“Onwa Dezemba” is the name of the new tourism event announced by the Anambra State Government in Southeastern Nigeria. This is essentially a rebranded Christmas and end of year celebration that is aimed at improving the tourism potential of Anambra State through the promotion of the rich Igbo culture pervasive in the region. This new development is expected to become the building block of Anambra State’s tourism development framework.
Under the guidance of Governor Soludo, Onwa Dezemba is expected to become one of the major cultural tourism festivals that will help retain both indigenous and expatriates in the state, making it a must-visit destination in West Africa during the celebration of Dezemba.
Onwa Dezemba, which translates to “December Month” in the Igbo language, is more than just a festive period. According to Law Mefor, Anambra’s Commissioner for Information, Christmas in Igboland is not just a religious observance — it’s a time of homecoming, community bonding, and reflection for Ndi Igbo (the Igbo people), both at home and abroad. Traditionally, this period is marked by joyous reunions, feasts, and a sense of communal togetherness, making it a perfect foundation for a broader cultural festival.
The newly branded Onwa Dezemba aims to extend this local tradition into a highly organized state-wide festival, celebrating not only the festive season but also the cultural richness of Anambra and Igbo land. In many parts of Igbo land, this season marks a time of pilgrimage as families return from all over the world to spend time with their loved ones. The focus on tourism and cultural exchange is intended to position Anambra as a central destination during the holidays.
What sets Onwa Dezemba apart from other regional holiday festivals is the strong emphasis on community and culture. Mefor notes that, historically, burials in Igbo communities are suspended from mid-December until after the New Year, to allow for uninterrupted Christmas celebrations. This long-standing tradition of collective festivity is at the heart of the festival’s new branding.
While the Christmas season has always been significant in Igbo culture, the state government’s decision to brand and institutionalize Onwa Dezemba ensures that the celebration is unified, organized, and celebrated on a much larger scale. Governor Chukwuma Soludo has made it clear that this is part of his broader vision to position Anambra State as a major cultural, entertainment, and tourism hub for the Southeast of Nigeria and beyond.
One of the most exciting aspects of Onwa Dezemba is its ability to serve as a global gathering for the Anambra diaspora. People from all corners of the world, particularly those with ties to Anambra in Nigeria, will now have a reason to return home each year, bringing their families and contributing to the region’s economy.
Mefor described the initiative as bold and ambitious, with the potential to rival major Nigerian events such as Lagos’ Detty December or the Calabar Carnival. The integration of music, dance, traditional foods, and cultural displays allows the festival to maintain its roots in Igbo culture while also appealing to a wider international audience. The festival promises to strengthen the bonds between Anambra and its expatriate community, while also welcoming new visitors from across Nigeria and abroad.
The 2025 inaugural edition of Onwa Dezemba began on December 10th with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Solution Fun City — a major venue for the festival. This marks the beginning of weeks-long celebrations that will run through January 2026. The festival will feature nine major events across Awka, Ekwulobia, and Onitsha, with other towns in Anambra fully integrated into the celebrations. These events are designed to showcase the state’s cultural diversity, entertainment scene, and creative industries.
Key highlights include:
Onwa Dezemba also serves as an economic platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creative industries, and local tourism operators. The festival’s well-organized events, media coverage, and livestreaming will offer businesses a unique opportunity to promote their products and services to a wide audience.
Moreover, the festival provides an avenue for investment opportunities in tourism-related sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. With its strong focus on local culture and community engagement, Onwa Dezemba is a strategic tool for creating a sustainable tourism model in Anambra, which can be replicated across other states in the region.
Governor Soludo’s push for Onwa Dezemba as a key event in Anambra’s tourism calendar is a strategic move to diversify the state’s economy and attract both domestic and international tourists. The festival is a prime example of how culture and tourism can be intertwined to create a vibrant, sustainable tourism ecosystem.
By creating a unique, culturally rooted celebration, Onwa Dezemba positions Anambra as a major player in Nigeria’s tourism industry, boosting local pride while offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make Anambra a destination of choice for cultural tourism, attracting tourists who seek authentic experiences that celebrate local history, art, and customs.
As the Onwa Dezemba festival is gaining more popularity, it is likely to become one of the biggest events in West Africa. Offering entertainment that is centred around community, culture, and the family, this event creates a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about the richness of the Igbo culture. This event is likely to become an annual platform for unity, strength, and tradition, as it is also likely to contribute significantly to the growth of tourism in Anambra State.
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