Speaking on the morning show, she highlighted how Fintech companies like LemFi are enabling seamless cross-border payments, making it easier for Nigerians in the diaspora to support loved ones, fund businesses, buy Nigerian goods and services, and actively participate in the local economy, particularly during peak periods like Detty December.

According to Simisola who spoke to Nigeria’s national Tv on the 29th of December,

“Detty December is more than just a festive season, it is a powerful economic driver. But for Nigeria to fully harness moments like this and remain economically ready for the future, we must build payment systems holistically. It’s not enough to focus on what users see; the back end is the engine that powers trust, efficiency, and scale. If we want to attract global spending and diaspora inflows, we must audit our processes and do things right.”

Her remarks underscore a major shift in how money moves during the festive season. Gone are the days when visitors had to carry bundles of cash simply because they were returning home often putting their safety at risk.

Today, secure cross-border payment solutions are accelerating the move toward a cashless economy while enabling people to support families, invest in local businesses, boost tourism, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic growth.

Simisola is the Growth Marketing Lead at LemFi UK, where she drives brand growth, user acquisition, and market visibility across the United Kingdom.

Through strategic partnerships with influential UK-based communities such as NIUK, MASANG, and other African-led networks, she has played a key role in expanding LemFi’s reach and trust, contributing significantly to the company’s multi-million-dollar growth.

Beyond her corporate role, Simisola is deeply committed to supporting young people in tech. She is passionate about exposing young people to the breadth of opportunities within the tech ecosystem, encouraging them to build digital skills, explore diverse career paths, and stay ahead of emerging trends in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

This commitment has led her to speak at several schools and institutions across both the UK and Nigeria. Most notably, at Northumbria University, Newcastle, Simisola was invited as a guest speaker at an impactful Black History Month Careers Workshop, where she shared practical, real-world insights from her own journey.

Alongside other accomplished professionals, she offered students guidance on building careers in tech, marketing, and the global fintech space, leaving attendees inspired by her story, achievements, and the clear, actionable pathways she outlined for building future-ready careers.

Beyond speaking and mentorship, Simisola is also passionate about supporting early-stage startups. One such company is Ikubari, a tech and AI-driven platform focused on bridging the gap between content creators, visual storytellers, and users.

Simisola played a key role in shaping Ikubari’s growth and marketing strategy, support that helped the startup gain acceptance into the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Accelerator Program, a globally recognised initiative that provides early-stage companies with cloud credits, technical support, mentorship, and access to AWS infrastructure to accelerate innovation and scale.

Her impact further extends to grassroots mentorship. Simisola actively mentors students at SEBOL High School in Ibadan, introducing them to technology in practical, engaging ways. Through this work, she continues to inspire young people to view technology as a powerful pathway to opportunity, creativity, and global relevance.

In recognition of her contributions to the tech and marketing ecosystem, Simisola Haastrup is a recipient of the Marketing Tech Leader of the Year 2025 award from the Nigerian tech and Innovation award and the Digital Marketing Award at the Lagos Entrepreneurs Awards. These honours underscore her impact as a growth leader, mentor, and advocate for innovation across borders.

However, this festive high often leads to a financial low; the “Long January.” This is when critical non-negotiable expenses like rent and school fees hit hard.

Do not treat December as a financial free-for-all. Savvy individuals and business leaders must reframe it as the final, crucial financial quarter. The goal is to shift from emotional spending to deliberate, strategic saving.

Here are five smart, actionable financial moves that are critical for maintaining fiscal discipline that will enable you to maximize the festive season’s enjoyment while effortlessly de-risking and prepping your finances for a strong Q1 trajectory.

1. Capitalize on Discounted Bill Payments:

The increased consumption of utilities, airtime, and data during this period necessitates higher essential recurring costs.

Smart financial governance dictates actively seeking value on these high-frequency expenditures.

Pay all essential bills from electricity tokens to data bundles and Cable TV subscriptions through a platform, such as the FairMoney app, that provides a direct financial incentive or cashback on purchases.

