By Peter Adelowo
Preparations are in top gear for the maiden edition of Groovy December, a new tourism, culture, and entertainment festival aimed at repositioning Abuja as a major national and international holiday destination.
Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Projects and convener of the festival, Dr Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, said the initiative is designed to provide diverse and memorable experiences for both residents and visitors during the festive season.
Speaking in Abuja during the commencement of the Walk for Tourism, Dr Ibe-Kalu explained that Groovy December will feature more than 35 activities targeted at residents now popularly referred to as “Abujans” as well as visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
He noted that over 45 diaspora coordinators are already promoting the event to Nigerians abroad.
According to him, the long-term vision is to attract up to 20 million tourists and visitors to Abuja within the next four years.
He said the programme includes hiking and guided tours at Karishi Waterfalls, visits to Shafa Village, and other notable tourist destinations across the FCT.
“Other activities include a Suya Festival, food-eating competitions, football tournaments, the Culture Fest between states, the Miss Groovy December pageant, and the Groovy Tombola raffle” he stated.
Dr Ibe-Kalu assured the public that security agencies are fully involved and have guaranteed the safety of all participants throughout the festival, which will run from 15th to 31st December 2025.
On funding, he explained that the festival is largely financed by the private sector through Kenneth Hanson Lifestyles Ltd., in partnership with the FCT Social Development Secretariat, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The Coordinator of Emerging Abuja Projects added that the Emerging Abuja Diaspora Investment Forum will also hold on December 17 as part of the programme.
He emphasised that Groovy December is not a one-off event, but the start of a sustained annual tourism programme for the capital city.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Groovy December Central Planning Committee, Mr Imoh Ebong, described the preparations as a major milestone ahead of the festival.
He announced the commencement of the Walk for Tourism, a city-wide awareness campaign aimed at mobilising residents and showcasing the significance of the upcoming festivities.
Mr Ebong said the FCT Pavilion and Exhibition Centre will serve as the central hub, featuring a children’s arena, cultural performances, a massive entertainment stage, food courts, and round-the-clock music and activities.
“If there is any place you would rather be from the 15th to the 31st of December 2025, it is right here at the FCT Pavilion and Exhibition Centre,” he stated.
The organisers say the festival is expected to boost tourism, stimulate the local economy, and further position Abuja as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub during the yuletide season.
