For millions of Nigerians, 2025 was not just hard — it was draining, heartbreaking, and exhausting. It was a year that tested our faith, our patience, and our endurance. A year where many woke up every morning unsure of what the day would bring. Food prices soared beyond reach, transport fares doubled overnight, businesses collapsed, and families were forced to make painful sacrifices just to stay alive.
The fear was everywhere. Insecurity crept into towns and villages. Parents prayed harder each time their children stepped out. Breadwinners lost jobs. Young people lost hope. The nation groaned under the weight of hardship, yet the people endured — because Nigerians are known for strength even when broken.
2025 also came with defining moments that shook both Nigeria and the world. At home, economic policies and leadership decisions continued to shape daily survival. Abroad, the renewed military strikes ordered by former U.S. President Donald Trump against terrorist groups reminded the world that peace remains fragile. The bombings and counter-terror operations sent waves of fear across nations, proving once again that no country is completely insulated from global instability.
Yet, in the midst of all this pain, something powerful remained — hope.
Many of us are still here today not because life was easy, but because God carried us when we could no longer carry ourselves. When strength failed, grace showed up. When fear knocked, faith answered. We bent, but we did not break.
As we step into 2026, our hearts are filled with prayers more than expectations. Prayers for peace in our land. Prayers for leaders with conscience. Prayers for jobs, stability, and dignity. Prayers that Nigeria will rise again, not just in words, but in reality.
The journey has been rough, but the story is not over.
We are wounded, yes — but we are still standing.
And as long as we have life, hope will never die.
Happy new year to all of us.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola, Publisher of the Streetjournal Newspaper, writes from Ibadan.