This ensures that operational necessity does not unduly drain capital, as every percentage saved on recurring utilities is capital effectively preserved for critical Q1 requirements.

2. Implement the 50/30/20 Rule Strategically:

Acknowledge the inevitable social expenditure of Detty December by imposing a clear framework for resource allocation. This strategic rule dictates how your income must be distributed to ensure financial security.

Divide your December income into three non-negotiable categories: Allocate 50 percent of your income directly to critical January financial requirements like rent, transportation, and structured debt payments; this sum must not be compromised.

Allocate 30 percent to your discretionary December wants, covering social activities, gifts, and controlled splurges; once this budget threshold is met, spending must cease. Crucially, assign the remaining 20 percent to structured savings and investment.

This 20 percent is non-negotiable and serves as the anchor for long-term wealth creation and a buffer against the Long January strain.

You can automate this crucial 20 percent deduction before you even begin spending using the FairSave feature on the FairMoney App, which enables instant autosave while you earn daily interest and retain the flexibility to withdraw anytime.

3. Convert Festive Windfalls into Capital:

Do not view every incoming festive cash gift or unexpected bonus as mere spending money. Instead, strategically treat any financial “windfall” as a direct deposit into your future wealth accumulation.

The 100 Percent Rule applies here: commit to saving or investing 100 percent of any financial gift, as this capital was not part of your planned income, offering a critical opportunity to grow your savings effortlessly. Immediately isolate any unexpected cash injections and categorize them as investment capital rather than disposable income.

By leveraging FairLock on the FairMoney App, you can save 100 percent of the festive cash into a fixed deposit.

This ensures the funds are secure and illiquid, accruing interest over the stipulated savings period, which can then be released on maturity to sort out major Q1 projects or investments.

4. De-Risk Your December Savings Strategy:

FairMoney’s premium, revolving credit line up to ₦5,000,000, FlexiCredit, serves as a crucial liquidity shield over your protected capital.

Instead of being forced to prematurely break fixed deposits or liquidate interest-earning savings accounts to cover sudden, urgent expenses such as an unexpected repair or a short-notice business need, you can immediately draw the required funds from your FlexiCredit limit.

This allows critical, ring-fenced funds to remain untouched, continue accruing interest, and maintain their full readiness for the inevitable “Long January” obligations like rent and school fees.

FlexiCredit empowers the savvy individual who earns a minimum of ₦250,000 as salary to strategically manage cash flow and capture short-term high-return opportunities without depleting their primary savings or operational capital, offering immediate bridge financing, charged at a competitive 0.25 percent per day only on the amount utilized.

5. Prioritize High-Value, Low-Cost Experiential Activities:

While Detty December’s allure often stems from high-ticket social events and luxury venues, truly impactful celebrations are measured by the quality of connection, not the cost of admission. Instead of defaulting to expensive restaurant dinners, exclusive concerts, or impulse travel, strategically redirect your social budget toward creative, high-value experiential activities.

Organize themed potlucks with friends, host a family Christmas hangout at home, or explore local attractions like parks and museums that offer rich experiences without the premium price tag.

By substituting generic, high-cost outings with thoughtful, collective events, you significantly slash discretionary spending while often increasing the depth and enjoyment of the festive season, guaranteeing maximum emotional return on minimum financial investment.

By applying these five smart moves, you assert control over your finances, ensuring you do not just survive Detty December and the Long January, but wrap up the year not just in celebration, but in financial style, positioning yourself for an empowered and prosperous New Year.

The writer, Margaret Banasko is the head of Marketing FairMoney MFB

The company’s latest figures show that movement into cities in the country has grown far earlier than usual this year.

Data from the platform reveals that between November 20 and December 5, airport trips in Lagos climbed by 14.9%, while Abuja saw an even steeper rise of 17.56%. 

The spike shows the early rush of Nigerians coming home, tourists landing for concerts and festivals, and families gathering for the packed holiday calendar.

The company says December usually triggers strong traffic around airports, but this year’s activity has been noticeably brisk. 

