Maltina has once again reaffirmed its place at the heart of festive cheer in Nigeria as it illuminated the ancient city of Ibadan with its spectacular Christmas Light-Up event. The colourful ceremony, part of the Nigerian Breweries’ Legendary Christmas campaign, brought together families, friends, and community members for an evening filled with warmth, joy, and a renewed sense of togetherness.
Held at ShopRite, Ring Road, on December 4, the Ibadan edition carried a unique charm that distinguished it from earlier ceremonies in Lagos and Abuja. The city’s cultural richness and welcoming spirit provided the perfect backdrop for Maltina’s message of hope, nourishment, and happiness during a season often marked by both celebration and reflection.
The event transformed the venue into a wonderland of lights and artistic installations, each thoughtfully designed to reflect Ibadan’s heritage. From the colourful arches to the traditional motifs embedded in the displays, Maltina successfully blended the city’s illustrious past with its vibrant present, giving residents a celebration that felt both contemporary and culturally rooted.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the evening was the unveiling of the Maltina Happiness Train. The symbolic structure, beautifully lit and creatively designed, was introduced as a central feature of this year’s campaign. According to organisers, the Happiness Train will make stops across the city in the coming days, extending Maltina’s message of joy and building shared moments among communities.
The energy at the event was amplified by the presence of Maltina’s brand ambassador, Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as KieKie. Her lively personality and ability to engage diverse audiences added humour, depth, and authenticity to the celebration. A special appearance by fast-rising musician Oshamo further elevated the mood, creating memorable pockets of music, laughter, and connection throughout the night.
In a moment that captured the spirit of the season, top government officials and Nigerian Breweries executives joined hands to perform the symbolic switch-on of the Christmas lights. Those in attendance included the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde; Finance Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Maria Karaseva; Ibadan Brewery Manager, Seun Akinwale; Zonal Business Manager (West), Lucky Oiwoh; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; and Portfolio Manager, Beyond Beer, Sampson Oloche.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, praised Nigerian Breweries Plc for its continuous contributions to the state’s internally generated revenue and industrial growth. He noted that attending the event was not only an endorsement of Maltina’s positive impact but also a personally meaningful moment, as Christmas Day coincides with his birthday. He wished residents of Oyo State a joyful Christmas and a prosperous new year.
As confetti burst into the air and the lights flickered to life, the atmosphere quickly transformed into one of wonder. Children beamed with excitement, parents captured memories on their phones, and friends huddled together to experience the brilliance of Ibadan’s newest Christmas spectacle.
The ceremony drew an impressive crowd of families, celebrities, social media influencers, cultural figures, and enthusiastic fans of the Maltina brand. Many attendees described the event as “magical” and “uplifting,” noting that such moments of collective joy have become particularly meaningful in times of economic and social challenges.
Maltina’s Light-Up event did more than light the streets of Ibadan; it illuminated the hearts of the people. Residents embraced the opportunity to reconnect, unwind, and experience the festive season in its purest form—surrounded by loved ones and shared happiness.
For Nigerian Breweries Plc, the success of the event underscores a continued commitment to enriching communities across Nigeria through nourishing experiences. The Light-Up series serves not only as a corporate initiative but also as a reminder of the brand’s long-standing relationship with the people it serves.
As the lights continue to shine across Ibadan in the coming days, the impact of Maltina’s gesture will live on. From the Happiness Train’s forthcoming tour to the memories already created, the event has set a tone of optimism and unity for the city this Christmas season.
Ultimately, Maltina’s illumination of Ibadan stands as a timely reminder that even in challenging periods, communities can still find moments of shared joy. And in those moments, the true essence of Christmas hope, warmth, generosity, and togetherness shines the brightest.
