Normally, nightfall dovetails silently into a new day but on New Year’s Day, this transition comes with a bang. Essentially, the change of baton is a religious, cultural and astrological marker for different people. Sometimes, prayers precede a New Year but in some climes, the change-over is at once a headliner, a tourist attraction and a time for merriment. Elsewhere, adherents gaze at the crystal ball to see what the future holds.
In 2024, the New Year came in through Kiritimati, a Central Pacific Island, before any part of the globe encountered it. Tourists, from all over the world, had congregated to witness the cosmic change of guard, followed by spontaneous celebrations. Conversely, Christians attended cross-over service, starting on the night of December 31, into the New Year and prayed for divine blessings. Buddhists, in their temples, offered prayers to end the year peacefully and welcome the new one.
However, in Western pop culture, a New Year is preceded by a countdown celebration across the globe, climaxing at a minute past 12 midnight. Usually, it is a night of food, fun and music, where merrymakers gyrate amidst floodlights and fireworks. Indeed, the event is also a money spinner as vendors of every hue, fast foods of all varieties and entertainers of different genres cash in on revellers.
Specifically, Kaduna State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, including local artistes, will join the gravy train in this year’s countdown. Indeed, the event aims to bolster the creative sector, support MSMEs, unify and revive ‘’The State Spirit: Connect and Celebrate.’’ In part, the theme reflects Governor Uba Sani’s development agenda of inclusivity and growth.
In fact, this countdown promises to be different in several ways. Already, some MSMEs have been given waivers as vendors offering local cuisine, according to the organisers, will not pay stall charges like previous countdowns.
Broadly, this underscores the administration’s drive to uplift small businesses. Indeed, this will not be the first time, since assuming office, that Governor Uba Sani has aided MSMEs in Kaduna State. In March, this year, he gave grants to 7,500 MSMEs, ranging between N100,000 and N1 million, depending on the size of the enterprise.
Significantly, apart from food, music and entertainment, the countdown promises to be a leveller, where citizens and government officials interact freely. Indeed, this speaks to the government’s credo of inclusivity and community engagement, the twin fulcrum of this administration. At every turn, Governor Uba Sani sermonises on carrying everyone along, from May 29, 2023 after he was sworn in, up to last week.
On December 21, at the second edition of Southern Kaduna Festival, which held at Kafanchan, the governor reiterated commitment to build a state where no area is left behind. Likewise, he was at the Christmas Carol of Six Lessons, organised by CAN at ECWA Good News, Narayi Highcost, the next day. At the event, he restated that his administration is anchored on justice and fairness, as he is carrying everyone along.
Likewise, the countdown will parade indigenous artistes, home-based comedians and performers of different entertainment genres. Adam A. Zango, an actor, singer and dancer, will grace the occasion, as will Ali Jita, a Kano-born, Lagos-bred and Abuja-based Hausa musician.
Similarly, Keshinro Ololade, better known as Lil Kesh, will perform at the Kaduna Countdown on December 31, 2024, into the New Year. Rapper, singer and songwriter, the “Shoki” musician, will thrill his fans with his hit single next Wednesday. Skales, our Kaduna homeboy, ‘’Must Shine’’ at the coming event, in memory of the debut hit single which shot him to limelight.
Specifically, another Crocodile City boy, DJ AB, will ply his craft at the countdown. So will ClassiQ, coming all the way from Bauchi. Likewise, Auta MG Boy, the love songs maestro, will serenade the audience at the Murtala Muhammed Square. Feezy, a Hausa hip-hop artiste, will be live on stage. So will Uncle DIA, Kawu Dan Sarki and Nura M. Sheriff, as well as Penny Wealth and other budding musicians.
Besides, stand up comedians will be on hand, from all parts of the country, to add laughter to the fun. Indeed, the line-up includes Laff Product, Prayer Point and Kevin Sapp, who will deliver rib-cracking jokes at the event.
In addition, MC Big Boy, the pre-eminent compere in Kaduna, Lady MC Raheena, a pioneer in the North, and Murpheus Rhymz will anchor the countdown, which will start on December 31, 2024, Governor Uba Sani’s birthday, into January 1, 2025.
The year’s countdown, according to the organisers, promises to be a bumper edition, a fitting birthday gift to our amiable governor and Champion of Inclusivity.
* Malam Ibraheem Musa is the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State