To keep pace, Bolt has increased driver presence at key terminals, tightened pick-up coordination, and issued fresh safety reminders to riders and drivers. I’ve seen this pattern each year, but the build-up appears heavier and more intense now.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of Regulatory & Policy for Africa, described the trend as a sign of the platform’s growing role during Nigeria’s busiest travel period. 

In her words: “We’re excited to see more people coming into Nigeria to enjoy Detty December, and our goal is to make their arrival as smooth as possible. Whether it’s riders heading from the airport to their hotels, events, or family homes, Bolt remains committed to providing reliable, convenient, and safe mobility throughout the festive season. 

“This season is all about connection, reuniting with loved ones and experiencing the best of Nigerian entertainment. Bolt is here to help people get to the heart of that experience, starting from the moment they land.”

With more arrivals expected in the coming weeks, the firm expects the rate to build. Bolt says it will continue to reinforce operations across all locations as the festive crowds reach their peak.

From concerts and travel to gifting and reunions, Send App is making every celebration smoother, faster, and more rewarding for Nigerians at home and abroad.

‘Detty December’, a recent pop culture term, embodies Nigeria’s vibrant festive season from mid-December through the New Year, when Nigerians at home and across the diaspora reconnect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

Each year, the season transforms Nigeria into a global celebration hub, drawing crowds for concerts, homecomings, and reunions.

In 2024, the Lagos State Government reported that it generated over $71.6 million in revenue – a testament to the season’s powerful cultural and economic impact.

More than a season, Detty December is a vibe: the laughter, the jollof, the music, and the unforgettable moments that bring Nigerians together year after year.

Send App users can look forward to exclusive festive deals and discounts of up to 35% off across travel, food, fashion, and lifestyle from partners including Travelwings, House of Coco, SweetPOD, Sheddi Shoes, Converge, StoryStory Books, and other Flutterwave for Business (F4B) merchants – helping them celebrate more for less.

The campaign also builds on Send App’s Share and Earn Referral Program, now available to Nigerian Send App users, allowing both local and diaspora users to earn rewards when they refer friends and family.

Send App is also giving new and existing users abroad an extra reason to celebrate this Detty December, with $10, £10, or €10 off their next transfers when they send money home during the season.

“This festive season is all about connection, celebration, and community,” said Harvey Bahia, head, Consumer Business at Flutterwave. “Send App brings all those experiences together, from travel and gifting to supporting loved ones, so Nigerians can focus on what really matters: enjoying the season without barriers.”

With Send App, Nigerians can keep the good vibes flowing, more fun, less stress, and memories that last beyond December.

Visit: send.flutterwave.com/christmas to enjoy all the benefits Send App has to offer this holiday. 

As inflation rates soar above acceptable thresholds, companies are navigating uncharted waters to stay afloat.

Inflation is bad for everyone. It erodes the purchasing power of consumers, increases the cost of raw materials, and heightens operational expenses.

For businesses, the ripple effect can be devastating including but not limited to reduced profit margins, lower consumer spending, and the constant pressure to balance affordability with profitability.

The situation is particularly dire for industries dependent on imported goods, as fluctuating exchange rates intensify costs.

However, local businesses are also feeling the pinch due to rising fuel prices, high transportation costs, and an unreliable power supply.

To navigate the challenging economic environment, businesses across Nigeria are adopting innovative strategies to remain competitive and sustain growth.

Promotional discounts and offers have become effective tools for attracting and retaining customers. Companies are leveraging these deals to provide value without entirely sacrificing revenue.

The Place, a popular restaurant chain, has introduced a 20 per cent discount on all rice dishes. This initiative not only appeals to cost-conscious consumers but also drives customer loyalty.

Another key approach is localized sourcing. To reduce costs and support the local economy, many companies are shifting their focus from imported raw materials to sourcing locally.

Unilever exemplifies this strategy by prioritizing local suppliers to reduce its environmental footprint, enhance product accessibility, and create employment opportunities.

