2025: Here Goes Nothing!

At every point throughout the year, I just always wanted to say, “Fuck everyone.” But nobody even did anything to me. Okay, maybe a couple of people played in my face, but to be honest, they don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. In 2025, everyone was tired. It felt like a quiet, shared resignation. People were waiting for the year to end—I am people. For most, the year started with the usual burst of energy. New goals, fresh resolutions. Not for me. For some reason, I felt fucked from the get-go. It just felt like a year you had to survive, and boy, did I almost lose that fight. 

Ushered in 2025 on the back of a mentally exhausting 2024. To top it all off, I was indoors all through Dec 24’, because I had to pretend to study for the bar. Then in Jan 25’, I’m on a flight back to Port Harcourt to take the bar. On that flight, I was just thinking, ‘maybe I should have just studied literature, or philosophy.’ The only thing worth looking forward to was that I was going to wrap this phase up and finally become a lawyer, at least if I passed the bar. I wasn't so sure I was going to at the time. The only thing I had going for me was the fact that I’ve never really failed at anything—but maybe there is always a first; maybe this was mine. 

I don't know how to perfectly explain that phase, but it was mental. I was going crazy while simultaneously having the time of my life, meeting the best people I’ve encountered in my entire adult life. I would do it again if I had the chance to, but that’s just me. 

This is my feeble attempt to keep my end-of-year review tradition alive. Frankly, it’s because I’ve had this hanging over my head, and I’ve not been able to actually move on into my year properly. The fact that I’m writing this out now is probably the greatest pointer to how exhausted I was last year, especially towards the end. Didn’t start the year automatically refreshed, so I’m taking Moyo’s advice of taking the first week off to reboot. 

Thinking of the laziest way to write this, because while I’m not as burnt out anymore, my energy levels are still incredibly low, and my eyes are sunken. I’ll probably divide the year into 3-4 categories and see how that goes. 

So, here goes nothing:

• ACHIEVEMENTS

I don’t know why that’s in plural, but, oh well. I think surviving the year tops the list for me. 2025 tested me in ways I hadn’t been tested in a couple of years. 

I also passed the bar and became a lawyer. That Abuja trip was probably the highlight of my year, wtf! I’m running it back. I won a couple of awards I can’t even remember properly. The only one I remember clearly was GCLS, because I got money. Easiest N250k I’ve ever earned. The only problem was that I couldn’t get my plaque. Apparently, someone’s name was printed on it already. How am I in a competition, and you’re printing someone’s name? These niggas haven’t learned that I’m inevitable. I wanted it sha, because it was cute, but in the end, it’s just a plaque, and it wasn’t worth the hassle of following up. Sad I can’t enter those competitions anymore. All things being equal, I should be organizing something this year and giving back to the community. 

Had to grow up, be an OG, and shit (read in Blaqbonez voice). 

Another highlight was getting co-signed by people I admire. I mean, generally, I usually don’t care what anyone has to say. But it’s always cute getting validations from people you respect. On one of those days when you’re just thinking about your life, Foza randomly texted me on Twitter. She said I see you." I see what you’re doing, and it reminds me of myself when I was younger. I stared at that message for a while. And I still go back to it when I feel lost. That shit meant something to me, I won’t even lie. Some other industry veterans reached out, touch base. One tried to hire me, but I didn’t think he could pay me my money’s worth. Big words for an unemployed nigga. But, oh well. 

• PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Having a love life is overrated. Y’all are just out there fooling, or trying not to be the fool. As my friend would say, ‘same difference.’ This year, my friendships mattered the most. I even made new friends by reaching out to two random people on Twitter, solely out of boredom, tbh. Two seemingly cool babes, one of whom turned out to be a weirdo. Shoutout Alexa, the most consistent of the bunch. Can be annoying as hell, but if there’s anyone that would always ride for me, she’s one. One of the few I would ride for till the end of time. 

Stayed away from the dating scene for 3 years. Somehow I convinced myself I needed time-off with myself to self-reflect and just enjoy my company. Maybe I didn’t just find anyone exciting tbh, and that felt like a good enough excuse. If we keep it a buck, I think I actually did learn a thing or two. 

When I thought I found something exciting, I came out of retirement. Made a cameo appearance. An interesting but undefined couple of months. For the first time in a long time, I was not the reason for the uncertainty. I think I tried to put my back in, but it always looked short-term from the get-go, so it wasn’t worth the hassle. But I tried, though. For the first time in my life, I didn’t just want to call someone my love until it was true—that’s a very effective method, btw. I don’t know who started that bad habit. But I think it was probably one habit my self-reflecting days said I needed to drop. 

Tried to ask someone to be my girlfriend like a normal human being, as opposed to just assuming till it was true. For the first time in my life, I met a darling who was cool with being the girlfriend but didn’t just want me to ask. Interesting. 

A couple of years ago, I probably would have relished this sort of arrangement, and just maybe the lack of accountability that comes from it. But I think I’m a veteran now. I’m too tired, get the ick easily, and certainly wouldn’t be putting my back into that. 

