Enjoy ‘Detty December’ in South-West Nigeria

Christmas decoration in Lagos. Photo credit: Local guide

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“Detty December” is a popular slang term for the lively, month-long festive period in Nigeria, mostly beginning from mid-December to the New Year and has been loosely described as letting loose and indulging in some fun and merriment.

I had a sneak peek of that from November 19–23, 2025, while in Lagos on an official assignment.

It was a retreat by the Department of Conflict and Dispute Resolution of the Niger Delta Development Commission. It was organised by Peace and Development Projects, headed by rights activist Francis Abayomi.

With the business meeting done and dusted on Thursday, November 20, Friday and Saturday were spent by the participants to bond, recreate and network.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, the team was at the Badagry Heritage and Slave Museum. The museum offers deep dives into the region’s history, particularly its role in the slave trade. We were also at the first-storey building in Nigeria, built between 1842 and 1845 by Rev. C.A. Gollmer.

This building houses the first Yoruba Bible and represents the beginning of Christianity in Nigeria. In the house was a wooden chair made in 1878; a safe for keeping valuables built in 1856; a portrait of Rev. Thomas Birch Freeman, who sowed the seed of Christianity in Nigeria and Rev. Henry Townsend, who published the first newspaper in Nigeria titled ‘Iwe Iroyin fun awon ara Egba ati Yoruba’ in 1859 in Abeokuta.

In the same premises is the first CMS well, dug in 1842, which is called Miracle Well because of its purported healing properties.

Time constraints didn’t allow us to take a boat ride to the ‘Point of No Return’, which is a monument commemorating the slaves who were taken from this point. We couldn’t also take in the Velekete Slave Market, which is a historical site of the slave trade and the Agia Tree Monument.

On Saturday, November 22, 2025, we were at the Ikeja Police College for aerobic exercise and games (table tennis and volleyball) while we headed to Athena Beach at Elegushi, Lekki area for an evening hangout. The ocean view was awesome, while the cuisine and choice of drinks were on offer. After about four hours of relaxation, we wrapped up with dinner and returned to our hotel.

If you have plans to experience ‘Detty December’ 2025, aside from the aforementioned places, you should also check out the following: Suntan Beach; Whispering Palms Resort; Badagry Coconut Beach; National Museum; Nike Art Gallery; Lekki Conservation Centre; Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex and Makoko Floating Community Tour: A tour to explore the unique floating community in Lagos. The Oba of Lagos, HRM.

Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu has announced that the Eyo Festival will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in honour of the late Chief Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the late Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola.

In my February 7, 2024, column on this page, I recounted my memorable visit to the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos, which gives a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of Yoruba heritage through diverse exhibits, including artefacts, oral history, and traditional attire.

Visitors can experience the rich history through well-organised, lit displays, see unique items like the car from Pelumi Nubi’s London-to-Lagos drive, and learn about the history behind the original 1928 swimming pool on the site. The centre is also a dynamic space for learning, with features like interactive displays and opportunities for cultural immersion.

Did you know that the Lagos State Government generated over $71.6m in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment during the 2024 ‘Detty December’ celebrations.

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, shared these figures during a review of the Lagos State ‘Detty December’ 2024/2025 Report with stakeholders. According to the government, hotels contributed over $44m, while short-let apartments added $13m to the total revenue.

During 2024 ‘Detty December’, Lagos hosted a variety of events that attracted massive crowds and showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Key events included the Mrs Universe Africa event, Greater Lagos Fiesta, music concerts, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, culinary events, Spotify Wrapped Concert, Lungu Boy Block Party, Rhythm Unplugged, Entertainment Week Lagos, Joeboy, The La Vida Experience, African Fashion Week, and Fashion Souk.

The season also attracted locals, members of the Nigerian diaspora (commonly known as IJGBs—I Just Got Back), and international tourists eager to experience the vibrancy and diversity that make Lagos a global cultural destination.

According to the January 15, 2025, BusinessDay newspaper, Diaspora remittances from the 2024 ‘Detty December’ alone were equivalent to four per cent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product, according to former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fasola.

Speaking at the 55th convocation lecture of the University of Lagos, Fasola explained the importance of leveraging the country’s “Detty December” phenomenon to drive economic growth.

He urged Nigerians to tap into these developmental opportunities to gain scarce dollar liquidity and prepare earnestly for the forthcoming one, a failure which could drive potential tourists to other nations.

The two-time governor of Lagos State revealed that nations live on the subset of tourism referred to as MICE – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, stating that the last ‘Detty December’ had opened a positive image for Nigeria.

A report by MO Africa Company Limited revealed that Lagos alone witnessed a staggering revenue spike during the ‘Detty December’ period, with hotels, clubs, and recreational activities collectively generating over N100bn, attracting approximately 1.2 million tourists.

As former Governor Fasola aptly suggested, ‘Detty December’ phenomenon should transcend Lagos. I, therefore, recommend to our Diasporans who will be coming home on holiday this season to also extend their jollification plan beyond Lagos.

Interestingly, there are several tourist sites in the six South-West geopolitical states. I have extensively discussed Lagos; however, family and friends can take a standard gauge train ride from Lagos to Abeokuta and Ibadan and vice versa. It is safe and convenient.

Some places to visit in Ogun State include the historic Olumo Rock and Centenary Hall in Ake, Abeokuta, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and OOPL Wildlife Park, and family-friendly spots like Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park. Other attractions are the June 12 Cultural Centre, the National Museum of Abeokuta, and the Itoku Tie and Dye (Adire) Market.

Oyo State has several tourist attractions, including natural wonders like the Ado Awaye Mountains and their suspended Iyake lake, as well as historical and cultural sites such as Bower’s Tower, Mapo Hall, and the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan.

Other popular spots include Agodi Gardens, University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture and the First Television Station in Africa, Nigeria Television Authority, Agodi, Ibadan.

Osun State’s tourist sites include the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Erin-Ijesa (Olumirin) Waterfall, which features multiple tiers. Other attractions are the Nike Art Gallery in Akoda-Ede, Owala Dam, Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drums) in Ede, Ooni of Ife Palace and Ife Museum, among others.

Places to visit in Ekiti State include natural attractions like the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Arinta Waterfall, historical sites such as Fajuyi Memorial Park, and notable landmarks like the Ero and Egbe Dams.

Other attractions include Esa Cave, Olosunta Hills, and Abanijorin Mountain. Ondo State parades tourist sites such as: Araromi White Sand Beach; Idanre Hills; Ebomi Lake; Igbo Olodumare; Smokin Hill Golf Resort; Oke Maria (Christian Pilgrimage centre); Isarun Cave of Ashes; Owo Palace & Museum; Akure Palace and Idanre Botanical Gardens & Park.

The good news is that the six states of the South-West region are safe and have motorable roads, nice hotels and good cuisine. I have been to many of these tourist sites, and they come highly recommended for fun seekers and merry makers at a pocket-friendly fee.

I.G: @jideojong

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