The company collaborates with local farmers and suppliers for ingredients and packaging materials, such as sourcing sorbitol for toothpaste from cassava starch through Psaltry International. This is a move that has generated jobs in farming and manufacturing. Unilever is now on track to achieve over 90 per cent local sourcing for its packaging materials.

Businesses are also adopting lean operations to curb rising operational costs. Implementing energy-efficient solutions, renegotiating supplier contracts, and embracing remote work models where feasible have proven effective in optimizing resources and reducing expenses.

Innovative pricing models are gaining popularity as companies seek to maximize revenue during peak periods. Dynamic pricing, which adjusts prices based on demand, is increasingly utilized in the hospitality and retail sectors to achieve this goal. Think of the Detty December report.

Diversification of offerings is another strategy businesses are employing to meet the needs of a broader customer base.

Fast-food chains, for instance, are introducing affordable meal options to cater to low-income earners. Chicken Republic, for example, now offers a simple meal of white rice, stew, and egg, providing a budget-friendly option for consumers.

Furthermore, digital transformation is playing a pivotal role in helping businesses adapt to current realities. The adoption of e-commerce platforms, digital payment solutions, and social media marketing is enabling companies to reach a larger audience while minimizing overhead costs.

This shift to technology-driven solutions is essential for businesses to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving marketplace.

Nigerian businesses are demonstrating remarkable resilience and ingenuity, positioning themselves to thrive despite economic headwinds.

The Place, for example, has transformed a simple discount into a strategic response to inflation.

By reducing prices on one of their most popular menu categories, rice dishes, they not only attract new customers but also promote loyalty among existing ones.

Telecommunications companies like MTN and Airtel have also introduced flexible data plans, allowing customers to access essential services without feeling the full brunt of inflation. Similarly, FMCG companies like Nestle, Checkers Africa and Unilever are packaging products in smaller, more affordable sizes to cater to price-sensitive consumers.

While businesses are adapting, the government has a critical role to play. Policy measures such as stabilizing the exchange rate, addressing infrastructure deficits, and providing tax incentives for local production can help create a more favourable environment for businesses.

For companies like The Place, these efforts are more than survival tactics—they are a testament to the adaptability and innovation that define the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit.

In the face of adversity, Nigeria’s business community continues to demonstrate that where there’s a will, there’s always a way.

*Elvis Eromosele, a corporate communication professional and public affairs analyst, wrote via: elviseroms@gmail.com

With Lagos as its epicenter, the 2024 edition of Detty December saw the hospitality and entertainment sectors generate over ₦150 billion ($200 million USD) in revenue, hosting more than 500 events across the country.

However, the growing scale of this celebration has also introduced logistical challenges, driving the need for innovative technology.

Among the tech pioneers leading this transformation, VibezsUp has emerged as a standout platform, offering holistic solutions that encompass enterprise resource planning (ERP), payment processing, event management, promotion, and reservations to redefine both customer and business experiences.

The Role of Technology in Shaping Detty December

The success of Detty December is a testament to the critical role technology plays in managing the complexities of this high-energy season. Event promotion platforms like Eventbrite and Instagram enable attendees to discover concerts, parties, and exclusive gatherings with ease.

At the same time, reservation systems and point-of-sale platforms such as Toast POS, Orda, and Paystack streamline bookings and payments, ensuring smooth service delivery for businesses.

Additionally, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems allow venues to handle increased demand by optimizing operations like inventory management, staff scheduling, and customer engagement.

VibezsUp, however, has gone a step further by integrating these diverse functions into one seamless platform, creating a unique value proposition for both partygoers and businesses.

VibezsUp: A Holistic Solution for Detty December

At its core, VibezsUp provides a comprehensive solution for navigating the Detty December frenzy. For businesses, its ERP tools simplify operations by enabling real-time inventory tracking, automating staff scheduling, and offering customer data analytics to personalize services.

For customers, VibezsUp revolutionizes the reservation process by allowing users to book tables at top venues, access real-time availability updates, and use group-friendly features like Vibezs Table for seamless collective bookings.

The platform also integrates secure payment solutions, including bill-splitting options, to make transactions convenient for both individuals and groups.

