The Enugu Photo Festival 2024, themed “Shades of Coal – Revisiting Time,” officially opened on Friday, 1st November at the National Museum of Unity, Enugu. The exhibition serves as a vibrant homage to the coal mining history that shaped the city’s identity, resilience, and contribution to Nigeria’s industrial growth. Guests began arriving as early as noon, eagerly gathering to commemorate a pivotal chapter in the nation’s history and celebrate the stories of Enugu’s miners.
Celebrating resilience and heritage
By 2 pm, a distinguished gathering of retired miners, dignitaries, and community members filled the museum halls, their faces radiant with pride as they anticipated the tribute to their years of toil and courage. These miners, whose stories and legacies are at the heart of the festival, stood as living symbols of resilience. The Museum Curator, Mr Aloysius Duru, welcomed the audience with an introduction to the festival’s significance, noting how it seeks to honour the enduring spirit of Enugu’s mining community and to preserve this rich heritage for future generations.
Dignitaries and remarks
To officially launch the event, Mr Duru invited key figures to the high table, including Dr. Okey Job, Chairman of the Retired Coal Miners Association; Dr. Onyedikachi Onovo, Eastern District PRO of the Nigeria Railway Corporation; Engineer Hyacinth Ohagwu, a former miner; and Chidera Sam-Eze, curator of the Enugu Photo Festival. This collective of voices offered both historical context and personal reflections on the coal industry’s impact on Enugu’s economy, society, and cultural identity.
In his opening address, Dr Okey Job expressed the pride and perseverance of the coal miners whose dedication laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s industrial sector. His words resonated with the audience, especially the retired miners, who had long awaited recognition of their efforts and sacrifices. Dr. Onyedikachi Onovo provided an insightful perspective on the connection between coal mining and Nigeria’s railway development, highlighting how the railway facilitated Enugu’s rise as a coal powerhouse, linking the region with the rest of the country.
Ribbon cutting and exhibition tour
Dr. Okey Job and Mr. Duru then led the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the exhibition to the public. Chidera Sam-Eze guided guests through an over 20-minute tour, sharing the community effort that brought this exhibition to life. Each photograph, artefact, and story station within the exhibit reflects months of meticulous curation and collaborative storytelling, with miners, artists and historians contributing to a narrative that goes beyond mere documentation—it honours a shared legacy.
The tour included a stop at the Memorial Wall, designed by artist Chukwuemerie Chijioke Anekwe, where visitors observed a solemn minute of silence to honour the 21 miners who died in the 1949 Iva Valley Massacre. This tragic event, a defining moment in the miners’ struggle for rights, was powerfully remembered by all in attendance.
Music, art, and insightful conversations
Throughout the event, the Enugu Jazz Society provided a melodious background, setting a reflective yet uplifting ambience. Performances by celebrated local artists, Emeka Onoh Jr. (aka Paca Jay) and Victor Chiemerie Ibelegbu, added a vibrant touch to the day’s celebrations, blending contemporary rhythms with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Guests engaged with the exhibition not only visually but intellectually, as many had questions about Enugu’s coal mining history. Experts were on hand to provide historical insights, like Engineer Jibrin Akpa Sani, one of the last surviving miners from a cohort sent to England for training in the 1970s, who shared firsthand experiences of his industrious years. His stories offered a rare glimpse into the life of miners during an era when coal was at the heart of Nigeria’s economic strategy.
Upcoming festival programs
The festival’s lineup continues with a series of programs designed to engage, educate, and honour Enugu’s coal mining legacy:
“Road to riches: The railroad track that brought gifts” (16th November)
This program features a photo walk along the historic railway, followed by an in-depth discussion at the Centre for Memories. Participants will explore the crucial role the railway played in connecting Enugu’s coal industry to the rest of Nigeria, transporting wealth and resources while influencing socio-economic development across the region.
75th-anniversary commemoration of the coal miners’ massacre (18th November)
Held at the National Museum of Unity, this solemn ceremony marks the 75th anniversary of the Iva Valley Massacre. Through remembrance and tribute, the event honours the lives of miners who tragically lost their lives in 1949, underscoring the importance of workers’ rights and the sacrifices made for future generations.
Visit to Onyeama’s palace (23rd November)
A visit to the historic palace of Onyeama, a prominent figure during Enugu’s coal mining era, offers guests insight into the role of traditional leadership during a pivotal time in the region’s history. This visit will provide a deeper understanding of how the coal industry impacted cultural dynamics and local governance.
Closing ceremony (30th November)
The festival will conclude with a celebration featuring a film screening by Afrochives Studio and live music, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects the vibrancy and enduring spirit of Enugu’s community. This closing event will highlight how storytelling and the arts continue to preserve the legacy of the coal mining era.
Post-festival events
Following the main festival, post-event activities will include portfolio reviews for emerging artists, post-exhibition tours, and discussions to foster dialogue around photography, history, and heritage preservation.
A team effort in preserving legacy
Key figures like Dr. Ijeoma Onyejekwe, Heritage Officer, and other museum staff, were instrumental in facilitating the event. Their contributions ensured a seamless experience for guests, bringing Enugu’s history to life with careful attention to detail and cultural sensitivity.
The Enugu Photo Festival 2024 opening marked a triumphant tribute to the spirit of the coal miners and their indelible impact on Enugu. By bringing together community, culture, and art, the festival invites all attendees to honour the shades of coal that have coloured Enugu’s past, while inspiring future generations to reflect on and preserve this crucial part of Nigeria’s heritage. The exhibition will run until 30th November, offering everyone a chance to experience the legacy that continues to shape Enugu today.
