Palma Ileye
Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has thrown its weight behind the maiden edition of the Anambra State Unity Festival (ANUFEST 2026), describing the event as a platform to promote national unity, tourism development and economic growth.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the festival, the Director-General of NTDA, Mr. Ola Awakan, said the week-long event would showcase Anambra State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential while creating opportunities for investment and enterprise.
The festival, themed “Experience Anambra: Culture • Tourism • Unity • Enterprise,” is scheduled to hold from September 21 to 27, 2026.
Organised by JT PLAY HUB and the Creative Law & Intellectual Property Finance Forum (CLIFF) in collaboration with the Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, the festival is expected to attract participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Awakan said the initiative aligns with efforts to position tourism as a key driver of economic development and national integration.
The festival will feature cultural displays, theatre performances, music concerts, sporting events, business exhibitions, innovation hubs and networking sessions designed to promote the State’s cultural and economic assets.
Founder of CLIFF, Mr. Vitus Ifeanyi Mbah, said visitors would embark on guided tours to tourism destinations across Anambra’s 21 local government areas to expose hidden attractions and boost the state’s tourism profile.
“There will be tours to various destinations across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State which many people do not know exist. Our aim is to expose these attractions and encourage tourism,” he said.
According to him, the festival was also aimed at empowering young people, promoting community pride and attracting tourists, investors, government officials and other stakeholders to the State.
Mbah added that the event has secured strategic support from major national institutions, including the National Theatre and the National Troupe of Nigeria, among other partners.
The organisers expressed optimism that ANUFEST 2026 would become a flagship annual event for promoting Anambra’s culture, tourism, creative economy and investment opportunities.
