Anambra State Launches Their Onwa Dezemba Festival to Boost Tourism Growth, Culture and Community Engagement, Positioning Nigeria as a Cultural Tourism Hub

Published on December 14, 2025

Anambra State, found in Nigeria’s South-Eastern region, has launched a new Christmas and End of the Year Fiesta branded as “Onwa Dezemba,” which seeks to showcase the rich Igbo culture, foster more community cohesion, as well as make Anambra one of Nigeria’s leading tourist destinations. This new Anambra development is led by the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who is promoting it as one of Nigeria’s biggest annual events.

Activities to kick-start the event were held on the 10th of December 2025, with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Solution Fun City Awka, signifying the onset of the festivity that would last until the end of January 2026. Onwa Dezemba is set to make Anambra a tourist centre as it unveils the distinctness of Anambra’s cultural heritage and boosts the tourism growth of Anambra state.

Tourism Impact: Boosting Local and National Economies

The Onwa Dezemba festival is expected to have a significant tourism impact on both Anambra’s local economy and Nigeria’s broader tourism industry. With its combination of traditional Igbo festivities, modern cultural performances, and interactive experiences, the festival will attract both domestic and international tourists. By creating a unified, annual event, Anambra is positioning itself as a major cultural tourism destination in Nigeria, drawing visitors who seek to experience authentic and immersive cultural celebrations.

As tourist arrivals increase during the festival, there will be a boost in local businesses related to hospitality, transportation, retail, and food services. The event is expected to provide employment opportunities and revenue generation for the state, contributing to regional economic development and helping to diversify Anambra’s economy beyond traditional sectors.

The festival’s wide range of activities—including the Solution FunCity Christmas Cantata, Masquerade Festivals, and MegaFest 2.0—will also bring attention to Anambra’s tourism infrastructure, encouraging long-term investment in the state’s cultural tourism and event management sectors.

Onwa Dezemba: Strengthening Nigeria’s Tourism and Cultural Identity

The launch of ‘Onwa Dezemba’ aligns with Nigeria’s broader tourism development strategy, which aims to boost the country’s visibility as a leading destination for cultural tourism in Africa. By leveraging its rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings, Nigeria is positioning itself to become a key player in global tourism, attracting visitors not only for its natural beauty and historic sites but also for its vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations.

This festival serves as a national example of how regional tourism initiatives can be used to enhance the country’s global tourism appeal. The government’s commitment to strengthening tourism infrastructure in Anambra is a step toward creating sustainable tourism models across Nigeria, ensuring that tourism growth contributes to local development while preserving cultural traditions.

Harmonizing Tradition with Modern Tourism: Onwa Dezemba as a Catalyst for Sustainable Tourism Growth

The Onwa Dezemba festival is not only a celebration of Igbo culture but also a catalyst for sustainable tourism growth in Nigeria. With its focus on community involvement, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism practices, the festival offers an opportunity for Anambra to develop its tourism sector in a way that benefits both local communities and tourists. The festival’s emphasis on family-friendly and culturally rooted activities ensures that tourism growth remains inclusive and sustainable.

Furthermore, by integrating traditional elements like masquerades and community feasts with modern entertainment, Anambra is setting a global standard for how to blend cultural authenticity with tourism development. The tourism initiatives being spearheaded by Governor Soludo will help create more resilient tourism economies by balancing economic prosperity with environmental and cultural sustainability.

Future Impact: Establishing Anambra and Nigeria as Global Cultural Tourism Leaders

Looking ahead, Onwa Dezemba could become a signature event that not only drives tourism but also boosts cultural exchange between Nigeria and the global community. The festival’s potential for long-term growth is substantial, as tourism trends increasingly favor authentic, immersive experiences and cultural tourism.

By continuing to build and promote Onwa Dezemba, Anambra can establish itself as a cultural tourism leader in Africa. The festival will likely encourage more domestic and international visitors to explore not only the event but also the diverse landscapes and historical sites that Anambra has to offer. This, in turn, will contribute to the broader economic growth of Nigeria, positioning the country as a global tourism destination for both cultural heritage tourism and modern entertainment experiences.

A Bright Future for Anambra’s Tourism Industry

The introduction of “Onwa Dezemba” is a major step in the development of tourism in Nigeria, especially with Anambra State embracing their cultural heritage and tourism opportunities. This event is not only important for the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, but it is also important for Anambra State becoming one of the best places to visit in West Africa.

Anambra is developing the foundation for a long-term tourism heritage through the promotion of tourism development by means of cultural celebrations, community engagement, and sustainable practices that contribute to the development of tourism in Nigeria. Therefore, with sustained efforts directed at ensuring that tourism is made inclusive, Anambra can become an example for other states in Nigeria on the significance of cultural tourism in contributing towards the development of Nigeria.