21 hours Ago By Olusegun Koiki
LAGOS – Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier of Ethiopia has thrown its weight behind the Detty December celebration, which kicked-started in Lagos, Nigeria last December. Mrs. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, the newly appointed Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, gave this assurance in a statement by the media consultant to the airline in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Government, which pioneered the Detty December last year, was said to have made a significant profit from the monthly long celebration, with the tourism and entertainment sectors bringing in $71.6 million, or about N111.5 billion during the period.
This revenue boost was driven by a variety of events and activities, such as music festivals, concerts, and other recreational activities held in Lagos during the period. She said: “We’ll also ensure that ‘Detty December’ is even more accessible for Nigerians.” Apart from the Detty December support, Mekonnen also promised that Ethiopian Airlines would give backing to the growing Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural events with its flight services to various destinations in the continent and beyond.
According to her, Ethiopian Airlines is a connector of African trade and tourism, which is committed to driving more tourism into Nigeria from around the world and also encouraging Nigerians to explore Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Ethiopian Airlines has consistently supported major Nigerian cultural events, including Carnival Calabar, offering discounted fares and seamless travel options. She emphasised Nigeria’s untapped tourism potential, highlighting the country’s rich culture, natural beauty, and diverse attractions that deserve global attention.
Renowned for their love of travel, Nigerians have long benefited from Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global reach. The airline has served Nigeria since 1960, operating its most modern fleet on Nigerian routes. Firiehiwot brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Most recently, she served as the head of ET Holidays, overseeing all travel and tour packages under Ethiopian Airlines. Her career also includes leadership roles in Europe and Nigeria, where she previously served as the General Manager in Lagos and as station manager for the Abuja station. Her deep expertise in travel, tourism, and airline management will further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ presence and impact in Nigeria.
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