Another Detty December is upon us, and it is in everyone’s best interest to prepare well for it.

Even though we have written about what to expect, some people are foolhardy – that’s why we are warning you of the pitfalls.

1. Underestimating traffic

If you have an event by 6 pm, leave your house by 4 pm because you are going to be caught in the throes of traffic. You can stay in a traffic jam for 30 minutes, meanwhile where you want to go is just five minutes away.

2. Going out when they don’t have enough money

In December, everything is expensive, even transportation. It’s better to sit down in your house and manage your money than go out and disgrace yourself.

3. Going early to concerts or going to concerts at all

Unless it’s for Johnny Drille, or Pulse Fiesta, never go early to any Nigerian concert, they will most likely start at least four hours late.

If you go to any concert, do not complain, because you will have complaints.

4. Having a concrete plan about how and when to go home

If you don’t have a car, don’t have too much fun and forget you have a home to get back to. Before they close all your estate gates, and you are left out in the cold.

5. Getting too drunk at parties

We get it, the year has been tough and long but don’t drink yourself to a stupor and embarrass yourself and the members of your family, especially at your office parties. If you pass out and someone steals your belongings, you won’t be too happy now, would you?

With these few points of ours, we hope you have resolved to have fun but within reasonable limits.

Two artists, Miracle Takumo and Sime Patrick, have emerged joint winners in the second edition of the Arts for Change competition tagged ‘ Nigeria of my dreams’.

Announcing the winners in Lagos on Wednesday at the grand finale of the competition, former commissioner for Arts and Tourism, Steve Ayorinde said the panel of judges ensured that the artists actually produced the works they presented for the competition, otherwise they would have been disqualified.

Also, Imole Oyebamidele and Ibitoye Emmanuel emerged the first and second runners up, respectively.

Abolore Shobayo, a member of the panel of judges, explained that all the artworks were good,adding that three criteria were used in arriving at the winner.

He listed the criteria as a good interpretation of the concept, creativity, and quality of artistic expression.

The facilitator of Arts for Change competition, Loye Amzat, said the competition is getting better from the maiden edition, which was held at Freedom Park last year with a price tag of 500,000.

He, however, thanked Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), First Bank, GoBet247 and other sponsors who partnered with the project to identify and reward creativity among the youths.

He said; ” Arts for Change competition was conceived to identify and reward talents among our youths. Last year, the theme was Nigeria, Stronger Together. Over 300 artists competed last year during the maiden edition. This year is more robust with the theme: “Nigeria of my dreams.”

Duke Asidionye, an art promoter, spoke on the need for the youths to look beyond the politicians by ensuring that they fix the country through innovations.

He said the youths should focus more on their creative abilities to birth a new nation.

The 20th Abuja International Film Festival, with the theme “Beyond Borders: Globalisation and Film Business,” kicked off with a grand opening ceremony that witnessed the presence of several notable figures in the industry.

Among the distinguished guests was the representative of the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hajia Hanatu Musawa.

In addition to Musawa, the festival had the honor of hosting ambassadors from Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Cote d’Ivoire, and Egypt, along with other prominent personalities such as the DG of the National Film and Video Censors Board, the CEO of the Nigeria Film Corporation, and the CEO of Startimes, Joshua Wang. The event was also well attended by local and international filmmakers.

During the ceremony, the festival’s founder took the opportunity to reflect on its humble beginnings, when cinema spaces were scarce in Abuja.

He emphasized how the festival has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the Nigerian film industry, better known as Nollywood.

The ambassadors and high commissioners present at the event expressed their admiration for the festival’s success and longevity, offering commendations and goodwill messages.

They highlighted the sustainability and significance of the festival over its 20-year history.

The Abuja International Film Festival will continue for the next four days with a lineup of daily screenings, panel discussions, and other engaging activities.

The highly anticipated awards ceremony, where winners will be presented with awards in 16 different categories, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023.

With its rich history and international participation, the festival promises to be an exciting showcase of global cinema.