As the year winds down, Anambra State is beckoning its citizens home with the launch of “Onwa Dezemba 2025,” a unique festive extravaganza designed to rival the nation’s most famous end-of-year celebrations. Championed by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, this initiative transforms the state into a vibrant hub of culture, entertainment, and family reunion, ensuring that the “Light of the Nation” shines brightest during the holiday season.
Much like Lagos has its “Detty December” and Calabar its Carnival, Anambra is curating its own signature experience. The government has crafted a schedule meant to appeal to every demographic, blending modern entertainment with deep-rooted Igbo traditions. The festivities kick off on December 18 with a Gen Z-focused City Block Party at the Awka City Stadium, promising high-energy music and performances for the youth.
The schedule continues with something for everyone. Traditional lovers can look forward to the “Cankata” gatherings and Christmas carols at Alex Ekwueme Square on December 20. Families are invited to Solution Fun City on Christmas Day for a Children’s Festival, while culture enthusiasts will be treated to the majestic Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival—a three-day masquerade display running from December 27 to 29 across Awka, Ekwulobia, and Onitsha.
The climax of the season features a star-studded homecoming concert by Highlife icon Flavour n’Abania on December 30, followed by comedy nights and an “All-White Old School Night” in early January 2026. With assurances of robust security, the state government is urging Ndi Anambra in the diaspora to return home without fear, celebrating their heritage in an atmosphere of joy and unity.
Christmas gatherings in Nigeria have evolved into a massive cultural phenomenon, often referred to as “Detty December.” During this period, major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, as well as rural villages, witness a surge in activity as millions of Nigerians living abroad (the “IJGBs” or “I Just Got Backs”) and those in urban centers return home. These gatherings are characterized by elaborate parties, concerts, weddings, and family reunions where food—specifically Jollof rice, fried chicken, and local delicacies—flows freely. It is a season of high spirits, flamboyant fashion, and community bonding, serving as a necessary release from the year’s economic and social stresses.
Economically, this festive period serves as a critical stimulus for the nation. The influx of returnees and the general festive spending inject billions of Naira into the economy, benefiting sectors ranging from hospitality and transportation to entertainment and retail. Hotels are often booked to capacity, event centers are in constant use, and local vendors see their highest turnover of the year. Despite inflationary pressures, the “Detty December” economy remains resilient, providing a vital cash injection for small businesses and informal workers who rely on the season’s liquidity to survive the leaner months of January.
