By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State government has reeled out activities mapped out to celebrate the yuletide in the state, christened, “Onwa Dezemba” celebration.

Recall that the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, had after the state Executive Council meeting in November revealed that the state has planned out a line-up of activities that will make citizens and returnees to thoroughly enjoy this year’s yuletide celebration.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, in a statement made available to journalists in Awka, reeled out the activities which take place simultaneously in Awka, Onitsha and Ekwulobia to include, Solution FunCity Christmas Cantata; the Masquerade Festival at Ezechima Primary School, Onitsha; the Christmas Day Children’s Carnival at Solution FunCity; and the Masquerade Festival at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, which will be followed the next day by another Masquerade Festival at Township Stadium, Ekwulobia.

According to him, the fiesta has kicked off on December 10, with the lighting up and decoration of the awe-inspiring Christmas tree at the Solution Fun City.

He said the activities lined up for the ‘Onwa Dezemba’ would outdo celebrations in Cross River and Lagos, which are dubbed; Calabar Carnival and Lagos Detty December.

He said: “For Ndigbo generally, the Yuletide goes beyond Christmas celebration. It serves as tourism and time for stocktaking and even pilgrimage.

“Igbo people return from all over the world to join up with kit and kin at home in auspicious celebrations that last for about two to three weeks on average in and around the communities across Igbo land.

“The month (Onwa) of December (Dezemba in Igbo pronunciation) is therefore not new. What is new is that Solution Governor Chukwuma Soludo wants it fully branded, unified, and celebrated annually in Anambra State—possibly grander than Detty December in Lagos, Calabar Carnival, and so on.

“‘Onwa Dezemba’, arguably Africa’s grandest communal party, has officially commenced and will continue in full swing until January 2026. All the drivers of Onwa Dezemba are poised to execute the programme effectively, thus ensuring a memorable festive experience for Ndi Anambra in line with Mr Governor’s vision of delivering a liveable and prosperous Anambra.

“This inaugural 2025 edition features nine major events across Awka, Ekwulobia, and Onitsha. The other diverse towns of Anambra State have all keyed into the Onwa Dezemba phenomenon.”

The Commissioner further said that the Solution FunCity will kick off the New Year with an LOL (Laugh Out Loud) Anambra event, while Walk-for-Life gets into gear at Alex Ekwueme Square.

He added: "There Is the compelling All-White Old School Night at Solution FunCity.

“The MegaFest 2.0 is a showstopper like no other, featuring elite performing artists anchored by Flavour na Abania and Friends.”