By Aderonke Ojo
The organisers of Abuja Detty December (ADD) on Friday unveiled activities for the 2025 edition of the citywide entertainment and lifestyle festival scheduled to hold from Dec. 21, to Jan. 2, 2026.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Chief Operating Officer of ADD, Mr David Olaitan, said the 13-day festival was designed to showcase Abuja as a major tourism and entertainment destination in Africa.
David said the festival, themed “The Capital City December Experience,” with the sub-theme “From Remittance to Renaissance”, would feature concerts, cultural carnivals, art exhibitions, fashion, food fairs, comedy, sports, and nightlife activities across the city.
According to him, the initiative aims to complement Lagos’ long-standing December tourism narrative by positioning Abuja as a parallel hub for festive and creative experiences.
“Our main objective is to showcase Abuja as a global entertainment hub, stimulate tourism and hospitality, and provide a platform for Nigerian creatives to thrive.
“We also want to drive youth engagement, promote unity through culture, and create socio-economic impact through employment, partnerships and brand activations.”
He added that the event would attract over 50,000 local participants and about 1,000 international visitors, with more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs expected to be created through various engagements.
Olaitan disclosed that the opening ceremony would hold at the Package ‘B’ grounds of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, and would feature an A-list artist, trade fair, games, sports competitions and raffle draws.
He also disclosed that several brands and institutions in the tourism, culture, hospitality and creative industries were partnering with the organisers to deliver the event.
He listed some of the partners to include the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Department of Social Development, Abuja Continental Hotel, Shelter Suites, T2 Communications, and electric vehicle companies.
He assured that the organisers were working with relevant agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, to ensure a safe and secured environment throughout the festival period.
Also speaking, the President, Afro-Caribbean Chambers of Culture and Tourism, Mr Kehinde Quadri-Adu, described the initiative as timely, noting that Abuja was fast becoming a preferred destination for Christmas and New Year festivities.
Quadri-Adu said the programme would enable residents and visitors to enjoy similar experiences to Lagos at lower costs, given current economic realities.
In his remarks, the Chief Marketing Officer of ADD, Mr Victor Adetolaju, said the event was designed to cater for all age groups, providing both youth-centric and family-friendly activities.
“We are changing the narrative that Abuja is quiet in December by introducing vibrant programming that will keep people in the city.
“With the same amount you will spend on a flight to Lagos, you can enjoy equal or even better experiences right here in Abuja.”
He added that discounted transportation packages would be provided for visitors coming from neighbouring states.
He thanked members of the media for their partnership and called for continued support in promoting what he described as a “bold and unifying vision” for Abuja’s creative economy.
“Together, we can make Abuja Detty December a December to remember.”