General Manager of Eko Hotels and Suites, Danny Kiopouroglou, has credited the evolution of “Detty December” Nigeria’s vibrant year-end celebration to the hospitality giant, noting the hotel’s pivotal role in shaping Lagos’ festive and creative scene.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the Easter edition of The Jewel, a Broadway-style musical produced by Eko Hotels, Kiopouroglou described the hotel as a cultural trailblazer.
“The whole activity of Detty December and Christmas in Lagos started from Eko Hotels,” said the Greek-born hotel executive who identifies as Nigerian. “It has now become something everyone wants to experience.”
The Jewel, which draws inspiration from iconic plays such as Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel and Ola Rotimi’s Our Husbands Have Gone Mad Again, is a futuristic adaptation showcasing advanced stage design and theatrical innovation. It will return for special Easter performances on April 18 and 19.
Kiopouroglou used the occasion to advocate for greater investment in Nigerian theatre, likening its potential to the global success of Afrobeats and Nollywood.
“I go everywhere _ France, the US, Greece, a beach in Spain _ and I hear Nigerian music. So why not theatre?” he asked. “It just takes vision and investment for Nigerian stage productions to make it to global platforms.”
Beyond entertainment, he emphasized the hotel’s broader mission to nurture creative expression and support local talent. Referring to initiatives like Art X Lagos, Kiopouroglou said, “We have a gallery in our hotel where many artists have displayed their work and gone international — starting from Eko Hotels.”
He highlighted the economic impact of the performing arts, calling it a potential catalyst for national development. Drawing from his 23-year experience in Nigeria, he noted that just like Nollywood once struggled for recognition, theatre could also become a major industry.
“People see an hour-and-a-half show, but behind it are six months of rehearsals, numerous backstage professionals, and logistical operations that create jobs and opportunities,” he said.
Kiopouroglou urged private investors and stakeholders to support the theatre ecosystem. “We hope more people with the capacity and disposable income will come forward and move the arts forward,” he added.
In addition to The Jewel, Eko Hotels will host “Bunnyland,” a family-friendly Easter attraction featuring egg-painting, an Easter egg hunt, and games. The Easter lineup will also include the popular AY Live comedy and music show, which has become a seasonal highlight at the Eko Convention Centre.
