Eko Hotels & Suites has officially launched its Tropical Christmas Wonderland: Kingdom of Lights Edition, unveiling plans for an immersive, family focused December celebration at a press briefing on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Lagos.
The event, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, brought together hotel executives, sponsors, tourism figures, and the media for a lively session featuring speeches, goodwill messages, and a surprise musical drama that previewed the Wonderland’s theatrical highlights.
Seated at the VIP table were Zenith Bank’s Corporate Communications Lead, Mr. Zephaniah Chinedu; Mrs. Elohor Olumide-Awe, Portfolio Manager, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Danny Kioupouroglou, General Manager, Eko Hotels & Suites; HRH Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and Dr. Tunde Lawrenson of the Lagos Tourism Foundation; and Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels & Suites.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo said the Wonderland had evolved beyond a festive attraction to become a symbol of Nigerian tourism and creativity.
“We’ve moved from selling rooms and restaurants to selling experiences, experiences the world would miss if they don’t take a chance on Africa,” she said.
Mr. Chinedu described Zenith Bank’s partnership as part of a long term effort to promote African storytelling through tourism.
“Every year, we raise the bar,” he said. “The world is telling stories about Africa, and we’re excited to tell ours the right way.”
Mrs. Olumide-Awe of Maltina called the event the unofficial start of “Detty December,” celebrating family and shared joy.
“Detty December does not start in December, It starts way before December. So this really is kickoff to a lot of great and exciting things that will happen as we build up into the December period”
For Eko Hotels’ General Manager, Mr. Kioupouroglou, the Wonderland reinforces Nigeria’s image as a country of creativity and warmth.
“We’re not controlling the narrative; we’re presenting reality,” he said. “People who come to Nigeria return because they find something they can’t find anywhere else, truth, talent, and culture.”
Tourism advocates also highlighted the event’s cultural impact.
HRH Erelu Dosunmu praised Eko Hotels for “putting Lagos on the tourism map,” adding that the hotel’s Christmas Wonderland “gave birth to Detty Lagos” and continues to grow stronger every year.
Dr. Lawrenson echoed her view, describing Eko Hotels as “the Disneyland of Africa.”
Midway through the event, guests were treated to a surprise musical interlude, a short, unrehearsed performance that filled the room with singing and movement. The chorus, “Follow the star through the darkest night, our hope shines bright, we are the kingdom of light,” offered a preview of December’s stage shows.
Laughing afterward, Dr. Iyadunni explained that the spontaneous display captured the essence of the Wonderland.
“If Africa doesn’t have a taste, a teaser, very unrehearsed and raw. then it’s not us,” she said. “Destination Lagos will be detty detty at Eko Hotels.”
The executor say the Kingdom of Lights experience will transform Eko Hotels into an illuminated wonderland, with installations stretching from the gates through the gardens, poolside, and main square.
“From the moment you drive in, you’ll step into a different world,” said the project executor. “If you miss this year’s Kingdom of Lights, you’ve missed a big Christmas, African style.”
Sponsors expressed optimism about the economic and cultural impact. Mr. Chinedu said the initiative supports local tourism, diaspora engagement, and national rebranding.
“This partnership has grown from street lighting to a full family experience,” he said. “We’re proud to tell our story, the African way.”
Mrs. Olumide-Awe added that Maltina’s involvement reflects its family values.
“Maltina stands for sharing moments of joy,” she said. “We’ll bring excitement and family fun in our own unique way.”
In closing, Dr. Iyadunni and HRH Erelu Dosunmu called for stronger recognition of brands promoting Nigeria’s image.
“Bring your children to Eko Hotels, we have Disneyland, African style,” Dr. Iyadunni said. “Come this December, and Oxford Street will seem like a joke. We are the real deal.”
The Tropical Christmas Wonderland will open in December and run into early January. Organizers say Kingdom of Lights 2025 will be its most immersive edition yet, a vibrant blend of theatre, lights, and storytelling celebrating the best of African creativity.
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