₦airaland Forum

As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's only natural to pause, reflect, and remember. The year 2024 was a whirlwind of experiences—full of joys that warmed our hearts, lessons that shaped us, and bittersweet goodbyes that reminded us of life's fragility.

Cherishing the Good Times

2024 gave us countless moments to smile about. From breakthroughs in technology that made our lives easier to personal victories that reminded us of our resilience, the year was truly memorable. For me, it was about growth—taking on challenges, embracing change, and celebrating the small wins. Football games with friends, coding late into the night, discovering new music, and connecting with like-minded individuals made the year feel vibrant and fulfilling.

As a Nairaland community member, I shared ideas, celebrated milestones, and created a space that was not just about sharing news content but connection. Every interaction, every comment, and every shared moment built a bond that made this year unique.

Honoring Those We Lost

Sadly, 2024 also reminded us of life's impermanence. We lost some incredible individuals—friends, mentors, and cherished members of the the Nairaland community—whose contributions will forever remain in our hearts. They inspired us, taught us, and left a mark that will never fade.

To those we lost: we may not know your numerous monikers but we carry your legacy forward. Your memories fuel our determination to live fully, love deeply, and create meaning in everything we do.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, we do so with a sense of renewed hope and purpose. There are new challenges to tackle, opportunities to seize, and dreams to chase. This year, I’m determined to grow within this amazing Nairaland space—to share more ideas, foster deeper connections, and contribute to a community that continues to thrive.

Also, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Seun, the visionary founder of Nairaland, for creating such an incredible platform that has brought us all together. Your dedication and foresight have built a space where ideas thrive, connections are made, and communities grow. To the moderators Mynd44, fergie001, HumbledbYGrace, osystein, MissyB3, Fynestboi, r231, Freiburger, Obinoscopy, Nlfpmod and others too numerous to mention in forums which I'm very active, thank you for your tireless efforts in keeping this platform organized, engaging, and enjoyable for all. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate everything you do to make Nairaland the amazing place it is.

To each of you reading this: thank you for being part of my 2024. Your presence, your support, and your stories have enriched my life in ways words can't fully express. Here's to a 2025 filled with growth, resilience, and the promise of new beginnings.

Let’s make it a year to remember. Together.

Happy New Year!

Governor Abiodun also announced that Joshua would be lighting the Gateway Games National Sports Festival torch, which has been postponed to May next year.

The Governor made this known on Monday when he hosted the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion in his office.

“I want to openly request that, besides the fact that today we are going to officially confirm you as our sports ambassador, we want to request that you come back to light up the Gateway Sports Festival torch; you will be the one lighting it up.

“We are going to construct a brand new Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring, and that boxing ring will be in a stadium here in Abeokuta to ensure that you come home more frequently. Besides the fact that you are now our official sports ambassador, we have decided that we will give you a brand new house in Sagamu,” he said.

He urged Anthony Joshua to find ways of supporting the state in the area of sports development by working alongside the Director General of the National Sports Commission and the state Commissioner for Sports Development to host a boxing championship in the state.

“We want to plead that you also find ways to support us back home. We believe that we should have tournaments planned leading to the sports festival, and you were expressing how you will participate and what you can do to mentor.

“We leave you to work with our Director General of the National Sports Commission and the Commissioner for Sports Development on what we can do to ensure that we have activities leading to the sports festival in your boxing arena.

“Proudly, we bid for the National Sports Festival for this year, and we won that bid. The festival was supposed to be in January; however, for some technical reasons, it’s been postponed to sometime in May.

“In preparation for the sports festival, we are spending a lot of money; we are totally refurbishing, rehabilitating, and reconstructing our sporting facilities. As you know, sports is a universal language; it brings people from different parts of the world together,” he said.

The Governor noted that the state is blessed with many talents spread across music, arts, and sports who are doing very well and, at the same time, placing the state on the world map.

The governor added that the state is extremely proud of the achievements of Anthony Joshua on the world stage, saying that his administration would support his career in every way it can.

“Your coming back home will be a source of motivation and inspiration for many young men who are aspiring sportsmen, and we have quite a lot of them in Ogun State.

“I want to congratulate you on what you have achieved in such a short span of time. You’ve made a short story of your life and your career.

“Whatever we can do to encourage you to continue to win more laurels for yourself, your family, for the state, and Nigeria, be assured that we will be more than happy to do that. We watch your career grow, and we are going to support your career in every way we can,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Anthony Joshua noted that he would work towards promoting Ogun State to the rest of the world by showcasing the numerous talents in the state.

Ojiofor:
There is hunger in the land that is a fact I am not mocking either the living or the dead.
Your only happiness is that Tinubu is president cos his from your tribe even if hunger kee you no mind.

DAILY POST reports that Burna Boy, who has drawn comparisons with Fela over his protest music, has been under fire recently over his detention of his colleague, Speed Darlington, for allegedly defaming him.

Reacting to the criticisms, Burna Boy said he is not Fela, stressing that the comparison between him and the late activist has to stop.

He emphasised that he would rather kill than die for Nigerians.

“Also all that Burna Boy and Fela talk needs to die now. I’m not Fela, l’m BIG7. I’m all about positivity, peace and prosperity but honestly l’d rather kill you than d!e for you,” he wrote via his Instastory.

Ojiofor:
The stampede happened across Nigeria due to Tinubu's induced hunger while you think you are mocking Peter Obi who has donated billions in charity since he was rigged out by Tinubu in last election.So actually lost,the people dying of hunger or Peter Obi?

If you like vote Tinubu in 2031 for his third term that is if you survive his first mass starvation tenure.

Ojiofor:
Story!
Vote for Tinubu and continue begging for a cup of rice and more people will die as a result of stampede where they dey go beg for rice and beans that is Tinubu's legacy.

