United States has awarded a $125,000 grant to support the preservation of the historic Lejja iron-smelting site, one of the earliest known iron-smelting sites in sub-Saharan Africa, located in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.
The project will combine archaeological conservation, digital documentation and community participation to protect the site and preserve its cultural history for future generations.
Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative in Lagos State to preserve Lejja’s rich archaeological heritage for future generations, U.S Consul-General, Brandon Hudspeth, says it reflects the strong cultural partnership between Nigeria and the United States.
Enugu Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Mbah, says the state is working on a legal framework to protect and manage the heritage site.
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Project Lead, Iheanyi Igboko says the initiative will preserve Lejja’s heritage and document its endangered oral histories.
The project will conserve the site, document its history digitally and strengthen community participation.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
