By Peter Adelowo
The National Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Projects, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, says the Groovy December initiative is a deliberate policy effort under the Imagine Abuja Programme to reposition the Federal Capital Territory as a major tourism and economic hub.
Dr. Ibe-Kalu stated this at the opening ceremony of Groovy December at Jabi Lake, Abuja.
He explained that the programme aligns with government’s strategy to diversify the city’s economy by promoting culture, arts, crafts and entertainment, especially during the traditionally quiet end-of-year period.
According to him, Abuja often experiences low activity in December as residents travel out, but Groovy December is designed to reverse the trend, retain spending within the city, create jobs and stimulate local businesses.
Dr. Ibe-Kalu disclosed that the event, scheduled to run from December 15 to 31, is supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as private sector partners and sponsors.
Activities lined up include traditional wrestling, a golf championship, guided tours to waterfalls and other tourist sites, boat rides, horse riding, skating and the Emerging Abuja Diaspora Investment Forum, expected to attract over two hundred Nigerians in the diaspora.
He called on residents and visitors to participate actively, expressing confidence that sustained implementation could see attendance grow to over fifty thousand participants in future editions.
Also speaking, Chairman of Groovy December, Mr Imoh Ebong, described the initiative as a long-term tourism policy intervention that has moved from vision to reality.
Mr Ebong said the event, launched at Jabi Lake, marks a new phase in Abuja’s entertainment and tourism development, featuring cultural performances, water sports, skating, horse riding, golf experiences and city tours.
He invited Nigerians at home and abroad to experience Abuja, saying the city is now positioned as a festive destination.
One of the participants, Dr Christopher Maigari, commended the organisers, describing the opening ceremony as impressive.
He noted that if sustained, Groovy December could support national diaspora engagement policies by attracting millions of Nigerians back home during the festive season.
Anu Asama, a resident, says the experience has been excellent stressing that during her previous visits to Abuja, she often felt bored, but this new initiative has completely changed that narrative.
According to her, from what she has seen so far, this year’s Christmas celebration in the Federal Capital Territory promises to be lively, engaging, and fun-filled for residents and visitors alike.
Highlight of the fiesta was a traditional wrestling, horse rides, dancing competition, bike rides, eating competition, tie and dye Adire workshop among others.
