The much anticipated third edition of The Light Up Lagos Experience concluded in grand style, cementing its status as one of Africa’s leading New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Held over several unforgettable days, the event brought together thousands of attendees to celebrate the dawn of 2025 in a spectacular fusion of culture, entertainment, and philanthropy.
The event which started December 31, 2024 in Lagos State came alive with a stunning fireworks show over the famous Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
Celebrations continued into the early hours with the exclusive VIP After Party at Athena Private Beach, where guests enjoyed great music, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere to welcome the New Year.
By noon on January 1, 2025, the excitement shifted to Muri Okunola Park for the “Agbaya Link Up Light Up Edition”, a dynamic collaboration between Light Up Lagos and Agbaya Link Up.
“Agbaya,” a colloquial Yoruba term for adults acting childishly, inspired the event’s mission: to encourage attendees to embrace their inner child through playful experiences, shamelessly. This high-energy day party featured bouncy castles, trampolines, waterslides, water gun fights, paint walls, and nostalgic games that reignited childhood joy, while the concert saw electrifying performances from the headline acts Ice Prince, DJ Consequence, Crowd Kontroller and others.
Uche Micheals, Co-founder of Agbaya Link Up, shared his thoughts on the collaboration:
“Agbaya Linkup Lightup Edition was fresh, captivating, and truly special. Everyone who came was treated to a perfect potpourri of games, nostalgic activities, great vibes, music, vibrant performances from celebrity artists and DJs, good food, and a one-of-a-kind fireworks display. There was really something for everyone at the event, and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback from attendees. By every metric, we really did light up Lagos on the 1st of January!”
The Light Up Lagos experience concluded with an Exclusive Sunday Brunch at Athena Private Beach on January 5, 2025. Headlining DJs, Cocainna and TGarbs set the perfect mood for a relaxed yet lively gathering, closing the celebration on a high note.
Light Up Lagos Founder, Dele Debayo Doherty, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event sponsors, partners, and attendees. In his words: “This 2024 edition was a massive success, and we owe it to the incredible support of our sponsors; Mayfair Group, Flying Fish, Mirinda,…and our partners Agbaya Linkup, Athena Beach, CoolFM, WazobiaFM, Trendmyevent, Rova Media, Afrocentriq, Hype Infinity and ConnectingBridge. Most importantly, we thank our amazing attendees for bringing the energy, joy, and passion that lit up Lagos…”
Highlighting the impact of the event beyond entertainment, the organisers say Light Up Lagos will continue to stay true to its mission of giving back. “This year, 10% of the event proceeds will be donated to support orphanages and vulnerable children across Nigeria. Beneficiary organisations include Little Saints Orphanage and Tender Hearts Orphanage, among others.”
“Over the years, Light Up Lagos has fostered strong partnerships with these organisations, providing continuous support through donations, crowdfunding efforts, and raising awareness for underprivileged children. This long-standing commitment shows the event’s dedication to creating meaningful, positive change beyond the festivities.”
On her part, The Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs Toke Benson, praised the event, saying; “Light Up Lagos is becoming a beacon of cultural celebration and community engagement. The event is not only showcasing the vibrant spirit of Lagos, it is emphasising the importance of giving back. We are proud to support an event that brings joy and positively impacts lives.”
