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By Okorie Uguru
Next week is the Christmas week. It caps the now famous Nigeria’s month of revelry, leisure and festivities known all over the world as Detty December.
Detty December is coined to capture the celebratory activities that happen in different parts of Nigeria in the month of December. It started in Lagos, but the phenomenon has caught up with other parts of the country. States are working extra hard to outdo one another in terms of leisure, creativity and relaxation offerings for the festive month. Right now, Nigerians and inbound tourists currently in the country are spoilt for choice on how and where to celebrate Detty December.
However, a review of some of these places and destinations as the December month comes to a climax gives leisure seekers the opportunity and options to explore and have the best of the holiday month in Nigeria.
Lagos keeps December ‘Detty’
Lagos offers the total package for the leisure seekers. It is Africa’s music and leisure capital. There is a wide range of leisure experience to explore in Lagos.
Being Africa’s music capital, there are A-list music concerts to choose from. This is a major attraction for for many visitors who troop to Lagos from different parts of the world. Eko Hotels Convention Centre hosts Davido’s 5ive Alive concert on Christmas Day, December 25. It will be Fireboy live concert on December 28. There are so many concerts simultaneously holding in Lagos for music lovers.
Outside music, tourist sites like the idyllic La Campagne Tropicana Resort in Ikegun, in the outskirt of Lagos are busting with activities. La Campagne Resort offers prime beachfront entertainment with different kinds of water sports activities. Oniru, Jara, Ilashe and Koko Island Beach Resort also offer premium leisure for Detty December.
Plateau State keeps it in the family
Plateau State, referred as the Home of Peace and Tourism has also dedicated the month of December for tourism with the programme tagged the Jos Christmas Festival at the festival village at the open field beside the Air force roundabout in Jos. The event starts from December 21 to December 31. Activities will include Jos Family Fitness Festival, runway cocktail, primary and Secondary essay competitions and so on. The climax would be musical show by the renowned musical group Styl Plus.
Ekiti State, a hideaway for Detty December
Ekiti State is among the few states in Nigeria that are currently very intentional and direct in their efforts to grow their tourism economy. Even though activities range from traditional festivals to religious retreats to some of the hills in the state, the Ikogosi Warm and Cold Spring Resort would be a springboard for the Detty December in Ekiti.
Ikogosi as a destination is suited for those seeking rest, beauty, and adventure. Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is located in the quiet hills of Ekiti State and managed by Glocient Hospitality.
Known globally for its rare warm and cold springs flowing side by side, Ikogosi is more than a scenic marvel; it’s a rejuvenating escape perfect for this holiday season. Tourists could take a guided tour to where the warm and cold springs meet, dip one’s feet in the contrasting waters, and enjoy the serene forest walk surrounding this natural wonder. There are other exciting activities to engage in.
At Ikogosi, tourists trade the city’s chaos for calm with breathtaking landscapes, cultural charm, and warm hospitality.
Oyo State is Vibing in December
The Oyo State government has lined up beautiful programmes for the Detty December called Vibing in December. The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun unveiled five key programmes which include Legendary December, Ogbomosho Cradle Carnival, Cruising with Celebrities and First Ibadan Megacity Trade Fair. The Ogbomosho Cradle Carnival which include heritage festival showcasing culture and artistic entertainment. There will also be Oyo Durbar on December 27, and the Ibadan Mega City Trade Fair.
Join iconic carnival train in Cross River
In Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Christmas revelry and playing host to thousands from within and outside the country has become part of the tradition of the people. It is a culture built in the last two decades. Before the word Detty December was coined, Cross River had already internalised December as a month of festivity with the Calabar Carnival as the highpoint.
In Cross River, most especially Calabar, any activity outside the business of leisure and tourism in the month of December attracts little or no attention.
This year is no different. In the month of November, the dry runs and the fine tuning of performances for the month of December had already been done. Currently, the festivities are in full swing, which will culminate with the Calabar Carnival 2025.
Abia celebrate the Igba Uche culture, others
In Abia State, as part of the efforts to showcase the state’s rich culture, and heritage of the people, the Ifuruaku Age Grade of Amaekpu, Ohafia will use the opportunity of its traditional retirement to showcase the rich culture of Ohafia people.
The age group members are billed to perform their traditional retirement rite on the December 26 and 27 in Amaekpu Ohafia. However, the age group is not limiting the celebration of their retirement to the traditional handing over of the utility projects they built for the community but would beam attention on how to develop the tourist assets of Amaekpu community and Ohafia in general.
The leader of the age group, Chief Ibe Ojo, while speaking on the coming traditional retirement, said the age group plans not just to celebrate their traditional retirement, but to use the opportunity to beam the searchlight on particular areas that the community is richly endowed but long neglected.
“Amaekpu community is a beautiful land with rich history and vast ecotourism assets. We have caves, mysterious rivers and waterfall, and other tourism assets. The same applies to different communities in Ohafia. We will use the opportunity of our celebration to showcase to the world, not just our rich culture, but our eco-tourism Assets.
Anambra introduces Onwa D’Zemba
Anambra State has also caught the Detty December fever with its Onwa D’Zemba festivities.
The state’s programmes for the month of December cut across traditional, religious and socio-cultural activities. Unlike other states, most activities of Detty December in Anambra State kick off towards the end of the year and dovetail into the new year. The activities include Ifite carnival, the Ebenebe-Egwu Alusi and Nando Mass Return Celebration all on December 28; the Orumuo festival, the Ofalla festival of Igwe Kenneth Orizu11 of Nnewi and many others are some of the activities lined up for Onwa D’Zemba in Anambra State.
