FCT: Preparations Intensify for Maiden Edition of ‘Groovy December’

By our Correspondent

Preparations are in full swing for the inaugural edition of Groovy December, a new tourism, culture, and entertainment festival designed to reposition Abuja as a leading national and international holiday destination.

Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Projects and convener of the festival, said the initiative aims to deliver diverse and memorable experiences for both residents and visitors during the festive season.

Speaking in Abuja at the commencement of the Walk for Tourism, Dr. Ibe-Kalu revealed that Groovy December will feature more than 35 activities for residents—popularly referred to as “Abujans”—as well as visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora. He added that over 45 diasporan coordinators are already promoting the event to Nigerians abroad.

He noted that the long-term vision is to attract as many as 20 million tourists and visitors to Abuja within the next four years.

According to him, the programme lineup includes hiking and guided tours at the Karishi Waterfalls, visits to Ushafa Village, and trips to other notable tourist sites across the FCT.

“Other activities include a Suya Festival, food-eating competition, 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 actively involved and have guaranteed the safety of all participants throughout the festival, which is scheduled to run from December 15 to 31, 2025.

On funding, he explained that the festival is primarily 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.

He added that the Emerging Abuja Diaspora Investment Forum will also take place on December 17 as part of the programme.

Emphasizing the sustainability of the initiative, he noted that Groovy December is not a one-time event but the start of an annual tourism tradition for the capital city.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Groovy December Central Planning Committee, Mr. Imoh Ebong, described the preparatory efforts 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 highlighting the significance of the upcoming festivities.

Mr. Ebong said the FCT Pavilion and Exhibition Centre will serve as the central hub, hosting a children’s arena, cultural performances, a large 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 said.

According to the organisers, the festival is expected to boost tourism, stimulate the local economy, and further establish Abuja as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub during the yuletide season.