Abuja Set to Host Inaugural Groovy December Festival to Boost Tourism & Economy

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The Emerging Abuja Program has unveiled plans for the inaugural 16-day Groovy December festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, entertainment, and adventure. The event aims to position the Federal Capital Territory to become Nigeria’s premier tourism destination and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking in Abuja on August 12, Imoh Ebang, Chairman of the Groovy December Committee, highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential, questioning why the country has not fully leveraged its vast opportunities to create wealth for its citizens.

Ebang stated, “We have a vision, which is primarily focused on contributing to the positioning of Abuja as the nation’s tourism hub, and we consider it our little secret.” We have decided to employ some of the significant enablers of tourism, which are culture, entertainment, comedy, community involvement, competitions, fairs, motorsports, a renewed social ethos, and a new way of life, as platforms to attract visitors to the nation’s capital, Abuja, throughout the December (15th to 31st) period beginning from 2025 with Abuja Groovy December, powered by a premier destination experience-curating organisation, the Emerging Abuja Programme of KHL.

“Groovy December is a premier festival showcasing over 35+ events, which is in its maiden edition this year.

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“The Moshood Abiola Stadium will host over 70% of the festival, consisting of different events such as jazz festival, afrobeats concerts with top artists, cultural displays, water events like kayaking, exceptional food & cooking events, car racing events, fashion, football, chess, and Snooker competitions; the emerging Abuja Marketplace; and several competitions where states and individuals will contest and win cash prizes and trophies, etc.

“To establish Abuja Groovy December as Nigeria’s premier, must-attend year-end festival, offering an unparalleled blend of sophistication, diverse entertainment, cultural immersion, and unique Abuja experiences, surpassing other events and all other regional events in scale, appeal, and overall impact.”

Ebang said the 16-day festival aims to draw Nigerians and the diaspora to Abuja, showcasing African talent, culture, cuisine, and adventure, while boosting the FCT’s economy and cementing its place as the top December destination.

He lamented that tourism remains one of the country’s least developed sectors despite Nigerians significantly contributing to tourism growth abroad, stressing that it is time for the world to come to Nigeria rather than Nigerians always going elsewhere.

Chairman of the Groovy December Committee stated, “Tourism has the potential to mop up unemployment in Nigeria in less than a decade, only if we collectively decide to encourage it. How can this be achieved? By promoting and strengthening cultural exchange and understanding, every Nigerian must take up the title of a tourism ambassador wherever we find ourselves. We must develop a cultural identity that we can promote to others, thus attracting them to visit.

“By cooperating to enhance the security of our communities, the Government needs all of us to achieve a safe country, using the campaign slogan, ‘If you see something, say something.

“Join in combating the negative media perception being propagated by foreign media: Nigerians inadvertently provide the information that fuels the negative hype being utilised by foreign media to denigrate our country. Let us Instead of demarketing ourselves, let us promote the progress we achieve every day.ll for massive investments in the tourism sector: Most of our tourism destinations are dormant and underdeveloped, we call on the Private sector operators, Nigerians in Diaspora and the government to consider investing heavily in all tourism destinations and their enablers to attract tourists from across the world.”

He noted that the event will harness the city’s modern infrastructure, scenic beauty, central location, and cooler climate to offer a world-class, accessible, and unique tourism experience.

Ebang urged the government, private sector, diaspora, and media to collaborate in boosting tourism revenue, generating employment, and positioning Abuja as a leading destination.

The programme coordinator in Abuja, Kenneth Kalu, clarified that the initiative does not compete with the annual Calabar Festival held in December but is intended to complement it.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low ranking of 164th in global tourism and stated that the group’s goal is to revive several tourism sites in Abuja.

Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia serves as the Brand Ambassador for Emerging Abuja.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

What is the Groovy December festival?

The Groovy December festival is a 16-day event organised by the Emerging Abuja Program. It’s a celebration of Nigerian culture, entertainment, and adventure, featuring over 35 events across Abuja from December 15th to 31st, 2025.

Where will the festival take place?

The Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja will host the majority of the festival’s events, accounting for over 70%. Specific events may also utilise other venues.

What kinds of events can attendees expect?

The festival will offer a diverse range of events, including Afrobeats concerts with top artists, a jazz festival, cultural displays, water events like kayaking, car racing, fashion shows, and various competitions in football, chess, and snooker. There will also be a market and food events.

Is this festival competing with the Calabar Festival?

No, the Groovy December festival is not intended to compete with the Calabar Festival. According to the organisers, it is meant to complement other year-end celebrations and further establish Nigeria as a top tourist destination.

What is the goal of the Groovy December festival?

The festival’s primary goals are to position Abuja as Nigeria’s leading tourism destination, drive economic growth in the Federal Capital Territory, and showcase the country’s rich culture and talent to a global audience. The organisers also hope to encourage investment in Nigeria’s tourism sector and combat negative media perceptions.