Jide Fowode, founder of Festival Managers Africa International Limited, announced the inaugural Ijebu Detty December festival, scheduled for December 30, 2026, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. According to Punch, the event functions as a platform for economic opportunities and cultural expression. The festival aims to attract visitors from across Nigeria and the Ijebu diaspora, positioning Ijebuland as a primary hub for festive season entertainment and tourism.
The maiden edition will be held at the Itoro Open Ground, located at the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat. The local government has officially endorsed the project, with Executive Chairman Hon. Dare Alebiosu receiving an Official Host City Plaque from Fowode. This collaboration underscores the administration's recognition of the festival's potential to drive community engagement and economic development. The venue was selected for its capacity to accommodate the diverse range of activities planned for the day-long event.
The festival’s programming is structured into three distinct segments. The first phase, running from noon to 3pm, focuses on lifestyle and commerce, featuring food vendors, fashion displays, exhibitions, and brand activations. This daytime marketplace allows small and medium-sized enterprises to showcase their products. The second segment, from 3pm to 10pm, offers a "vibe experience" with comedy, dance, interactive games, and cultural performances, including an Ankara Fashion Challenge. The final segment begins at 10pm with the "Detty Night" finale, featuring live music and performances.
Punch reported that Fowode views the event as a strategic move to address the lack of major December activities in the region. "However, December does not attract the same level of activity," the report notes, highlighting the founder's intent to create a new reason for people to return home during the holidays. The entertainment lineup includes confirmed headline performer Ganiyu Ayinde Abiola, known as X1 De Future, and MC Coded CFR as the host. Two leading Afrobeats artists are currently being finalized for participation.
Beyond entertainment, the festival seeks to generate tangible economic benefits for residents. Fowode emphasized that the event will create jobs and boost local businesses by providing a platform for artisans, creatives, and entrepreneurs. The goal is to drive visitor traffic and consumer spending, thereby contributing to the social and economic development of Ijebuland. The long-term vision is to establish the festival as an annual tradition that grows in scale and impact, solidifying the region's identity as a center for culture and enterprise.