Anambra’s own ‘Detty December’ is ‘Onwa Dezember’ and it will be unique

The Lagos State Government announced that ‘Detty December 2024’ significantly boosted Lagos’s economy, generating an estimated $71.6 million in revenue through hospitality, entertainment and tourism. It attracted about 1.2 million visitors, predominantly Nigerian diaspora to Lagos, who fueled spending cutting across the following sectors: nightlife, car rentals, events, etc. The Federal Executive Council has even announced that it will set-up a presidential task force on ‘Detty December’ in order to key into the economic, cultural and branding impact of Nigeria’s December economy.

‘Detty December’ (‘’detty’’ meaning get dirty, have fun and loosen up) refers to an extremely party-heavy December – January Season when Lagos becomes the entertainment capital of Africa. It is often characterized by concerts, festivals, beach parties, clubbing, weddings, etc. The term ‘Detty December’ gained some traction in 2016 when the Nigerian singer Mr. Eazi used the hashtag ‘Detty December’ for his December concert. Some argue that the ‘Detty December’ fiesta has some root to the 2004 Calabar Carnival, which was linked to an end of year street party. No matter what roots anyone gives the ‘Detty December’ fiesta, it now has significant branding and economic impact on the economy of Lagos.

Anambra State has the capacity to repeat a similar feat as seen in Lagos last December. Igbos are known to travel home from all over the world to their villages during the Christmas season. And this year, Anambra is going to have its own vibrant, well-organized and fun-filled December. It will be called ‘Onwa Dezember’. (In 1998, Tony One Week (full name Tony Muonagor), a Nigerian veteran musician popularized this term in his Gyration Master era). Anambra State is not only going to host its indigenes and Nigerians who will be returning from all over the world this December, it plans to host international visitors. ‘Onwa Dezember’ will be a tourism boost for Anambra.

Ndi Igbo, diasporans and all Nigerians who will be visiting Anambra will have the opportunity to experience a fun-filled, well-planned and structured Christmas season in Anambra. Historically, it is a cultural obligation for Igbos to return home during the Christmas season. It is called ‘ilo Ulo’’. (The Igbo kinship system – i.e. the Umunna and Umuada structure – expects members to be physically present for all kinds of family engagements during the Christmas season).

Under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra intends to use this opportunity to put Anambra on the world map. Besides, one of Governor Soludo’s vision is to make Anambra a preferred destination to ‘’live, learn, invest, work, relax and enjoy’’. Governor Soludo’s vision has numerous economic, social, cultural, branding and even political implications for Anambra.

From the 20th of December 2025, there will be well-organized comedy shows, concerts – which will feature celebrities- masquerade festivals, parties, street carnivals, etc. The nightlife in Anambra is expected to ‘bubble’ during this period. Musical superstars and celebrities will be available to entertain people in different carnivals which will be scattered around the state. The newly built Solution Fun City in Awka will be a beehive of activities this December. Restaurants and hotels in Anambra are expected to key into this fiesta.

The impact of ‘Onwa Dezember 2025’ on Anambra is enormous.

One, on the economic front, tens of thousands of Nigerians are expected to visit Anambra raising spending on flights, hotels, restaurants, drinks, nightlife and ride-hailing services. For example, makeup artists, hairstylists, stylists, and designers – especially those trained in the Anambra One Youth Two Skills Program – will see record booking. There will be job surges in the hospitality and the logistic industry. The GDP of Anambra will significantly be impacted this December.

Two, the social impact will be enormous. The street carnivals this December will offer an opportunity for reunions for diasporan families, networking, interactions and even for social mobility for locals.

Three, it will help showcase Anambra’s rich cultural heritage. This is in line with Governor Soludo’s vision of branding Anambra. Anambra will be a stage for global and local artists this December. This December will showcase our music concerts, fashion, art, masquerades and food to the world. Our local brands and artists will get the visibility they need to go to the next level. It will strengthen Anambra’s global brand in terms of entertainment and tourism.

Four, big businesses and corporate organizations will experience a significant positive impact on their balance sheets. Telecoms, banks, breweries, fintech and FMCGs domiciled in Anambra will experience the boom and the visibility they need this December. Cashless payments will surge this December. Diaspora spending is expected to impact the economy of Anambra significantly.

The international broadcasting of ‘Onwa Dezember’ will impact Anambra’s global visibility. Foreigners will have the opportunity to experience Anambra’s culture and maybe take away a lot to their various countries. Many diasporans will even explore investments in real estate and other opportunities as they explore the enormous potential of Anambra during the ‘Onwa Dezember’ fiesta.

It is a new Anambra and Governor Chukwuma Soludo is changing the face of the state. The state is now one of Nigeria’s safest states. It records months without incidents of crime. Roads are aggressively being built in Anambra. This December will be an opportunity to have fun in one of Nigeria’s biggest amusement and water parks, which is located in the heart of Awka and was built by Governor Soludo.

Nwankwo is the special adviser on special projects to Soludo