The United States Government has awarded a $125,000 grant to the Centre for Memories, Enugu, to support the preservation and digital documentation of the ancient Lejja Iron-Smelting Site, believed to date back to about 2,000 BC.
The grant was presented by the U.S. Consul General, Brandon Hudspeth, in Lagos to the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Mbah.
Hudspeth said the funding would support efforts to protect the historic site from environmental threats through modern preservation and documentation techniques.
He also disclosed that discussions were ongoing to extend the preservation programme for an additional five years.
Receiving the grant, Deputy Governor Ossai said the Enugu State Government would forward a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking legal protection for the Lejja site.
He added that the state would subsequently pursue Federal Government recognition of the site as a national monument.
The Lejja Iron-Smelting Site, located in Nsukka, is regarded as an important evidence of Nigeria’s ancient iron-working heritage and represents a significant part of the country’s archaeological and cultural history.
The preservation project is expected to strengthen research and education while also promoting cultural tourism and attracting greater international attention to Enugu’s historical heritage.
The state government said protecting the site would help preserve its historical value for future generations while creating opportunities for tourism and local economic development.