Its event management and promotion tools further enhance the Detty December experience by connecting revelers with exclusive gatherings while providing businesses with effective marketing capabilities.

The VibezsUp Effect: Transforming Hook Lounge During Detty December 2024

The impact of VibezsUp’s holistic approach was evident in its partnership with Hook Lounge, a leading nightlife destination in Lagos, during the 2024 Detty December season.

By leveraging VibezsUp’s ERP, payment, and reservation systems, Hook Lounge reported a 30% increase in revenue and a 40% reduction in customer waiting times.

The platform’s analytics tools also enabled the venue to deliver personalized services, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Hook Lounge’s success underscores VibezsUp’s ability to empower businesses to navigate the challenges of the season while delivering exceptional experiences to customers.

Balancing Strengths and Opportunities

While VibezsUp has established itself as a market leader in Lagos, there is significant potential for growth in Abuja.

The nation’s capital boasts a thriving social and hospitality scene that remains underserved by VibezsUp’s current reach.

Expanding its presence in Abuja to the level achieved in Lagos should be a strategic priority. Beyond Abuja, cities like Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Enugu also present opportunities for VibezsUp to extend its influence.

With vibrant social scenes and growing demand for tech-driven solutions, these markets are ripe for expansion. Investments in localized marketing, partnerships with regional businesses, and scalable platform enhancements will be key to VibezsUp’s successful entry into these cities.

Tech Companies Powering Detty December

The broader ecosystem of tech companies powering Detty December also highlights the collaborative role of technology in shaping the season.

Platforms like Orda, which supports restaurant operations, and Paystack, which simplifies online payments, complement VibezsUp’s offerings. Eventbrite’s ticketing solutions and Toast POS’s point-of-sale systems ensure that attendees and businesses benefit from a connected network of tools that enhance every aspect of the Detty December experience.

VibezsUp’s unique value lies in its ability to integrate these functions into one platform, making it an indispensable partner for navigating the festive season.

Conclusion

As VibezsUp continues to expand its presence and refine its offerings, its potential to shape the future of Nigeria’s social and hospitality industries is undeniable.

By encompassing every aspect of the customer and business journey—from reservations and payments to ERP and event promotion—VibezsUp ensures that Detty December is not just a cultural phenomenon but also an efficient and well-organized celebration.

For revelers seeking unforgettable moments and businesses striving for operational excellence, VibezsUp remains the ultimate companion for Nigeria’s most festive season.

Detty December has morphed into a cultural colossus, its infectious spirit spilling across borders. In Ghana and Nigeria, the term has found fertile ground, blossoming into a vibrant shorthand for the season’s electrifying festivities and unbridled celebrations. For the pulse-quickening GEN-Z, it’s “Turnup” in its purest form, a December-long dance floor where joy reigns supreme.

Detty December encompasses all December-January social gatherings, transcending its initial borders.

Capitalizing on the Detty December craze, Spotify has teamed up with party powerhouses, festivals, and events across Ghana and Nigeria. This epic alliance promises a smorgasbord of curated experiences, amplifying the festive vibe and skyrocketing the music scene to new December heights.

So forget fruitcake and carols, Spotify’s Detty December playlists are all about the pulsating rhythms of good music. Dive into the curated Detty December destination for playlists such as, Detty December, Best of Detty December and Recovery.

For those keen on feeling the pulse of different popular parties and social organizations in Ghana and Nigeria such as – Blac Volta, Active Yard, and Cult Pop, or perhaps indulging in some light-hearted judgment of their music taste, rest assured, we gotcha! These three groups will be taking over the Detty December playlist, in collaboration with Spotify.

The Detty December playlist features a diverse range of genres that reflects the rich tapestry of cultural influences. From Afro-fusion, to highlife, street pop and Afrobeats, the Detty December playlist is a vibrant testament of the music scene, and is the perfect playlist to usher you into the Detty December season.

[Featured Image Credit]

And for others, it’s the time to have all the fun, massive turn-up energy day after day and of course, paint the town red. After all, you only live once.

