The Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism in partnership with a wide range of private and corporate organisers has officially flagged off the much-anticipated Vibing December, popularly known as Faaji December, unveiling a programme lineup scheduled to run from December 1 to January 2 across all zones of the state.
The announcement came during a press conference held at the Cultural Centre in Ibadan, where the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, described the festival as both an economic driver and a legacy cultural tradition.
Dr. Olatubosun noted that Vibing December is designed to energise the state’s cultural economy throughout the festive season, stimulate creativity, and attract unprecedented patronage for businesses in tourism, hospitality, fashion, entertainment, and food sectors.
According to him, the celebration is not just another holiday event but a landmark project that will outlive the present administration and strengthen Oyo’s identity as a cultural powerhouse.
“What we are building is a cultural tradition, one that successive governments cannot simply copy but can only strive to improve upon,” he said.
He emphasised that the initiative would boost the state’s nightlife, attract visitors from within and outside Nigeria, and create ripple-effect opportunities for artisans, vendors, transporters, small businesses, and event planners.
He explained that Vibing December will not be restricted to Ibadan alone. Communities in Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Oke-Ogun will host their own programmes, ensuring that every region experiences the excitement and economic gains of the festive season.
“Faaji December is for the entire Oyo State. Every zone will feel the excitement and economic benefits,” he assured, adding that local participation and community ownership are central to the festival’s vision.
On security, Dr. Olatubosun announced that the state government has activated a coordinated security network to ensure safety throughout the celebrations.
He reassured residents and visitors that all events have been mapped under a comprehensive security plan involving multiple agencies.
“Residents and visitors can attend any of the events with confidence. We are fully prepared to ensure a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable festive season for everyone,” he said.
Nigerian Breweries Plc will headline the festivities with Legendary December, a series of variety shows, carnival displays, and beer exhibitions running from December 4 to 31. Amaland will host a Business Hangout, 48-hour concert, and fashion showcase from December 11 to 13, while Atelewo Cultural Initiative will stage a Yoruba Party on December 14. The Ogbomoso community will hold its Ogbomoso Cradle Carnival between December 18 and 22, and the Association of Faculties’ Presidents will present Ojude UI on December 20, featuring cultural and musical performances.
Other key events include D’Fantasy Land’s variety programme from December 22 to 26; the Oyo Durbar’s Je Ka Faaji parade on December 27; and a series of festive shows coordinated by the Hoteliers’ Association throughout the holiday period. Royal Entertainment Cruise will host the Faaji Cruise with celebrities and live musical performances from December 24 to January 2. JAGZ Hotel will run flexible festive shows, while the popular Amala Festival will take place on January 6 as a cuisine exhibition and cultural showcase. Ibadan Fashion Rising will hold fashion exhibitions at flexible dates, and organisations such as Ariya Networks and the Adayeba Culture Tourism Foundation will handle publicity and promotional activities throughout the celebration.
Dr. Olatubosun concluded the briefing with optimism, expressing confidence that Vibing December will further position Oyo as a major cultural, tourism, and entertainment destination during the yuletide.
“This is more than fun, it is an economic engine,” he said.
“We expect growth for small businesses, creators, event planners, transporters, artisans, and every sector connected to tourism. Oyo State is ready to faaji in grand style.”
Representatives of the various participating organisations, including popular Hollywood Yoruba film actor Kunle Afod, spoke at the press conference and highlighted the programmes their respective bodies had lined up for the celebration.
Meanwhile, the entire Vibing December carnival is expected to be formally launched during the first week of December by the state governor, Seyi Makinde.
