Abuja is gearing up for an unprecedented wave of tourism, culture, and entertainment as organisers unveil Groovy December, a large-scale festival scheduled to hold from December 15 to 31, 2025.
The initiative, championed by Dr. Kenneth Ibe Kalu, Coordinator of the Emerging Abuja Programme and convener of Groovy December, aims to reposition the Federal Capital Territory as a leading global tourism destination.
Speaking on the vision behind the project, Dr. Kalu said the idea is to create unique experiences for residents—whom the team now fondly calls Abujans—as well as visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
“We began with Groovy Dezemba, a series of over 35 events designed to excite residents, domestic tourists, and Nigerians abroad. With more than 45 diaspora coordinators promoting this initiative, we hope to attract up to 20 million tourists and visitors to Abuja in the next four years,” Kalu explained.
The lineup includes outdoor adventures such as hiking and guided tours at Karshi Waterfalls, visits to Shafa Village, and trips to other emerging tourist sites around the capital.
There will also be a Suya Festival, food-eating competitions, vendor fairs, football tournaments, a Culture Fest featuring inter-state cultural showcases, the Miss Groovy Dezemba pageant, and a planned Groovy Tombola.
According to Dr. Kalu, security agencies are already partnering with organisers to ensure safety throughout the festivities. Funding is being provided largely by the private sector through Kenneth Hanson Lifestyles Limited, with strategic support from key government institutions.
“We’re partnering with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, especially the Social Development Secretariat. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and others are providing technical and professional support. We’re also hosting the Imagine Abuja Diaspora Investment Forum on December 17,” he added.
He stressed that Groovy Dezember is not a one-off event but a long-term annual project.
Also speaking during a preparatory event in Abuja, Imo Ebong, chairman of the Groovy December Central Planning Committee, described the festival as a landmark moment for the capital city.
“Today marks the final lap of preparations for the first-of-its-kind festivities in Nigeria’s capital. Groovy Dezember is the brainchild of Kenneth Hanson Lifestyles Limited, backed by FCT authorities, to showcase and re-market Nigeria through the eyes of Abuja,” Ebong said.
The planning committee is set to conduct a Walk for Tourism across major city routes to further raise awareness ahead of the festival.
He noted that the FCT Pavilion and Exhibition/Event Centre will serve as the main hub for activities.
“There will be a kiddies’ corner with numerous activities, a massive stage with 24-hour music and entertainment, cultural displays by states, food exhibitions, and family-friendly experiences. Abuja will be buzzing..
“If there’s anywhere to be from December 15 to 31, 2025, it will be right here at the FCT Pavilion,” he said.
With expectations rising and preparations in top gear, Groovy December is poised to become one of Abuja’s most vibrant and transformative cultural events.
