In a bid to further capitalise on the economic potential of the “Detty December” festive period, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to broaden the scope of the annual celebrations.
The motion, which was introduced by Hon. Desmond Elliot under the matter of urgent public importance, underscores the significant revenue generated by the 2024 Detty December events.
According to a report cited during the motion, the 2024 Detty December celebrations resulted in a remarkable $71.6 million in revenue.
The report highlighted that hotels earned approximately $44 million, while short-term rental services, such as those offered by platforms like Airbnb, brought in $13 million.
This brings the total revenue for the period to a substantial $71.6 million, emphasising the event’s growing economic impact.
Hon. Elliot, who moved the motion, highlighted the importance of further harnessing the potential of Detty December, encouraging the state government to explore ways to extend the celebrations’ reach.
He pointed out that the event had proven to be a successful driver of both tourism and the local economy, and expanding its scope could attract even more revenue in the future.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu stressed that Lagos is well-equipped to serve as a major destination for tourists and visiting families.
He noted that the state has the necessary infrastructure and enabling environment to accommodate the increasing number of visitors drawn to Detty December’s celebrations.
Yishawu suggested the development of a coordinated event calendar to maximise the period’s tourism potential. Additionally, he proposed the creation of an iconic tourism site to further position Lagos as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun also contributed to the debate, highlighting the social benefits of the Detty December period.
He argued that the event serves as a powerful tool for crime reduction, as it engages potential offenders in positive, recreational activities, offering an alternative to harmful behavior.
This, he argued, contributes to the overall safety and well-being of the state during the festive season. Hon. Sa’ad Olumo, echoing the sentiment, reinforced Lagos’ commitment to promoting culture, security, and business growth.
He emphasised that Detty December serves as a cultural and economic catalyst for the state, showcasing the city’s vibrant heritage while also supporting local businesses.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, also weighed in on the matter, stressing the importance of effective traffic management during the period.
With the influx of tourists and festive visitors expected to increase in future years, Meranda suggested that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) should employ additional personnel to ensure smooth movement during the peak period.
This initiative, she added, could create temporary jobs for residents, providing a boost to local employment opportunities.
The House ultimately resolved that private sector partners should collaborate with the state to develop globally marketable programmes for the Detty December period, thereby expanding the celebration’s reach beyond the local market.
Furthermore, the participation of local governments in the event should be encouraged to decentralise the festivities, allowing even more areas of Lagos to benefit from the economic and cultural opportunities it offers.
With the continued success of Detty December, the Lagos State House of Assembly’s motion aims to further solidify the event as a key driver of tourism, economic growth, and social engagement for years to come.
