Lokoja Comes Alive as Kogi Youth Christmas Fiesta Debuts in Grand Style »

Lokoja came alive on Tuesday night as the maiden edition of the Kogi Youth Christmas Fiesta lit up the city with colour, sound and youthful energy, turning December 23 into a night many young people across the state will not forget in a hurry.

Organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the fiesta was a full-blown celebration of Christmas, culture and youth expression. From electrifying performances by indigenous artistes to comedy, games and nonstop music, the event delivered hours of entertainment that kept the crowd on its feet well into the early hours of the next day.

The venue was packed with excited youths drawn from different parts of the state, all united by the festive spirit. Laughter, dance and cheers filled the air as performers took turns thrilling the audience, while friends and families mingled freely in an atmosphere defined by peace and togetherness.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, said the initiative was born out of the need to create a safe and positive space for young people to celebrate the season.

According to him, the Christmas Fiesta was designed to reflect the true essence of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ while giving youths the opportunity to express joy in a creative and responsible way.

“As youths, we must do things differently. We must create time to celebrate and be celebrated. This is a season of joy, and it is important for young people to come together to celebrate what Christmas truly stands for, the birth of Christ,” he said.

Hon. Anyebe assured participants that the Christmas Fiesta would not be a one-off event, stressing that the ministry is committed to sustaining the initiative and making it bigger in the coming years.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his consistent support for youth-focused programmes, noting that the success of the event was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to youth development.

The commissioner further pledged the continued support of Kogi youths to the present administration, assuring that young people in the state remain committed to peace, unity and the conducive environment fostered by the government.

As the year winds down, he urged youths to stay law-abiding, security-conscious and hopeful, expressing confidence that 2026 holds greater promise for the state and its young population.

The maiden Kogi Youth Christmas Fiesta was more than just a party; it was a statement of inclusion, unity and positive engagement, marking a strong start to what promises to become a major annual highlight on the state’s youth and entertainment calendar.