Oyo to boost tourism with 2025 countdown festival

As part of efforts to enhance the tourism sector and drive economic growth in Oyo State, Entertainment and Tourism Production Company, Ninja Naija Incorporated, in partnership with the Oyo State Government, is set to host the maiden edition of a New Year’s Eve Countdown event to welcome 2025.

Titled “Oyo Countdown 2025,” the year-end celebration, themed “Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Unity,” will be held simultaneously on December 30 and 31, 2024, in key cities and towns across the three Senatorial Districts of Oyo State—Oyo Central, Oyo South, and Oyo North—to usher in the new year.

A statement on Sunday by the Festival Director, Dare Fasasi, the late Sound Sultan’s elder brother, noted that the festival will showcase the talent and creativity of local artists and performers from across the state.

According to the statement, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, affirmed the state government’s support for the festival and expressed excitement about the state’s partnership with Ninja Naija Incorporated for the innovative event.

“This event is a testament to our government’s commitment to promoting tourism and developing the creative economy by leveraging the state’s cultural and creative assets for socio-economic growth. Through this partnership, we aim to attract visitors and provide opportunities for local businesses and talents to flourish.

“We believe that this New Year’s countdown will be a catalyst for growth and development in our state, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to join in the festivities,” the commissioner stated.

Olatunbosun further affirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the culture and tourism sector.

“The administration of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde is committed to unlocking the vast cultural and tourism potential of Oyo State. The administration has formulated a robust blueprint to drive the growth and development of this important sector, and we’re also collaborating with other stakeholders in the public and private sectors to develop tourist potential across the state.

“To further boost tourism, we’ve organised the International Tourism Summit Oyo State (ITS Oyo State 2024), a two-day immersive event that brings together stakeholders to facilitate the growth and development of the sector. Our goal is to position Oyo State as a leading cultural and tourism destination, and we’re making significant strides in achieving this objective,” Olatunbosun added.

Fasasi, known as Baba Dee, revealed that the festival would be preceded by a week of creative and cultural activities.

These will include traditional oral chanting competitions, traditional and contemporary dance performances, music and DJ competitions, and a grand musical presentation on December 30 and 31. Additionally, the event will feature food, drinks, and various leisure activities for attendees.

Fasasi also noted that the highlight of the event would be the countdown to the New Year, which will culminate in a breathtaking display of fireworks and lights to mark the arrival of 2025.

“The debut Oyo Countdown will be an unforgettable fusion of fireworks, live musical concerts, dance performances, and various forms of entertainment to welcome the New Year in grand style.

“This unique event will be held simultaneously across three major locations in the state — Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, and Iseyin — creating an unparalleled experience for attendees,” Fasasi stated.

Speaking on the tourism and socio-economic impact of the festival, Fasasi, a respected Swedish-Nigerian-born movie director and dancehall artiste, further explained that the Oyo Countdown is designed to not only explore the tourism potential of Oyo State but also to stimulate the creative industry, contributing to socio-economic growth.

“The Oyo Countdown is part of the Oyo State Government’s broader efforts to enhance the state’s tourism sector. This event provides a platform for fun lovers and tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. It offers a peaceful and vibrant destination to enjoy end-of-year celebrations in one of Nigeria’s most serene locations.”

Fasasi thanked Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for enabling Ninja Naija Incorporated to play a key role in developing the state’s creative and cultural assets through its partnership with the government to host the festival.