By Ayomide Otitoju
The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has released the full lineup of activities for Ọnwa Dezemba, the state’s flagship end-of-year festival designed to make the 2025 Christmas season memorable for residents and visitors.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Law Mefor, announced the programme, describing Ọnwa Dezemba as a celebration of Anambra’s rich cultural heritage, youthful energy and vibrant entertainment scene.
According to the schedule, activities will commence on December 18 with #OnwaDezemba City Block, a youth-focused event targeted at Gen Z audiences. The programme, featuring music and live performances, will take place at 6 p.m. at the Awka City Stadium, located within the Solution Fun City.
On December 20, the festival continues with the #OnwaDezemba Christmas Carol (Cankata), scheduled for 4 p.m. at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
Christmas Day, December 25, has been dedicated to children with the #OnwaDezemba Children’s Christmas Festival, which will hold at 2 p.m. at Solution Fun City.
Cultural celebrations will take centre stage on December 27 with the #OnwaDezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival at 2 p.m. at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. The masquerade festival will move to Ekwulobia Township Stadium on December 28, also starting at 2 p.m.
Sports and community bonding are featured on December 29, when the #OnwaDezemba Novelty Match kicks off at 2 p.m. at Awka Township Stadium. On the same day, the Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival will thrill audiences in Onitsha, beginning at 2 p.m. at Ezechima Primary School.
The celebrations will peak on December 30 with the #OnwaDezemba Flavour Homecoming Concert, a special live performance by Anambra-born music star, Flavour N’abania. The concert is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Solution Fun City.
Activities will extend into the new year, beginning on January 3 with the #OnwaDezemba Walk for Life, a fitness and wellness event starting at 7 a.m. at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. Later that day, at 5 p.m., comedy lovers will be entertained at #OnwaDezemba LOL (Laugh Out Loud) Anambra, a stand-up comedy show holding at Solution Fun City.
The festival will conclude on January 4 with the #OnwaDezemba All-White Old School Night, an evening of classic music and fashion, set for 6 p.m. at Solution Fun City.
Mefor said the series of events has been carefully curated to promote culture, unity, entertainment and healthy living, while providing opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Anambra’s unique festive atmosphere during the Christmas and New Year season.
