TOURISM

Enugu Slate is endowed with a lot of tourist resources, facilities and potentials. These exist in natural features such as lakes, caves, hills, falls, springs and cultural festivals as well as such man-made features like hotels, telecommunications and transportation outfits, galleries and monumental or archaeological collections. Some of these potentials are developed, others are yearning for development. Some of the existing tourist events in Enugu include the Mmanwu Festival and the New Yam Festival (Iri-ji).

1. Masquerade (Mmanwu) Festival:
   In the primordial times, masquerades were principally used as law enforcement agents because of the general belief that they were spiritual elements. They were effective in ensuring compliance with traditional norms and values and in setting moral code in the communities. Masquerades were also relevant as an institution for cultural entertainment. They come out in very colourful robes, accompanied by traditional dancers. The masquerade institution is very important in Enugu State and its annual festival which comes up in November every year has become one of the greatest tourist attractions in the State. The festival usually attracts tourists in large numbers to Enugu. In the last few years, the government has tried to elevate it to an international tourist event like the famous Brazilian Samba Carnival.

   
   

2. New Yam Festival:
   Yam is an important food crop in Enugu State and as a result, it has cultural significance. The harvesting of new yam is, therefore, celebrated by the people between the months of August and October. The time for the celebration varies from one community to the other. The New Yam Festival is an occasion to offer special prayers to God for a fertile land and good harvest. It is marked with feasting and merry-making. Other cultural activities that often keep the various communities in the State alive are chieftaincy coronation ceremonies, Ozo title taking ceremonies, traditional marriage ceremonies and cultural troupes Prominent among the under developed tourist sites are:

   
   

3. The Ezeagu Tourist Complex:
   This is located at the south central pan of the State. It is made up of a waterfall, a three kilometre cave, natural spring and a lake. The complex has a unique beautification due to its natural setting. Interested corporate bodies could develop these features in co-operation with the Enugu State Government.

   
   

4. The Opi Lake Complex:
   This is a conglomerate of eight [8) natural lakes within a community. The site is beautified by the surrounding wooded environment and the breathtaking landscape. The area is best suited for the construction of holiday resorts.

   
   

5. The Ugwueme and Udi Hills:
   These are hills that are hundreds of metres above sea level. These hills are good for mountaineering and scape admiration points. Underneath the Udi hills are the coal mines; beautiful tunnels that are also good tourist sites.

   
   

6. Amagunze/Akpawfu Lake Complex:
   The complex consists of nine (9) lakes within the same district.

   
   

7. Awhum Waterfall:
   This is more than 30 metres high. The fall is located close to a monastery. The water is said to be curative and capable of dispelling evil or satanic forces if and wherever sprinkled.

   
   

8. Milliken Hills:
   Named after one of the earliest colonial administrators in Enugu, the first road into Enugu City winds through the foot of the hill, bounded by a deep gully.

   
   

9. The Ngwo Waterfall:
   The waterfall is several metres high throwing down good drinking water.

   
   

10. The Ani Ozalla Lake and Shrine:
    This is a natural lake located at Ozalla in Nkanu West LGA near Enugu where crocodiles which are regarded as goddesses appear from the lake at the command of the chief priest to take offerings from supplicants.

• The Institute of Management and Technology (lMT) Sculptural Garden and Art Gallery
• The Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu
• Polo Amusement Park, Enugu
• Coal mines (Onyeama and Okpara) in Enugu
• Historical monuments such as the Eastern Region Parliamentary Building and the Old Government Lodge, all in Enugu
• The University of Nigeria
• Onuiyi Haven