Sunday, July 12, 2026

Detty December: Lagos positioning self as Africa’s creative capital, says APC

Mr Oladejo said, “Creativity alone is not enough. Government apathy would have killed this ecosystem years ago.”

• December 7, 2025
Lagos State
Image used to illustrate Lagos State [Credit; iStock]

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the state has reinforced its status as Africa’s leading creative hub through sustained government support for the cultural and entertainment sectors.

The party said the state’s growing influence is a product of deliberate public investment in infrastructure, tourism, transportation, and security.

APC spokesman, Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu continued to power youth-driven innovation.

He described “Detty December,” a phrase used to describe the ubiquitous parties, shows and other vibrant entertainment-related activities in the state in December, as a product of state government’s support for the entertainment sector.

He said, “Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has become the undisputed creative capital of Africa, where beats meet business and imagination meets infrastructure.”

Mr Oladejo noted that the 2025 Detty December activities showed how effective partnerships between government and the private sector could drive economic expansion.

He said Lagos’ model of support for entertainment, fashion, nightlife, digital content, and hospitality had created thousands of jobs and impacted local enterprises.

According to him, while some states are still debating how to grow their creative economies, Lagos is already attracting global attention and exporting its development blueprint.

He said the THEMES development agenda remained central to the city’s economic growth, bridging entertainment, technology, tourism and entrepreneurship.

Mr Oladejo said, “Creativity alone is not enough. Government apathy would have killed this ecosystem years ago. But Lagos chose a different route – strategic enablement, massive investment in security, improved transportation, world-class event infrastructure, and active collaboration with the private sector.

“This synergy – the handshake between government enablement and unstoppable youth creativity – is why Lagos today stands tall as the only African city that can host a hundred world-class events in a single month and not miss a beat.

“The Lagos APC proudly salutes the brilliant minds behind the scenes: entertainers, content creators, promoters, designers, producers, digital innovators, hospitality drivers and the countless young people redefining what is possible. Your creativity is the jet fuel.Lagos is the runway that ensures you take off.”

The spokesman added that improved security, upgraded event facilities, and expanded transportation networks had made Lagos a preferred destination for major concerts and festivals.

Mr Oladejo said he had no doubt that the APC state government would deepen investments in the creative sector to sustain economic momentum in 2026.

“As we march into a new year, we assure Lagos residents that the Sanwo-Olu administration will intensify support for the creative sector. The governor will expand tourism infrastructure, strengthen security architecture, and deepen opportunities for young entrepreneurs. If Detty December is the preview, then Lagos is already scripting a blockbuster future,” he said.

Detty December Fest is one of Nigeria’s largest end-of-year cultural events, blending music, entertainment, and holiday celebrations in Lagos, running from December 6 to 31. 

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

horse racing

Sport

Tinubu reiterates commitment to reviving horse racing in Nigeria

Mr Tinubu said reviving horse racing would create jobs through skills development, tourism, livestock production, and increased private-sector investment.

Strait of Hormuz

World

Iran, Oman end Hormuz talks without breakthrough

The strategic waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman to the south, giving both countries a direct role in ensuring maritime security.

Kings College Lagos,

Education

Kings College Lagos PTA rejects takeover plan by old boys’ association

The parents unanimously rejected the move and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the approval.

Nigerians evacuated from South Africa

Diaspora

Sixth batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa arrives in Lagos

NiDCOM also announced various financial support packages for the returnees.

Amina Kabir, Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination

Heading 3

Govt can’t tackle Nigeria’s economic, social challenges alone; CSOs must step in: Presidency

Ms Kabir said the government alone could not address the country’s growing challenges.

Toronto street festival

World

At least two killed, five injured in Toronto street festival shooting

The police said investigations are ongoing to fish out the shooter, warning the public to stay away from the area.