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Tag: Christmas festival

  • MMA2 shines bright as Optiva leads 20-day Christmas Festival

    MMA2 shines bright as Optiva leads 20-day Christmas Festival

    The festive season has arrived in grand style at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) as Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s wealth management and retention firm, alongside MBR Signature and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, lit up the terminal in a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which signified the kickoff of the highly anticipated 20-Day Christmas Festival, marked the beginning of an unforgettable holiday experience for travelers and visitors alike.

    The event, aptly dubbed the Light-Up Show, transformed MMA2 into a radiant wonderland. From the moment the ribbon was cut, the terminal came alive with the warm glow of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Guests marveled as the once-familiar terminal was reimagined into a festive haven, complete with stunning ornaments, towering Christmas trees, and breathtaking installations that captured the magic of the season.

    The lighting of MMA2 was complemented by enchanting Christmas carols, with a standout performance of “That’s Christmas to Me” a song originally performed by the Pentatonix Group. Adding to the festive cheer, Precious Emmanuel, a talented and rising musical sensation, delivered soulful renditions that beautifully aligned with the spirit of the season. Known for his rich, melodious voice and emotive performances, Precious captured the hearts of the audience with songs that evoked the warmth and joy of Christmas. Flash mobs thrilled audiences in the departure lounge, seamlessly blending into the excitement with spontaneous dance routines, while renowned comedian Kenny Black added a dose of laughter, rounding out a perfect evening that set the tone for the celebrations ahead.

    The Christmas Festival, a first-of-its-kind event in Nigeria, is a collaboration that underscores the power of partnerships—an embodiment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to how businesses can come together to create experiences that unite communities, foster economic growth, and enhance travel moments.

    Speaking at the Light-Up Show, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO of Optiva Capital Partners, shared her excitement:“This lighting ceremony is symbolic of what this festival represents—hope, joy, and connection. At Optiva Capital Partners, we believe in creating memorable experiences that go beyond wealth creation. Through this festival, we are giving back to the community where we operate bringing the magic and wonder of Christmas. and the richness of its culture, proving that the magic of Christmas can be experienced right here at home.”

    Read Also: Couple takes wedding vows at MMA2

    Dr. Kimemia further emphasized how the festival aligns with Optiva’s mission of creating global access and enriching lives.“For families who usually travel abroad for Christmas festivities, we’re bringing that wonder to Lagos. MMA2 is not just a transit hub during these 20 days—it’s a destination where families, friends, and communities can come together to make unforgettable memories.”

    Stanley Ezeani, Managing Director of MBR Signature and the visionary behind the festival, expressed his excitement as the Christmas Festival officially commenced. “The magic of Christmas is alive once more, and we’re thrilled to welcome members of the public to experience it firsthand. Through this festival, we’ve brought cherished traditions to life while creating new ones, ensuring everyone can enjoy the wonder and joy of the season. With MMA2 now lit up and brimming with activities, it’s the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the true essence of Christmas.”

    The 20-Day Christmas Festival at MMA2 is brimming with activities designed to captivate all ages. The festival features live music and comedy performances that promise to entertain visitors of all ages. Families can explore the enchanting Santa Claus Grotto, a magical space for children and parents to create joyful memories together. Guests will also enjoy festive treats and a free-to-play grand piano for skilled travelers who personally wish to give fellow travelers a melodious experience. Adding to the excitement are captivating performances by artists, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

  • Otu flags off 32-day Christmas festival in Cross River

    Otu flags off 32-day Christmas festival in Cross River

    • Wife leads World AIDs Day awareness walk

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has formally flagged off the annual 32 Day long Christmas Festival in the state which begins with lighting of a giant Xmas tree on midnight of Nov.30th and followed up in the morning hours of December 1st with a mass City walk to mark the World AIDs Day and the grand opening of the Christmas village in the state capital.

    While the Governor was accompanied by his Wife Rev. Eyoawan Otu to perform the Christmas tree lighting of Thursday night, the wife was accompanied by other government offices on Friday morning as she led the City walk to mark the 2023 World AIDs Day commemoration.

    The  City Walk which began from Rabana Junction in Calabar, terminated at the Christmas Village which was formally declared open for fun seekers and tourists alike by the Governor;s wife.

    Speaking at the tree lighting event, Governor Otu said the state government is poised to enhance the state’s tourism potentials.

    He noted that the state enjoys comparative advantage in Agriculture and tourism potentials among the comity of Nigerian states, and his administration is strengthening every area of needs.

    Read Also; FG restates commitment to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, unveils national strategy

    We noted that the 32 days long festivities ending on January 2, 2024, will climax on December 28th with the Carnival Calabar, fondly known as Africa’s biggest street party with this year’s theme for the carnival being “Season of Sweetness”.

    The Christmas tree lighting also witnessed about a five minutes fireworks display at the Millennium park to herald the beginning of the Christmas festival.

    Wife of the governor who spoke on the World AIDs Day commemoration after declaring the open the Christmas Village located at the Calabar Municipal Council secretariat, noted that the State Government under the leadership of her husband is committed to promote domestic resourcing of HIV interventions and the mobilisation of community members for gender-equitable social norms and gender equality in the uptake of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for people living with and affected by HIV.

    Noting this year’s World AIDs Day, theme “Communities: Leadership to end AIDS by 2030”, she maintained that the theme seeks to increase awareness and consciousness of leaders on the ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in order to end AIDS by 2030.

    Rev Eyoanwan Otu appreciate the collaboration with Implementing Partners and other stakeholders towards the significant progress made towards achieving UNAIDS 95.95.95 target of ending HIV by 2030 and promise to continue to provide support and work assiduously with partners to ensure that citizens have access to all the life-saving treatments for a “State Free of HIV”.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr Egbe Ayuk who also spoke at the event, said, “To win the battle against AIDS in 2030, we must place community leadership at the centre of HIV plans, programmes, budgets and monitoring efforts. This also means removing barriers to community leadership, and ensuring space for civil society groups to take forward their vital work.”

    “This also means increased domestic resource mobilisation to enhance community involvement and participation in HIV programming. It means removing stigma barriers and ensuring people that live with HIV are in the forefront of providing leadership for HIV programming involving prevention, care and treatment.

    “AIDS is beatable and we all can support communities to end the HIV scourge in their niches around Cross River State, Nigeria and the world, “ he said.

    On his part, interim committee Chairman, State Action Committee on AIDS, Dr Paul Odey noted that communities serve as a conduit that connect people with person-centered public health services, build trust, innovate, monitor implementation of policies and services, and hold providers accountable.

    However, he highlighted some decelerating factors affecting the leadership role by the community to include: Funding shortages, policy and regulatory hurdles, capacity constraints and crackdowns on civil society and on the human rights of the marginalised communities.

    According to him, “if these impediments are removed, community-led organisations can add up greater impetus to the global HIV response, advancing progress towards the end of AIDS even before the set time frame of 2030.”