For most people, the year 2024 started on a positive note, with resolutions and hopes for a better life. On the other hand, twelve months down the line, with about four days before the year ends, the narratives vary from happy, indifferent, and sad endings to many people. Saturday Tribune sampled the opinions of Nigerians on the issue. Their views:
AbdulRasheed Alurombi
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for me. I made significant strides in my journey as a budding lawyer. Each quarter of the year brought new accomplishments and growth opportunities. It is a year that has deepened my conviction on the rightfulness of the path that I have chosen. I am also more optimistic and confident of continued success in years to come. So, I would say it is the most fulfilling year yet. That is, of course, excluding the state of the country.
Folorunso Habeebullah
The year 2024 has been a blend of challenges and growth. It showcased humanity’s resilience in tackling global issues like climate change, economic instability, and public health concerns. On a personal note, it has been a year of significant milestones and opportunities for growth, particularly in leadership, academics, and entrepreneurship. Despite the hurdles, the year highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Looking ahead, the lessons learned in 2024 should inspire us to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Victor Arimoro
The year 2024 was a whole lot of rollercoaster of emotions, wins, losses, tears, fun—but, most of all, I learned. This is despite the dollar rate to naira and the ongoing global challenges. Earning in foreign currency helped a lot this year, and the experiences gained were worth a lot that money cannot buy. Furthermore, emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing revolutionised industries and improved lives. Overall, 2024 was seen as a year of hope, resilience, and progress toward a brighter future.
Khadijah Bamidele
2024 draws to a close, and it is astonishing how swiftly time has passed. So quick. Despite entering the year with high hopes, wishes, and dreams, not all my aspirations were fulfilled. Nevertheless, I remain very optimistic that 2025 will bring new opportunities to achieve these goals and more. While 2024 presented challenges, including economic hardships and rising costs across boards, I am grateful for God’s guidance and interventions, and for the ‘little’ that has been achieved. I look forward to a more fulfilling time in 2025.
Taiwo Ayigoro
Since my birth, I had never experienced a year as funny as 2024 — such an incredible year that the economy was not smiling at anyone. Just within 366 days, the prices of everything skyrocketed to thrice or even more than their usual prices. You get something at the market today and tomorrow the price is doubled. It was such a challenging year for everyone with a lesson that a business or a work is not enough to survive. Despite all odds, 2024 was a win-win for me, as I achieved beyond my imagination despite the economic downfall. I find it challenging and promise to double the energy come 2025.
Oluwemimo Solomon Oyinlola
2024 was a year of contrasting emotions, filled with accomplishments and disappointments. It was a mix of hard work and uncertain waiting, a delicate balance of light and darkness. The removal of oil subsidies looks like hope to bring prosperity but later brought pain. The Dangote Refinery has no significant effect on the petrol price. A stampede during celebrations claimed lives. But, during this pain, Lookman and Chiamaka made us proud and gave us a reason to be happy. Ultimately, 2024 was a year of bittersweet harmony.
Benjamin Stephen
A beautiful year like any other past and future years, with horrible events deliberately made to happen by antipeople’s government policies which are worthy to pen down for posterity. From the surging insecurity that has claimed many Nigerians, including my family members and the burning down of my entire home village, to inflation to the point that families are barely surviving, to seeing the indifference of citizens on the government’s lack of accountability, to seeing a failing nation yet its leaders with fat bank accounts giving hope of redeeming a ‘great nation’. The events of 2024 have lessons of uncertainty about the future of this country.
Raifu Afeez Opeyemi
Year 2024 has been a challenging and transformative year for me, particularly due to the impact of inflation on all basic needs, which has forced me and my family to make significant changes in our daily lives, such as cutting down on expenses, prioritising essentials over luxuries, and seeking additional sources of income to make ends meet.
Olorunnishola Tijesunimi
Assessing 2024, I would say it has been a remarkable year for innovation and progress. In terms of education, we have seen significant advancements in e-assessment projects, such as those recognised by the e-Assessment Association. These projects have transformed the way we approach assessments, making them more efficient, effective, and student-centred.
On a broader scale, 2024 has been a year of growth, with various industries and sectors pushing the boundaries of what is possible. From technological breakthroughs to societal shifts, this year has been marked by a sense of momentum and possibility. Of course, like any year, 2024 has also had its challenges. But overall, it has been a year of positive change and progress, setting the stage for an exciting and promising future.
Peter Obilakin
The year 2024 has been a little rougher and tighter than expected. However, we have managed to cope, and thanks to God. Although I was unable to achieve my plans, it has still been far better than 2023. I am optimistic that the country will continue to improve, especially now that petroleum prices have started to drop. This is a major plus, as it controls some key factors in the country. I also hope that the dollar rate will reduce in the coming year.
Raji Amao
My unadulterated assessment of 2024 is that it is full of wind, storm, and turbulence. On the other hand, amidst that, grace, peace and joy crept in. This year is tough, rough, and tainted. With what I have experienced so far, I would say all adoration and blessings are given to Almighty God for making me pass through the thick-thorny journey this year. Verily, the recent situation in which we find ourselves sometimes in life does not determine maybe we will remain the same. The journey of life reflects the way you tighten your belt to reach the pinnacle.
This year is a testament to which human beings would continue to struggle. Some people live in affluence, while others live in impoverished conditions. Now, to Nigeria’s situation—according to my school of reasoning, it is what we the people want for ourselves that is reflected in our modern-day government. We clamoured for change this year, but it fell back to the pit. All in all, this year has taught me some lessons. Next year (2025), my motto is ‘work hard, be determined, be committed, and pray for God’s grace’.
