Following the award of a $125,000 grant to support the conservation and preservation of the historic Lejja iron-smelting site by the US government, the Enugu State Government has intensified efforts to protect and revive the rich cultural and historical heritage of the site with renewed attention on its ancient iron-smelting tradition as part of a broader drive to preserve indigenous history and strengthen community-based heritage development.
The renewed push followed a courtesy visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Heritage and Community Relations, Pastor Kenneth Asogwa, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, to Dunako Village in the Lejja Community.
The visit brought renewed attention to one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of the people of Lejja — their ancient tradition of iron smelting, an indigenous technology that has continued to attract historical and archaeological interest.
The engagement was aimed at encouraging the people of Dunako to preserve, develop and properly document their traditional iron-smelting heritage, while exploring ways through which the historical knowledge and skills of the community can be transformed into a cultural and economic asset.
Pastor Kenneth Asogwa assured the people that the Peter Mbah administration is committed to identifying, preserving and promoting the cultural treasures of communities across Enugu State.
READ: Africa: US Awards $125,000 Grant to Preserve Historic Lejja Iron-Smelting Site in Enugu, South-East Nigeria
His visit is particularly significant because his portfolio as Senior Special Assistant on Heritage and Community Relations places him at the intersection of government, traditional institutions and communities in the preservation and promotion of Enugu’s diverse cultural identity. Governor Mbah appointed him to the position alongside other Senior Special Assistants in August 2026.
Beyond the ceremonial aspect of the visit, the engagement raises an important question: How can Enugu turn its ancient heritage into a living resource for education, tourism, research, employment and community development?
Dunako may hold part of the answer.
The ancient iron-smelting tradition of Lejja is not merely a story about the past. It represents indigenous knowledge, scientific ingenuity and the technological creativity of generations that existed long before modern industrialisation.
With the right government support, documentation, archaeological research, preservation and tourism development, such heritage sites can become places where young people learn about the technological achievements of their ancestors while also creating economic opportunities for the host communities.
The Dunako visit therefore signals something bigger than a courtesy call.
It is a reminder that development is not only about building new structures; it is also about preserving the stories, knowledge and achievements that tell us who we are.
And if the commitment expressed during the visit is followed by concrete action, Lejja’s ancient iron-smelting heritage could once again become a source of pride — not only for Dunako and Lejja, but for the entire Enugu State.
