Plans are underway for one of the most exciting cultural celebrations in the Southwest as Amaland partners with the Oyo State Government to host the 2025 edition of the Faaji December cultural and entertainment festival. The announcement has generated early excitement among creatives, tourism promoters and residents, as the festival is expected to spotlight Yoruba heritage while boosting local businesses across Ibadan.

The collaboration marks a growing movement to elevate cultural tourism in Oyo State. Over the years, Faaji December has built a reputation as a vibrant December event calendar filled with food fairs, live music, cultural parades, fashion showcases and traditional art exhibitions. With Amaland’s involvement and government backing, organisers say the 2025 festival will be its biggest edition yet.

A Partnership Aimed at Culture, Tourism and Youth Engagement

According to festival coordinators, this year’s edition will feature an expanded programme that celebrates Yoruba cultural identity and supports the creative economy. The partnership between Amaland and the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism is designed to empower young entertainers, strengthen community involvement and attract more visitors to the state during the holiday season.

Insiders involved in the planning say that one of the festival’s key goals is to create more opportunities for emerging talents. Music, dance, film, art and fashion will take centre stage throughout the weeklong celebration, with open-air concerts, talent exhibitions and cultural performances planned across select venues in Ibadan.

With Oyo State’s rich historical background, the Faaji December festival is expected to highlight traditions that shape Yoruba identity, from masquerade displays to indigenous crafts and culinary experiences. The involvement of Amaland, a platform known for promoting African culture and youth creativity, is expected to add a contemporary touch that blends tradition with modern entertainment.

Tourism promoters in Ibadan are already expressing optimism. December is one of the busiest periods for local travel and hospitality, and the festival is projected to draw visitors from across Nigeria and the diaspora. Hoteliers and vendors say they are preparing for increased business activity once the full festival schedule is released.

Stakeholders Welcome the Festival’s Return

The partnership has also been praised by cultural stakeholders who say events like Faaji December help document and preserve Yoruba traditions while giving young creators global visibility. Community leaders believe the festival will foster social unity and attract investments into the local entertainment sector.

Early information from organisers suggests there will be curated exhibitions featuring traditional drumming, bata dance, storytelling sessions, artistic installations and musical performances from both established names and rising stars. Food lovers will also have dedicated spaces to explore Yoruba dishes and contemporary culinary fusions.

The Oyo State Government says the collaboration aligns with its plan to revive tourism corridors and support creative employment across the state. Officials expressed confidence that Faaji December 2025 will serve as a platform to showcase Oyo’s cultural wealth and its potential as a festival destination.

Residents in Ibadan have welcomed the news with excitement, especially as December festivals remain one of the city’s most anticipated highlights every year. Social media conversations also indicate that this year’s edition is expected to pull larger crowds due to the expanded partnership.

Organisers say more details, including the lineup, keynote events and full schedule, will be released in the coming weeks. With preparations already in motion, Faaji December is shaping up to be one of the standout cultural festivals of the year, merging heritage, entertainment and community celebration in a way that reflects the spirit of Oyo State.