It’s 2025! Nigerians have bid farewell to 2024, welcoming the New Year with renewed optimism for the days ahead.
Across the country, millions of people gathered in churches, fun spots, and other places to usher in 2025.
From Kano to Lagos, Taraba to Imo, the atmosphere was lit with fireworks, jubilations, and fun fare.
Just as the clock hit midnight, shouts of “Happy New Year” echoed across the country followed by fireworks adorning the skyline.
As early as 6 pm, people converged in churches and public places across Nigeria to begin the countdown to the New Year. Some state governments even organised events where residents stayed to welcome 2024.
Inflation has reached new levels in Nigeria, eating away the incomes of many and pushing the costs of basic items beyond the reach of millions of households.
Despite the stark realities of the outgone year, many Nigerians especially worshippers who poured into churches to usher in 2025, are hopeful of better days for the nation.
In Lagos, the Cathedral Church of Christ at Marina, The Salvation Army, Igbobi Corps in Somolu and many other churches hosted their annual Watch Night service, a cherished tradition that marks the transition from the old year to the new.
With a message of hope, renewal, and faith, this event drew worshippers from all walks of life.
Governors, ministers, and high-profile persons sent messages welcoming the New Year and promising better times for residents of their states.
Earlier, some countries had ushered in the New Year. The first places to ring in the new year were Kiribati and the Christmas Islands, which hit midnight before Nigeria.
As New Year’s Eve parties kicked into gear along Australia’s picturesque Sydney Harbour yesterday afternoon, many revellers were relieved to see the past 12 months in the rearview mirror.
The self-proclaimed “New Year’s capital of the world” sprayed nine tonnes of fireworks from its famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge at midnight.
More than a million spectators packed the city’s foreshore to catch a glimpse of the pyrotechnics.
(With additional reports from Channels TV)
