By Ifeizu Joe
Anambra State government has unveiled activities to mark the yuletide in the state, which it has christened ‘Onwa Dezemba’ celebration.
Governor of the state, 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.
In a press release by the Anambra State commissioner for information, Dr Law Mefor, which was released to journalists in Awka, he revealed the activities to mark the yuletide.
Mefor 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.
“This bold new initiative in Anambra State is called “Onwa Dezemba.” The fiesta kicked off on December 10, with the lighting up and decoration of the awe-inspiring Christmas tree at the Solution Fun City.
“‘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.
“Key highlights include the 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.
“Solution FunCity will kick off the New Year with an LOL (Laugh Out Loud) Anambra event. Thereafter, Walk-for-Life gets into gear at Alex Ekwueme Square. 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,” the release stated.
