The United States has awarded a 125-thousand-dollar 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.
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 United States 125-thousand dollar grant initiative in Lagos aimed to preserve Lejja’s rich archaeological heritage for future generations, the US Consul General, Brandon Hudspeth, says the initiative 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.
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: Nkoli Omhoudu
