Abuja hosts inaugural Groovy December Festival

The first-ever Groovy December Festival kicked off on Monday at the Jabi Lake, Abuja, as a 17-day event aimed at promoting tourism, culture and entertainment, the organisers said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, the Project Coordinator of The Emerging Abuja Projects, said the festival was part of the broader Imagine Abuja Programme designed to curate year-end entertainment for residents and visitors.

He said, “Groovy December is just a component of the Imagine Abuja Programme to provide various kinds of events that will promote tourism via culture, arts, crafts and entertainment.

“Abuja is usually dormant during this season, and our aim is to ensure that people stay, enjoy the festivities and contribute to the city’s economy. It will keep our youths engaged, provide entertainment for families and boost local businesses.”

Ibe-Kalu expressed optimism about the future of the festival, saying, “We believe that by the third edition we will attract over 50,000 Nigerians and members of the diaspora.

“This is just the beginning, and we are confident it will grow bigger and better each year.”

He said the event had received support from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and several private sector sponsors.

The Chairman of Groovy December 2025 and Beyond, Mr Imoh Ebong, described the festival as a milestone for the city.

Mr Ebong said, “It’s a wonderful moment to see Groovy December move beyond the drawing board and come to life. Over the next 17 days, there’s nonstop fun; skating, horse riding, golf, boat rides and cultural performances.

“We invite everyone watching this, wherever you are in the world, to come to Abuja, Nigeria, and experience the uniqueness of our city. Once you arrive, you’ll understand why an ‘Abujan’ is more than just a resident – it’s a title of pride.”

Commending the organisers, Dr Christopher Ibrahim said, “When I first heard about this idea, I honestly thought it was a joke. But seeing the opening ceremony tonight, I can say they really got it right.

“If we continue on this path, I truly believe that in the next five years 20 million members of the diaspora will return home to Nigeria and to Abuja to celebrate their Christmas with us.”

The organisers also announced special discounts at partner hotels for attendees from Abuja, other states and the diaspora.

The festival also includes the Groovy December Golf Kitty Championship at the Jonathan Golf Course and the Emerging Abuja Diaspora Investment Forum on December 17, where organisers expect over 200 diasporans to attend. (NAN)

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