As 2025 draws to a close, some of Nigeria’s most recognizable faces are looking back at a year defined by both grit and grace. From the bustling creative sets of Lagos to the quiet corners of Abuja, these stars are opening up about the setbacks that shaped them and the triumphs that kept them going. Celebrities like Etinosa, Calabar Chic, and others share their heartfelt reflections on the past twelve months and their bold blueprints for 2026.
For many, 2025 was a year of shedding fear and embracing authenticity. Actress Etinosa Idemudia admitted that her biggest regret was letting fear hold her back from enhancing her physical appearance for so long. Having finally undergone surgery, she expressed immense happiness with her body and is heading into the holidays focused on family and charity. She hopes that by 2026, Nigeria will become a place where hard work truly pays off for everyone.
Similarly, Patra Bright shared a story of professional realignment. She revealed that she briefly paused her acting career to take a high-paying role as a General Manager for a TV station. However, the corporate world made her feel “invisible.” By March, she had quit the lucrative gig to return to the screen. With a Netflix feature already under her belt, she is eyeing global collaborations in the coming year, proving that following one’s passion often outweighs a fat paycheck.
The year wasn’t without its challenges, especially for those trying to expand their horizons. Lydia Usang opened up about the “blessing in disguise” that was a tough 2025. After venturing into film production, she noticed a decline in acting invites as peers assumed she was now “too big” for certain roles. Despite the tears and financial strain of self-funding her project, REJAMI (A Broken Promise), she remains prayerful and optimistic that these growing pains are just a precursor to a massive 2026.
On the other hand, some stars are ending the year on a high note of pure celebration. Sapphire Adaobi is skipping the regrets entirely, choosing instead to head to Morocco for a family vacation and to catch the AFCON action. Her focus for the new year is firmly set on scaling her pageant and film businesses to the next level.
The theme of intentionality resonates deeply with Steph, popularly known as Calabar Chic. She admitted that her only regret was not moving into the business side of the industry sooner. This year served as an awakening, prompting her to lay foundations in real estate, agriculture, and technology. She plans to spend her Christmas in her hometown, focusing on community outreach for children and the elderly, ensuring that the “magic of Christmas” reaches those who need it most.
For Joan Johnson, the lessons were more internal. She reflected on the need to lead with empathy rather than just logic. Her goal for 2026 is to be more emotionally present for those around her, offering a sense of calm and clarity in an increasingly noisy world.
As these stars prepare to usher in 2026, the common thread is one of resilience. Whether through quiet reflection, festive giveaways, or international travel, they are all using this season to recharge for what promises to be a transformative year ahead.
