2024 may have been a challenging year for Nigerians in many ways. However, these people found interesting ways to celebrate the end of the year and usher in 2025, writes PAUL OMOROGBE.
FROM the spiritual to the fanfare, Nigerians found a way to end the year 2024 on a joyous note through various activities on December 31 as they crossed into the New Year.
Crossover night, as December 31, New Year’s Eve, is called in Nigeria, is a moment people in this country do not take lightly.
Many are of the opinion that how you enter the New Year determines how that year turns out. They would therefore seek out solitary time or a place of worship to get set for the new year. However, for others, New Year’s Eve is just a time to party!
Crossover services
For most Christians, they go to church services called Crossover Service. These have been in existence for as long as one can remember.
However, in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings, churches had to make adjustments for their crossover services that year. Some state governors with the Christian Association of Nigeria and some churches banned the New Year’s crossover service nationwide due to the second wave of the pandemic virus.
However, since the pandemic was officially declared over, churches have spared no efforts to ensure that an elaborate crossover service took place. These services were much publicised by major churches in the country.
The Glory Dome in Abuja witnessed a convergence of prominent figures as Mr Peter Obi, Former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Former President of Sierra Leone, Mr Ernest Bai Koroma, joined thousands of worshippers for the watch-night service hosted by Dr Paul Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
The event, which took place on the 31st of December 2024, marked the crossover into the new year under the theme “2024-2025: Cross Over Without Carryover.”
As noted earlier, the crossover service can be a deeply spiritual experience for some. A singer, Michael Adebayo, popularly known as Ruger, recently shared an experience of a spiritual encounter he had during the Cherubim and Seraphim church’s crossover service in Ojodu, Lagos State.
Speaking via Ruger’s fan base Instagram page, #blownboy_news, he said: “I thank God. I have not cried in like four years.
Today, I saw God again, and I cried. I thank God for my life.”
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports, was spotted in a church in Nigeria to take part in a crossover service in celebration of the new year. The Napoli star was spotted in a Redeemed Christian Church of God branch in Lagos.
Government countdowns
For 2024, a state government held events to usher in the New Year. The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, hosted the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025.
The event featured performances from musicians including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Seyi Vibez, Adekunle Gold, and other renowned artists. Performances were simultaneously held at Ikorodu Townhall, Badagry Grammar School, Agege Stadium, Epe Recreation Centre, and Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).
Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwoolu, said concerning the event: “Last night, Lagos came alive in a way that only Lagos can!
“The energy at the Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 was electric, with the vibrant spirit of our people shining through every moment. It was a celebration like no other. Lagos is home.
“A heartfelt thank you to the incredible artists who honoured Lagos’ call to perform and made the night unforgettable -Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Olamide, Seyi Vibez, and many more. Your talent and passion lit up the stage and brought joy to every corner of Lagos.
“To the amazing residents of Lagos who came together in unity, celebrating as one people with one purpose-thank you for showing the world the true Lagos spirit.
“Together, we ushered in 2025 with unmatched energy and pride. This is Lagos, and we lead.”
In Kaduna State, the state government put together a countdown celebration.
Speaking during the event held at the popular Murtala Mohammed Square Kaduna, the State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, commended the people’s resilience throughout the year, emphasising the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the deputy governor added a touch of elegance and significance to the proceedings as she sang, danced, and mingled with attendees. Governor Sani expressed optimism that the year 2025 will be better.
Celebrity hangouts
Celebrity actor and movie maker, Kunle Afolayan, ended the year 2024 by organising a hangout that saw friends, family and other celebrities such as Macaroni, KieKie and more in attendance. In a post on his official Instagram handle, he wrote, “We danced and merry into the new year.” The event also involved a spectacular fireworks show.
More fireworks and ladies of the night This year, Nigerians upped the use of fireworks to usher in the New Year. Recall that in states like Delta and the Federal Capital Territory, the police had announced prohibitions on the use of fireworks.
Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, emphasised that the use of the items could lead to unnecessary panic and anxiety within the community.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, announced that the ban on fireworks is still in force and that the command will be enforcing it strictly. It includes ban on the use, sale and display of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers known as ‘knock-out’ and ‘banger.’
However, in Ibadan, youths around the Ring Road area of the city on December 31, held a ‘knock-out’ competition. A resident of the city told the Nigerian Tribune: “The area around Palms Mall was taken over by boys shooting fireworks. It was so intense that motorists passing through the area had to park their cars and wait.
Some cars had to divert. There was a lot of traffic congestion in the area, and some people just decided to trek.”
The same can be said of cities like Asaba in Delta State and various parts of Lagos where fireworks were on display to usher in 2024.
The ladies of the night were not left out of the crossover experience. Reports from the red districts in Lagos and Ibadan had it that these ladies were off the streets a few minutes before it clocked midnight before the New Year.
Tunde, who was in church for a crossover service, told the Nigerian Tribune that “we saw these ladies come into church a few minutes to midnight. Some came dressed as they were. Others decided to cover-up with jalamia (a traditional, loose-fitting garment). I had to shield my children from viewing the ladies who were scantily clad. I guess they too felt the need to be in God’s presence and pray for good fortune in the coming year.”
He said that shortly after midnight these ladies were back on the streets to continue business as usual.
and then