ANUFEST 2026: Festival Set to Unite Anambra, Boost Tourism and Drive Economic Growth

By Praise Chinecherem

The Director of the Anambra Unity Festival (ANUFEST), Mr. Ifeanyi Eziukwu, has said the festival is designed to strengthen unity among Ndi Anambra, showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth across the state.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Eziukwu disclosed that the week-long festival will take place from September 21 to September 27, 2026, across all 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

According to him, ANUFEST is conceived as a platform to celebrate the identity, history, and collective aspirations of Anambra people while creating opportunities for youths, entrepreneurs, creatives, and local communities.

“ANUFEST is more than just a cultural celebration. It is a movement aimed at fostering unity, preserving our heritage, empowering our people, and positioning Anambra as a leading destination for culture, tourism, creativity, and investment,” Eziukwu said.

He revealed that the festival will feature an array of activities including cultural displays, football competitions, theatre performances, tourism excursions, traditional wrestling contests, innovation and entrepreneurship summits, creative exhibitions, entertainment showcases, and community engagement programmes.

Among the festival’s major attractions are the Ugokwesiri Reality Series, Dike Anambra Reality Series, and the highly anticipated ANUFEST Unity Cup, which will bring together football teams from all 21 local government areas of the state.

Eziukwu further disclosed that special stage performances will be dedicated to celebrating the legacies of renowned literary icon Chinua Achebe and Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe.

The festival’s grand cultural gala will also feature “EKUMEKU,” a spectacular production by the National Troupe of Nigeria, directed by acclaimed playwright and theatre scholar Ahmed Yerima.

Highlighting the economic impact of the event, Eziukwu noted that ANUFEST is expected to generate substantial business opportunities across key sectors, including hospitality, transportation, tourism, food services, media, fashion, technology, event production, and small-scale enterprises.

“The festival will provide a unique platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, creatives, and local businesses to showcase their products, services, and talents to a wider audience,” he stated.

ANUFEST is being organised by JT Play Hub in partnership with the Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism and the Creative Law and Intellectual Property Finance Forum (CLIFF).

The festival has also attracted support from African Heroes Magazine, the National Troupe of Nigeria, and the National Tourism Development Agency.

Reaffirming the vision behind the event, Eziukwu said: “ANUFEST is a celebration of identity, unity, creativity, and the future of Anambra. It is an opportunity to tell our story, strengthen our bonds, and unlock new economic possibilities for our people.”

With thousands of participants, visitors, and stakeholders expected to attend, ANUFEST 2026 is poised to become one of the biggest cultural and tourism events in the South-East region.