Wealthoptulent:
make una dey FEED this MIDF, even if e no fit TALL again make e maintain FLESH & WEIGHT, e be like BONGA FISH

Ekpeitut:
...Tinubu is performing overwhelmingly well..Are you for real?

Go to any market and say this and see if you won't be beaten mercilessly like one who stole something.

bigpicture001:
Anyhow u can it..... The people who still. Believe in him are much much larger... Leave the hungry people alone... And again, u only u is calling it an Igbo affair... Because u are anti Igbo.....

Igbos voted obj massively twice.....

In a statement in Abakaliki, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said that after critical evaluation and independent assessment of public officeholders of Igbo extraction within the 2024 framework, Umahi was chosen as Igbo Man of the Year, surpassing the likes of Hope Uzodinma, Benjamin Kalu, and others.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for being the first president to remember Ndigbo, adding that his administration’s impactful recognition of the Southeastern region marks a landmark shift not seen in the 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

Isiguzoro noted that Ohanaeze Ndigbo employed a rigorous model of evaluation on critical areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, solutions to insecurity, democratic inclusiveness, and historical and current antecedents, with Umahi standing tall among others.

Isiguzoro further stated that Ohanaeze extends its commendation to Governors Peter Mba and Francis Nwaifuru of Enugu and Ebonyi states, who exhibited exemplary governance by allowing their elected local chairmen full access to the benefits that stem from local government autonomy, promoting transparency and accountability.

The statement read: “The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, takes this momentous occasion to express its unequivocal admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His administration’s impactful recognition of the Southeastern region marks a landmark shift not witnessed in 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

“His commitment to massive infrastructure development throughout the Southeast, largely orchestrated by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, positions the region for a future that is decidedly more prosperous and hopeful.

“In our thorough and independent assessment of public officeholders of Igbo extraction within the 2024 framework, Ohanaeze Ndigbo employed a rigorous model of evaluation. This new set of ‘Igbo Performance Perimeters and Indexes’ provided a transparent and quantifiable means to hold public officials accountable.

“In our comprehensive report, we proudly announce Senator Dave Umahi as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year. His accomplishments as Minister of Works have been nothing short of extraordinary. From revitalizing dilapidated federal roads to creating innovative job opportunities via groundbreaking cement technology.

“Umahi has delivered tangible benefits to the people. Notably, his effective strategies in fostering development have addressed longstanding security concerns on major highways, helping to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the region.

“The acknowledgment of Umahi’s pivotal role in ensuring a harmonious relationship between the Southeast and the Federal Government, especially highlighted by his efforts to prevent regional participation in national protests, is commendable.

“This has fostered an environment conducive to collaborative governance—an important disposition for a polarized nation. Consequently, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu stands as the second-best performer among National Assembly members, solidifying the significance of a concerted Igbo political strategy going forward.”

Farotimi said his battle axes have been sharpened, and his guns primed, ready for war.

Posting on social media, the activist lawyer said he’s strong enough to confront principalities and powers.

“I am strong enough to rumble unruffled against principalities and powers, but I am human enough to retain the capacity to shed tears of joy in appreciation of the grace of God, expressed in the concerted efforts of fellow victims.

“My battle axes are newly sharpened, my guns primed, I am ready to war.

“My resolve was NEVER tested, but I was waiting for next round of the fight to commence.

“I KNEW that the first round had been lost by those responsible for my imprisonment.”

A few weeks ago, a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti had granted Farotimi N30 million bail.

DAILY POST reports that the lawyer was arrested for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD.

Farotimi was subsequently freed after meeting his bail conditions.

Confirmedzombie:
You are the one that is shameless. All patriotic Nigerians including Peter obi have condemned Odili for such statement.

Odili ought to act as an elder statesman and not dishing out such ridiculous statement against Wike.

Your hate for wike will kpai you one day

Reacting, Olayinka in a post on his official X handle, described Odili’s comment as disappointing, stating that the former governor, who is expected to act as an elder statesman, has reduced himself to a ridiculous level.

slimfit1:
Instead of Wike to build solar farms science and technology colleges for students to learn installation trade he is busy demolishing houses in this bad economy.

udemzyudex:
Bro shut up, he did what he did and he was arrested it, he stay there for over a month and we believe he has learnt his lesson.
You want me to advise a grown up man who can tell his left from his right?
That's not my point, my point is you ignoring what the police did and blaming apki alone, are we going forward or backward?

CrownOfClay724:
Don't let this hogwash distract you.

Tinubu and Macron are cooking something in the north.
Don't fall for their gimmicks.

bigtt76:
Always yarning in the nonsense. We as a country need to strengthen our data protection laws especially where it relates to medical records and minors.

udemzyudex:
You're part of the problem too, you left the police for refusing to leave him despite the court granting him bail to speak about darlington alone.

Richie6:
You're one of the problem we have in this country..Tell me how Nigeria will be better? Interest indeed? Yaradua, Jonathon and ObJ regime, we did experience all the nonsense APC has turn Nigeria to poverty capital of the world.

For your information, Obi left pdp not because of any interest but due to corruption of buying delegates with foreign currencies during the primary election..Are you really in this country or you're just being deluded.

Obi will continue to be your nightmare..

She, however, cautioned against publicising the results of DNA tests unless they indicate that the person is not the biological father of the child.

Her comments came in response to the news of a user on X who faced backlash after revealing that he conducted a DNA test on his newborn, which returned positive results.

On her X handle, Yesufu wrote, “Every man most especially those that have doubts need to get DNA test done on their children. Except the DNA result shows that the children are not yours, you need to keep your damn mouth shut!

“Nobody needs to know you did a DNA test!”