“Lagos Govt and Giwa Gardens Launch Record-Breaking Detty December Festival With 100,000 Free Tickets – Full Details”
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with Giwa Gardens Water Park, has officially unveiled one of the biggest festive tourism initiatives in Nigeria’s recent history. As part of the 2025 Detty December celebrations, Giwa Gardens announced the distribution of 100,000 free tickets to Nigerians and visiting tourists, running from December 13, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The initiative is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, alongside major corporate partners including Access Bank, FiberOne, MTN, Zenith Bank, and Awari App (Lost in Lagos).
This large-scale collaboration is designed to boost Lagos’ growing reputation as a major tourism hotspot in Africa, particularly during the festive season when thousands of Nigerians return from the diaspora. With its already vibrant nightlife, cultural events, concerts, and beachside attractions, Lagos continues to position itself as the continent’s premium destination for holiday entertainment—and this initiative strengthens that image even further.
A Tourism Initiative Designed for All
According to Giwa Gardens and officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, this year’s Detty December project is not just about entertainment, but about expanding access to leisure, recreation, and family-friendly experiences. The 100,000 free tickets will allow more people—especially families—to enjoy world-class entertainment without financial barriers.
The initiative reflects a shared vision between the government and private partners to deepen the city’s tourism economy. With increased international arrivals during the holiday season, Lagos hopes to leverage attractions like Giwa Gardens to enhance visitor satisfaction and drive economic activity across hospitality, transportation, retail, and entertainment sectors.
Special Outreach for Less-Privileged Children
One of the most heartwarming parts of the initiative is Giwa Gardens’ commitment to giving back to the community. On December 13, the water park will host 1,000 less-privileged children, offering them full access to the park, free meals, drinks, safety gear, and supervised recreational activities. This social impact effort is being carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism.
The organisers explained that the gesture is part of Giwa Gardens’ broader mission to promote inclusivity in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. By ensuring that children from underserved communities also experience the joy of the festive season, the partners hope to inspire a culture of generosity and shared celebration. The event will include trained lifeguards, childcare professionals, and volunteers who will ensure the children enjoy a safe, fun-filled day.
Strengthening Lagos’ Festive Identity
The Detty December season has become one of Lagos’ biggest cultural exports, attracting visitors from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. From concerts and beach festivals to fashion events and food fairs, the city’s holiday calendar continues to expand each year. The Giwa Gardens initiative adds an exciting new dimension to the festive lineup, giving both residents and visitors more reasons to explore the city.
Government officials noted that collaborations like this reflect Lagos’ strategy of using tourism to drive economic growth. By working with recognised private-sector brands—such as Access Bank, MTN, Zenith Bank, and FiberOne—the state is encouraging deeper investment in recreational infrastructure and entertainment services. Meanwhile, platforms like the Awari App (Lost in Lagos) help tourists navigate the city’s attractions more easily, improving visitor experience and engagement.
A New Benchmark for Public-Private Collaboration
According to the organisers, the initiative represents a landmark partnership that blends innovation with social responsibility. It showcases how government and private organisations can work together to create meaningful festive experiences for millions of people. As Lagos prepares for a vibrant Detty December, the 100,000 free-ticket initiative is expected to draw massive participation, further strengthening the state’s position as West Africa’s entertainment capital.