Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has officially thrown its weight behind the maiden Afikpo International Carnival, announcing plans to integrate the festival into Nigeria's growing "Detty December" tourism calendar as part of efforts to leverage culture for economic growth, job creation, and national development. The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made this known on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the official flag-off and press briefing of the carnival held in Abuja.
Represented by her Special Assistant on Content Development, Doyin Diya Odusanya, the minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's vision of promoting Nigeria's cultural heritage as a global tourism asset capable of attracting visitors and boosting the economy. She described Nigeria's cultural diversity as one of its greatest strengths, adding that the Afikpo International Carnival has the potential to become a globally recognised festival. Odusanya said the ministry would collaborate with the organisers to position the carnival alongside major end-of-year cultural events that attract local and international tourists.
"We will try as much as possible to ensure that this festival is aligned with the 'Detty December' project so that as tourists from across the world look for destinations to visit during the festive season, Afikpo will become one of the places they will consider, just like the Calabar Carnival and other major cultural events," Odusanya said. He noted that cultural festivals around the world have become major economic drivers, creating employment opportunities, promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion. According to him, Nigeria has enormous cultural assets that can generate significant economic value if properly harnessed.
"Culture is not just entertainment. It fosters peace, strengthens unity, creates jobs and stimulates economic prosperity. The Afikpo International Carnival is not only for the South-East; it is a festival for the entire nation," Odusanya said. He cited the success of FESTAC '77 and the growth of "Detty December" as examples of how cultural events can evolve into major tourism brands. Odusanya urged the organisers to learn from successful global festivals, noting that Nigeria's cultural offerings, including music, cuisine, traditions and festivals, continue to attract international attention. "There is no country like Nigeria when it comes to culture and festivals. Visitors who attend our festivals leave with unforgettable experiences and always want to return. That is why we must continue to invest in our cultural assets," he added.
The 2026 Afikpo International Carnival is scheduled to hold from December 26, 2026, to January 1, 2027, positioning it strategically within the peak of the "Detty December" festive season. The carnival is expected to feature a rich programme of cultural displays, traditional performances, music, arts and crafts, and culinary experiences that showcase the unique heritage of the Afikpo people and the broader Ebonyi State culture. The initiative has been designed to position Eastern Nigeria as a premier destination for cultural tourism, creative economy development, international exchange, and sustainable community growth.
The concept of "Detty December"—also popularly spelled "Dirty December"—has become a defining feature of Nigeria's festive season, drawing hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists to the country. The playful term, believed to have been coined by Afropop star Mr Eazi in 2016, describes the vibrant end-of-year festivities that stretch from mid-December to the new year, characterised by concerts, parties, cultural events, and social gatherings. In 2025, Lagos alone hosted approximately 1.2 million tourists during the Detty December period, generating more than $71.6 million in revenue for the hospitality and entertainment sectors, according to government figures.
The Federal Government has identified the Afikpo International Carnival as a strategic addition to this growing tourism ecosystem. By positioning the carnival alongside established events like the Calabar Carnival, which has become Africa's largest street party and a major tourist attraction for Cross River State, the government aims to decentralise Nigeria's festive tourism and spread its economic benefits across the country. The Calabar Carnival, launched in 2004, has grown into a world-class event that attracts thousands of international visitors and generates significant revenue for the state, demonstrating the transformative potential of well-organised cultural festivals.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, represented by Mrs Blessing Onwughalu, described the Afikpo International Carnival as a platform for showcasing Nigeria's cultural identity while promoting tourism, entrepreneurship and community development. Onwughalu said the carnival goes beyond entertainment, serving as a means of preserving cultural heritage, promoting national unity and creating economic opportunities for artists, performers, entrepreneurs and local businesses.
"The Afikpo International Carnival is more than a celebration of culture. It is a platform that showcases our unique identity, strengthens national unity, promotes tourism, empowers our creative talents and stimulates economic growth within our communities," she said. She added that cultural festivals had become important tools for sustainable development, employment generation and international cultural exchange as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy. The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting initiatives that project Nigeria positively on the global stage and create opportunities within the creative economy sector.
The Federal Government's backing of the Afikpo International Carnival reflects a broader strategy to harness Nigeria's cultural and creative industries as drivers of economic diversification. The creative economy, which encompasses arts, culture, tourism, and entertainment, has been identified as a key sector with the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product and create millions of jobs, particularly for the country's large youth population. By integrating the Afikpo Carnival into the Detty December calendar, the government hopes to create a new tourism circuit that draws visitors to Eastern Nigeria, stimulates local economies, and showcases the region's rich cultural heritage.
The carnival also carries significant potential for promoting peace and social cohesion in the South-East, a region that has experienced its share of security challenges in recent years. By positioning Afikpo as a safe and vibrant tourist destination, the organisers and the government aim to change perceptions, attract investment, and foster a sense of pride and unity among the people of Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region. The carnival is expected to feature the famous Afikpo Njenje masquerade, a traditional cultural performance that has been recognised as a unique indigenous art form, blending ancient traditions with modern carnival elements.
As the countdown to the maiden edition of the Afikpo International Carnival begins, the organisers have assured the public of a world-class event that will showcase the best of Nigerian culture and hospitality. With the full backing of the Federal Government, the carnival is poised to become a major addition to Nigeria's festive tourism landscape, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience that celebrates the diversity, creativity and resilience of the Nigerian people. The success of the carnival could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country, demonstrating that culture, when properly harnessed, can be a powerful engine for economic growth, job creation, and national development.
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