By IBRAHEEM MUSA

Normally, nightfall  dovetails silently  into a new day but   on   New Year 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 December 31st night, 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 genre 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, he gave grants  to   7,500 MSMEs, ranging  between N100,000 and N1 million, depending on the size of the enterprise.

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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,  organized by  CAN at ECWA Good News, Narayi Highcost, the next day. At the event, the Governor restated that his   administration is  anchored on  justice and fairness, as he is carrying everyone along.

Likewise, the countdown will parade indigenous artistes, homebased 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 Murtala Mohammed Square. Feezy, a Hausa hip-hop artiste,  will be live on stage, so will be Uncle DIA, Kawu Dan Sarki and  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.

The Star