As Nigerians continue to savour the festive season, Lagos has once again affirmed its status as the beating heart of the now-global “Detty December” phenomenon. From packed nightclubs to sold-out concerts and cultural hotspots, the city is drawing visitors from across the world, eager to experience its unique blend of energy, lifestyle and creativity.
At the centre of the buzz is a viral video by content creator and influencer Odera Okwuosa, whose glowing review of Lagos has sparked conversations online about Nigeria’s rising appeal as a top holiday destination. In the clip, Okwuosa boldly declares Lagos the best holiday he has ever experienced, placing it ahead of popular destinations such as Miami and Dubai.
“Lagos doesn’t just feel like a vacation spot,” Okwuosa said. “If you come here for one week, you leave feeling completely satisfied, like you’ve done a full holiday. You don’t even feel the need to travel again immediately.”
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According to him, the growing global interest in Lagos is no accident. He believes Detty December has evolved into a powerful cultural movement, positioning Nigeria as one of the most exciting end-of-year destinations in the world.
Okwuosa, who is in Lagos for his second Detty December, described the city as vibrant, welcoming and full of life. “The warmth, respect and hospitality I get here are unmatched,” he said. “From the moment you arrive, you feel valued. It’s one of the reasons I’ve seriously considered relocating permanently.”
He pointed to Lagos’ nightlife as a major attraction, highlighting the wide range of clubs, lounges and entertainment venues that cater to both locals and international visitors. However, he was quick to note that Detty December goes beyond nightlife alone.
“Nigeria’s cultural richness is a big pull,” he explained. “There’s music, food, fashion, art and people. It’s the full experience that keeps drawing people back.”
Reflecting on what inspired his viral video, Okwuosa said the difference between this year and last year was clear. “I’ve seen improvements, and personally, I’m enjoying the experience much more. Nigeria feels like home to me, and there are so many opportunities here that people often overlook while chasing life abroad.”
He acknowledged that enjoying Detty December at its peak often requires financial capacity, noting that Lagos can be expensive, especially within the high-end social scene. Still, he stressed that the influx of visitors brings economic benefits. “The money coming in during this period helps the economy, from hospitality to entertainment and transport,” he said.
Okwuosa also addressed the less glamorous realities of Lagos, particularly traffic and logistics. “Lagos is beautiful, but it can be chaotic,” he admitted. “Traffic is a major challenge, and I think it’s important to show both sides so visitors know what to expect.” He added that as Detty December continues to grow, infrastructure development will be critical to sustaining the experience.
On why many Nigerians in the diaspora are increasingly returning home during the festive season, Okwuosa cited a deep sense of belonging. “There’s nothing like home,” he said. “Nigeria shows you love and support in a way no other country does. The opportunities here are endless if you know where to look and who to connect with.”
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He also praised Nigeria’s booming music and entertainment industry, describing local artists as global forces. Having attended Davido’s concert in Abuja and previously seen Rema perform, Okwuosa said, “Nigeria has some of the best artists in the world, and the live experience here is unmatched.”
Looking ahead, he called on government and industry stakeholders to further enhance the Detty December experience. One suggestion, he said, is better promotion of digital tools such as event apps and visitor guides to help first-time international guests easily navigate Lagos’ entertainment and cultural offerings.
As Detty December continues to redefine Nigeria’s global image, voices like Odera Okwuosa’s are helping to shape the narrative, one that celebrates Lagos not just as a party destination, but as a city of culture, opportunity and undeniable global appeal.
