Tag: #Justin Udie

By the way, “Detty December” is a highly anticipated festive period from mid-December through the New Year in Nigeria. It is characterised by vibrant celebrations, social gatherings, and a general atmosphere of high energy and optimism among the people. A major driver of this phenomenon is the return of the Nigerian Japa Lords – diasporas, who are colloquially known as “IJGBs” (I just got back; mehhnn, you know what am saying) 😃 The festivities are a form of homecoming, a time for these returnees to reconnect with family and friends and, spend the hail of their money and experience the cultural vibrancy of their homeland.

Beyond its social and cultural significance, this period functions as a powerful economic machine. The influx of the diaspora, often flush with forex, injects significant liquidity into the local economy, fueling a surge in commerce and spending. This financial infusion is welcomed by the government for its notable impact on the economy even as festive period has become synonymous with urban-centric celebrations, particularly in hubs like Lagos, which is widely considered the face of “Detty December” due to its rich history of entertainment and its thriving music industry. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) estimates that diaspora members contributed over N60 billion to the local economy in December 2024 alone.

A closer look at the data reveals that Lagos’s success is not based on a single large-scale event, but rather a diversified ecosystem of high-value activities:

For example; Hotels contributed N54 billion from 15,000 stays. Short-let apartments and private rentals generated an additional N21 billion from nearly 6,000 reservations. The top 15 lounges and nightclubs in the city collectively earned a staggering N4.32 billion. Beaches and resorts contributed 70% of the N4.5 billion in leisure-related earnings. High-end car rentals, with daily rates reaching up to N2 million, generated N1.5 billion and an estimated N20 billion was generated from other categories, including artiste bookings, fine dining, and event rentals.

The concentration of events- ranging from concerts by Afrobeats superstars to lavish after-parties and beach hangouts; authenticates that the core economic activities of “Detty December” are firmly rooted in the urban city. Understanding this market dynamics is crucial, as like CROSS RIVER STATE; seeking to compete must either replicate or strategically complement this urban-focused model.

No doubt, “Detty December” has evolved into a formidable economic engine. In 2024, the total value of this seasonal economy, anchored by events in Lagos, was estimated at N111.5 billion, attracting N1.2 million visitors to Lagos alone. While Cross River State’s Calabar Carnival though demonstrated significant growth, generating around N14.06 billion in revenue and attracting over 300,000 tourists in 2024, its current tourism model is not diversified enough to compete for a substantial share of this burgeoning national market.

From action study by financial analysts, I can projects that the total Nigerian “Detty December” economy could reach an estimated N128.2 billion in 2025. I think CRS can fight for at least a 30% share of that economy and to capture this ambitious target, Cross River would need to generate approximately N38.46 billion, representing a financial gap of over N20.18 billion beyond our expected organic growth trajectory. The strategic approach to bridge this gap, could be anchored on three core pillars:
1. the monetisation of the Calabar Carnival
2. the creation of a new, high-impact diaspora homecoming event
3. the comprehensive monetisation of the state’s tourism ecosystem.

For example; the planned Heritage Market for arts and crafts offers a crucial opportunity to distribute wealth more broadly. By providing a platform for local artisans and vendors, the state can ensure that the economic benefits of “Detty December” trickle down to small and medium enterprises, mitigating some of the negative effects of inflation and wealth concentration. These initiatives, when executed in synergy, will transform Cross River’s “Detty December” economy from a single, event-driven model to a multi-faceted, high-yield tourism ecosystem!

I’m more confident that by adopting these strategies, with all honesty, transparency and integrity in budget management and excution, Cross River can transition from being a singular event destination to a usual diversified, multi-billion-naira tourism hub, positioning ourselves as a primary competitor to Lagos and a dominant force in Nigeria’s seasonal tourism landscape – detty December!

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Justin Udie, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agent or the organization the author works for.

PRESIDENTS SERVICE AWARD! DID I MERIT IT?

Last week, I received this award from the President on behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora – CRID; for Service to the organisation. I don’t have plenty of awards because I usually do a myself evaluation and stay away from unmerited awards.
So, in this, I’m going to sound all about me, just to warn you 😃

So for CRID’s President’s Service Award, I have to collect and celebrate the recognition with full and open chest. Why because at times when push comes to shove, I stood up for the organisation. Whilst others finds photographic exposures and contours of weaknesses to blame and amplify, I’m at the strategic angle to ensure we deliver and do not collapse.

So, I’m truly honored to have been considered for the “Merit Award”. My journey with CRID began at its inception, where I was a member of the initial Strategic Thinking Committee, helping to lay the foundational groundwork and framework for the organisation. I supported the process of developing the Constitution and saw it through to becoming the first framework of the organisation.

My dedication continued as I had the privilege of serving as the pioneer Chairman of the Electoral Committee. When most people were not sure of how to go about it, I took the bull by it’s horn with two others. In this role, I painstakingly oversaw the process that led to the election of CRID’s very first executive, a crucial step in establishing the organisations leadership. I’m proud to say my team was given 2 weeks and we delivered in 2 weeks.

Thereafter, I continue to contribute as a member of the Board of Directors of the Organisation till this moment. Even at that, I’ve continued to be called upon to help at most critical times of the organisation.

One of my most fulfilling roles has been as the pioneer Chairman of the CRID Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity Committee. Through this committee, I spearheaded the inauguration of the CRID Environmental Sustainability Club in Cross River State, mobilising over 200 dedicated volunteers who provide direct community environmental interventions. We have implemented numerous direct and indirect community interventions across the state, such as open defecation awareness campaign, plastic waste management programmes, Tree Planting and participated in clean up exercise in Obudu, Calabar South, Unical and School of Health, Calabar. This is about making a tangible difference in our environment and push for a Clean, Green and Sustainable Cross River.

Furthermore, I spearheaded the formation and registration of CRID UK and played an indispensable significantly leading role in setting up of CRID’s Bank Account in the UK. This account became a significant infrastructure in facilitating the registration process for the just concluded CRID International Convention, held in Birmingham between 1st and 3rd of August 2025.

Again, when push got to shoves, I was drafted in to help deliver the convention and after a while, I accepted, rolled my sleeves and served as again, the pioneer Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for CRID’s International Convention, Birmingham 2025. Setting the pace back to back and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved in bringing this significant event to fruition. When some people didn’t believe it was possible, I managed to pull through.

The most challenging part of this assignment came up 6 weeks to the D day. I lost my Mother-in-Law and the news broke when I was in the convention planing meeting. Immediately, that brought another layer of challenges. Planning the funeral, planning the convention. 4 weeks to the deadline, my wife traveled leaving me with 3 kids that I had to drop and pick from different schools, I was still executing the convention plans, executing the funeral plans and working full time. But the truth of it is that all of these programmes were achieved. It was a huge sacrifice of every fibre of my histologia to deliver.

I believe these achievements demonstrate my determination and commitment to CRID and its mission, and I am deeply grateful to be recognised for the President’s Service Award 🏆
And it is for these accomplishments that I accepted it and hereby dedicate it to my beautiful wife- Eucharia Udie and my lovely girls – Awhobiwom, Liyiaunim and Ushang.
To God Almighty be the Glory.
#UnimuyiÚtsu 🙏

Ruggedly anointed to make things work!

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Justin Udie, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.