Or maybe I’m just a sweet lover boy deep down, and like Mr Eazi on "Legalize," “Baby, I don’t want to do no koro, make we legalize. My whole world dey stop anytime you look into my eyes.” This is not an ad; it’s me to my girl. And she can fight. On a more serious note, tomorrow isn’t promised, and I think more people should wear their hearts on their sleeves. Until they poopoo on your head, at least. 

I think the biggest takeaway for me, from being away from the dating scene for a couple of years, is that you don’t need to take years away trying to better yourself. What if you die? After all the years away, when I made my cameo appearance, I still made mistakes. Got some things wrong. So, time doesn’t necessarily ‘fix’ every flaw. But it does get better with time though, if you put in the work. I just thought that sounded cool. 

On a more serious note, I hope this year, you niggas get to experience what being in love feels like. Not the games and gimmicks everyone in this country is doing. Kinda feel bad for y’all. And for you that would say 2026 is for chasing the bag alone, December, you go show us that bag. And if you try, and they poopoo on your head, keep it moving, e no really go far like that. 

Away from the gutter that is the dating pool, especially in this country, friendships. What a beautiful concept. My friends held me down this year. In different ways. At different times. I love them deeply. There’s absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for them. 

Ironically, it was also the year I lost the most friends. Some, to the finality of death, and others, just dead to me. These moments taught me something very important. Some friendships would run their full course, and that’s okay. It probably stings, but closing chapters is an essential part of childhood. But the coolest part of it all is that God has a funny way of restructuring our lives in a way that more than compensates for what we think we lost. 

• LOSS 

Safe space, can I vent? (Read in Santan’s voice). 

People talk about how we are getting to the stage in our lives where we get to see our peers get married, and maybe some even have kids. But no one really considers the fact that we are also getting to the point where we get to see our peers die. I mean, there’s really no timetable for that, but I guess it just stings more now that we all grown up and can fully appreciate the finality of death. 

One of my best friends and one of my favourite cousins died within weeks of each other. I was losing my mind. 

I met Dami years ago at Covenant University. I thought I could party, but on that ground, that night, what I witnessed? Nothing is ever beating that vibe. Only the next morning, she beat me in a debate round. That was it. We were locked in. I was in love. I love me a genius who also knew how to have fun. She was also as impulsive as I was, so this was a match made in heaven. 

Whenever I had the random 3:00am ideas, I would text Dami. She never overthought things. Just action. Always ready. While she was at the NYSC camp, I had another random idea, and I reached out. She was excited. Said she was down, and we would collaborate on this. Calm, we’ll talk more when you get back from camp. 

Weeks later, I got a message late at night, and she was gone. Like forever, and wasn’t ever coming back. I usually don’t deal with loss. I pretend it didn’t happen, and that bubble keeps me sane. This time, I couldn’t. It wasn’t just my grief. It was everyone’s. She was loved far and wide. So, I couldn’t pretend nothing happened and kept it going. 

A few weeks later, I got another call. My cousin drowned. With his wife and kid. They all lost their lives. God has a weird sense of humor. We grew up together. He taught me how to make waves with my hair. Bought me hair creams that obviously did nothing. He was just jiggy and tried to get me on the program. Took me on errands with guaranteed detours, so he was my all-time fave. 

Was numb the whole month, and didn’t feel shit for a while. I miss them, terribly. Life tough. Unforgiving. Doesn’t pause for you to grieve. The next day comes, and you’re expected to show up. If I ever needed a reminder of how fragile life is, 2025 delivered it fully. So now, I try to live knowing today could be it. 

NOW THE DAY IS OVER. 

The year ended quietly. I was burnt out, but for some weird reason, calmer. I focused energy on things that mattered, and things that didn’t, didn’t. Attended concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Spent one billion naira on Uber, missed Alexa’s Christmas party, meaning I have to spend some days in PH next year. Paid good money to be front row at Bnxn’s show. Watched tems perform. She was angelic. Omah Lay was sensational. Palmwine Fest was perfect. I’m never missing another one. 

Shout out to Liz. An important part of my December. We planned to attend Slawn’s exhibition together and somehow ended up at Motherland. My type. 

Overall, it was a mentally exhausting year, but I survived, I guess. The only regret was probably stretching myself for people who wouldn’t do the same for me, but that changed. 

Last year, I had a gut feeling it was going to be ass from the get-go, and I was right. This year, I am certain it will be great. I just think it’s just a foundational year that lays the framework for my life’s trajectory, and I’m excited to see how it all unfolds. 

Unsolicited advice, for reading to this point, is to choose yourself, intentionally. Everything would invariably adjust. It’s okay to outgrow spaces, habits, and even versions of yourself. Spread love to people who love you, and be wicked to people who do you bad. 

Finally, Da ti e mo. It’s okay to categorize your relationship properly. Not everyone is your friend, and that’s okay. They could be your colleagues, your acquaintances, your neighbours, high chiefs, comrades, but not everyone is your friend. 

Last time I’m writing any review, and I don’t even know how long this stays up for. I’m getting too old, and every little thing makes me cringe a little. No review for 2026, just buckle up, watch the doings. 

Have a smashing year, chappies.