Because we want you to have the perfect Detty December this year, we’ve got something for you.  We have compiled 5 ways you can enjoy your Detty December.

1. Attend Concerts and shows:

What is a Detty December without concerts and performances by your favourite musicians? It should even be illegal to be a stan of your favourite artiste and not be in their shows. With incredible line-ups, some of our favourite singers have already gotten things started. Now is the perfect time to secure a ticket. You can also get your friends to buy theirs too.

2. Watch a stage play

Immerse yourself in a night at the theatre. From spectacular drama performances to musicals, enjoy the iconic theatre-line up of amazing stage plays.

This December, MTN Foundation partnered with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP) to premiere yet another riveting stage play titled Motherland the Musical.

The play is scheduled to be held at Terra Kulture Arena, in Lagos from December 23 to January 2, 2023. It also features seasoned actors including Gideon Okeke, Francis Onwochei, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan and Oluwatosin Adeyemi.

3. Beach Hangouts:

If you want to enjoy a laid-back evening with friends and family this December, the beach is the place to be. It is impossible not to fall in love with the out-of-a-dream landscapes, breathtaking views of the ocean, good food, and entertainment.

And to make your experience even more remarkable, you can participate in activities such as riding a bike, building a sandcastle, fly kite, and so much more.

4. Restaurant Dates

There is nothing more relaxing than an exquisite dinner at one of the luxurious restaurants with friends and loved ones.

Rally your friends around and eat good food and grab a drink at your favourite restaurant or bar. It is detty December! You get to catch up, have fun, and most importantly, it’s never a dull moment.

5. Visit Art galleries and historic Landmarks

If you’re an admirer of modern art and architecture, you should add this to your list of things to do this December. Explore the many and varied art on display. You can also visit historic sites and landmarks, and learn a thing or two about the site’s history and significance.

Parents, who are just settling back to work after the restful holiday, face a multiple tasks such as  beating  morning traffic to get their children to school on time, making sure that daily school supplies are lined up and ready to use,  while also taking time out of their busy schedules to help their children with homework, among other things.

For parents trying to ease their ‘Back to School’ stress, here are five ways that technology can help:

1. Set reminders with Assistant:

Setting reminders is a smart way to remember all the things that are important for school- from lunches to school events.

You can easily create reminders with the help of Google Assistant. Using your mobile device or phone, simply say, “Hey Google, set a reminder”, or “Hey Google, remind me to dry clean my children’s uniform at noon tomorrow.”  Google Assistant will go on to set a reminder and send you a notification when it is close to the time.

2. Beat the traffic with Maps:

Still on ‘Back to School’ You can get real-time information about traffic jams and delays using Google Maps, helping to plan better routes for school runs.

Parents preparing to take their children to school every morning can make use of Google Maps to check for alternative routes and the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) to ensure they get to school before the bell rings.

3. Complete homework with Search:

Not all parents are subject matter experts but they do often have to play the role of designated tutor, or help out with homework.

In some cases, parents have forgotten  how to solve  simple math problems or they may not have the answers to some basic science questions.

A quick search on Google can help find solutions to difficult questions. Parents should however allow their children to generate the answers to their homework questions before searching Google for the answer.

4. Watch video tutorials on YouTube:

YouTube is great for watching explanatory videos that are fun, informative and educational. For example, parents can watch videos that reveal how to solve a quadratic equation and brush up their knowledge to help their children with their homework.

There are also a variety of educational videos for children that can help parents tutor children who wish to learn more beyond their school work.

5. Keep kids safe with Family Link:

Children today spend more time online than ever before. As such, it is important to help them develop healthy online habits and make sure they are protected from ills such as online predators and cyber bullies.

Family Link allows parents to set digital rules to help guide their children as they learn and explore online.

The app helps children make good decisions about what they do on their devices and even shows teacher-recommended apps that can be added to their devices.

When we talk about Back to School, it can be overwhelming for parents to balance their own professional endeavours with the demands of their children’s rigorous education but technology can sometimes help to lighten the load.