From Coal City to Literary Capital: Enugu Sparks Arts Revolution, Eyes UNESCO Recognition
The Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture has intensified efforts to revive the state’s rich artistic heritage, boost tourism and position Enugu as Nigeria’s literary capital with the unveiling of a new anthology titled, Harmattan on Rolling Hills.
The anthology, inspired by the history, culture and lived experiences of Enugu, was unveiled on Friday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.
The unveiling was organised by the Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture in collaboration with the AFREADS and the Umuofia Arts and Books Festival.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture, Laurence Ani, described the project as a strategic step towards repositioning the Coal City as Nigeria’s foremost literary destination and a prospective UNESCO City of Literature.
Ani disclosed that the 15-story anthology was conceived to revive Enugu’s celebrated literary tradition while providing a credible publishing platform for emerging writers.
According to him, the initiative was borne out of the need to restore Enugu’s reputation as a leading centre for literature and creative expression.
“Harmattan on Rolling Hills was born out of the desire to revive the writing culture and literary tradition for which Enugu was once renowned. One of the greatest challenges facing young writers today is the lack of publishing opportunities, and this anthology provides that platform,” he said.
He revealed that the project followed an open call for submissions, which attracted entries from young writers within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Ani further explained that the anthology was never conceived as a government publicity project but rather as a collection of fictional works inspired by Enugu’s history, identity and cultural heritage.
“We did not set out to produce propaganda. These are fictional works inspired by Enugu. Books have the power to immortalise cities and preserve memories for generations. We want Enugu to become a destination not only for investment and tourism but also for literature and the arts,” he stated.
He announced plans to make Harmattan on Rolling Hills an annual publication, expressing confidence that future editions would attract more writers and further strengthen the state’s literary ecosystem.
Editor of the anthology, Ada Onwudiwe, described the project as a deliberate effort to make Enugu the central character of every story rather than merely a backdrop.
She disclosed that over 72 manuscripts were received, out of which only 15 stories were selected after a rigorous editorial process.
“We wanted readers to feel Enugu. We deliberately made the city the protagonist of the book. Every contributor has lived in Enugu and understands its stories, its red dust, its people and its memories,” she said.
According to her, contributors to the anthology came from Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, Awka and the United States, united by their personal experiences of the Coal City.
She encouraged writers to participate in subsequent editions and expressed optimism that the anthology would evolve into a lasting literary tradition.
Onwudiwe also renewed the campaign for Enugu to attain UNESCO City of Literature status.
“My dream is for Enugu to become a UNESCO City of Literature. With our literary heritage, we have every reason to aspire to that recognition if we continue to invest in storytelling and reading culture,” she added.
Reviewing the anthology, renowned writer, James Eze, described Harmattan on Rolling Hills as a landmark contribution to Nigerian literature, noting that the collection places Enugu alongside great cities whose histories have been preserved through fiction.
He observed that unlike conventional city anthologies, the book presents Enugu as “a living character” through stories that explore its history, resilience, landscapes and people.
Eze praised the quality of writing, saying the anthology introduces a new generation of gifted storytellers while preserving the collective memory of the Coal City.
“Harmattan on Rolling Hills reminds us that cities are like human beings—they have histories, moments of innocence and pain, and an enduring determination to live and breathe again. Enugu’s story has now found a worthy literary home,” he said.
A CROSS SECTION OF PRINCIPAL PARTICIPANTS UNVEILING THE BOOK
The anthology features 15 short stories written by authors connected through their experiences in Enugu and is arranged in five thematic sections exploring the city’s historical foundations, resilience, migration, identity and evolving cultural landscape.
Unveiling the book, the Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the anthology captures the unique experiences, history and identity of Enugu.
According to her, the stories revolve around places and events that define the state, including the historic Iva Valley, Coal Camp and other cultural landmarks.
“It is about the things happening and those that happened in Enugu; what Enugu is known for. These are experiences of different people, but they are all experiences about Enugu. As the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, every story is about us. It is our duty to collate these stories into a book, and that is exactly what we have done,” she said.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State, and Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Sydney Edeh, represented by Francis Nwankwo; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Mainstream Media, Hon. Dan Nwomeh; the Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Dr. Reuben Onyishi; and Robinson Odu, commended the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture for his vision and commitment to promoting literature and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
They expressed optimism that the publication would stimulate literary tourism, inspire creative writing among young people and further position Enugu as one of Africa’s emerging centres for arts, culture and storytelling.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
