As part of efforts to enhance the tourism sector in Oyo State and drive economic growth, the state government, in partnership with entertainment and tourism production company Naija Ninja Incorporated, is set to host the first New Year’s Eve Countdown event to welcome 2025.
The event, titled “Oyo Countdown 2025,” with the theme “Celebrating Culture, Creativity, and Unity,” will take place from December 30 to 31, 2024, culminating at midnight to usher in the New Year in key cities and towns across the three Senatorial Districts of Oyo State: Oyo Central, Oyo South, and Oyo North. It will showcase the talent and creativity of local artists and performers from across the state.
Affirming the state government’s support for the festival, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, expressed his satisfaction with the state’s partnership with Naija Ninja Incorporated for the innovative Oyo Countdown festival.
“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 not only to attract visitors but also to 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 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 the state’s tourist potentials.
“To further boost tourism, we have organized 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,” Dr. Olatunbosun stated.
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The Festival Director, Dare Fasasi, popularly known as Baba Dee, while sharing the festival highlights, stated that Oyo Countdown 2025 will be preceded by a week-long series of creative and cultural activities, which will include traditional oral chanting competitions, traditional and contemporary dance performances, music and DJ competitions, and a grand musical presentation on December 30th and 31st.
In addition, he said the event will feature food, drinks, and various leisure activities for attendees, adding that “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.
“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 added.
He expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing Naija Ninja Incorporated the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state’s creative and cultural assets.
