Welcome to the dawn of another year! As the clock chimed midnight and fireworks illuminated the night sky, countless individuals penned their resolutions, blending optimism with a hint of uncertainty. Will this year truly diverge from the last? Will our pledges endure past the fleeting January blues? Time will tell. The past month wasted no time in introducing us to captivating stories– from a resilient homemaker taking a stand against online bullying and earning recognition, to the adoption of a fresh slang by netizens, and the kickoff of the grandest football competition in Africa. Join us as we explore the most talked-about stories that marked the beginning of the year in the January 2024 highlights.
GRACE LIKE MUMZEE
We delve into the inspiring journey of a woman who embodies grace and virtue, defying societal pressures without shame for embracing her role as a traditional wife and mother. Our focus is on the sensational Mumzee (@_Debbie_OA), who recently gained tremendous popularity on X (formerly Twitter). Despite not having 200k in her bank account at the beginning of the year, Mumzee astoundingly accumulated millions in funds and gifts within just one week. But here’s the twist: Mumzee’s success has nothing to do with any dubious practices or fraudulent activities.
On January 4th, 2024, a Ms. Madisha tweeted about knowing a lady who wakes up at 5 am to make her husband’s lunch for work. Mumzee responded the next day with a tweet that went viral.
The tweet read;
“I’ve always been too lazy to wake up and get his lunch ready. But the day he told me a colleague brought two spoons so he’ll eat with her, was the day I set my alarm for 4:40am.”
Initially, her tweet received minimal attention due to her modest following, but it soon sparked controversy, particularly among Twitter feminists, led by their national Chairwoman, Prof Uju Anya (@UjuAnya). They criticised Mumzee for perpetuating traditional gender roles, labelling her actions as patriarchal exploitation and domestic servitude.
Despite facing criticism, Mumzee received overwhelming support from fellow Nigerians who rallied behind her, both online and through tangible acts of generosity. Her bank account details were shared, leading to an outpouring of financial support and gifts. Even when Twitter feminists mocked her and challenged Nigerians to continue sending money, the support didn’t wane.
On January 6th, Kuda, the bank where Mumzee holds an account, matched the funds in her account, bringing her estimated worth more than 10 million naira. Many other Netizens rewarded her with not just money but also gift items. Mumzee has expressed gratitude to Nigerians and corporations for their support, turning her story into a positive start to the year.
Her journey underscores the value Nigerians place on cultural and traditional values, amidst challenges posed by Western feminist ideologies.
FUNKE AKINDELE MAKES HISTORY WITH “A TRIBE CALLED JUDAH”
Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah” not only stole the show with audiences but also rewrote Nollywood’s box office history. Released in December 2023, the film quickly became a phenomenon. The star power was undeniable, featuring established names like Nse Ikpe Etim alongside Akindele herself. Timini Egbuson and Jide Kene Achufusi rounded out the impressive cast.
The plot revolves around Jedidah Judah (played by Akindele), a single mother of five sons, each from a different relationship. Faced with a hefty medical bill, the determined boys decide to take a drastic step. They hatch a plan to rob a local mall, hoping to secure the funds needed for their mother’s treatment. However, their carefully laid plan crumbles upon arrival when they discover a crew of professional robbers already in action. This unexpected turn of events throws the Judah family into chaos, forcing them to confront difficult choices and navigate a high-stakes situation that tests the strength of their bond.
“A Tribe Called Judah” resonated deeply with audiences, propelling it to become the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever made. In January 2024, it was announced that the movie shattered box office records, surpassing a whopping one billion naira mark. This historic achievement stands as a testament to the film’s captivating story, the powerful performances by the cast, and the immense talent of the team behind it. Akindele’s directorial work not only solidified her position as a leading force in Nollywood but also marked a significant milestone for the entire Nigerian film industry.
“NO GREE FOR ANYBODY”
Nigerians coined a slang phrase last year; “no gree for anybody”, which has become a ubiquitous expression in the start of 2024. Much like many other slang terms before it, pinpointing its exact origin is a challenge, as these phrases often emerge organically through online conversations and everyday interactions. Despite the lack of a clear starting point, “no gree for anybody” has rapidly gained traction, resonating with Nigerians across the country. But what does it actually mean?
Numerous online sources have provided a definition for “no gree for anybody” as the refusal to be bullied or cheated. However, its meaning extends further. It encompasses adopting a determined mindset in various situations, displaying resilience and assertiveness until one achieves their desired outcome. This slang term likely originated as a response to the economic difficulties faced by the country. Given that these challenges persist, individuals on the internet employ this slang to convey their unwavering resolve to stand their ground.
IBADAN GAS EXPLOSION
Residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were thrown into confusion on 16th of January at about 8 p.m. as an explosion rocked parts of the city, leaving people scampering for safety. Because the explosion was heard in many parts of the ancient city, there was confusion about its exact cause and location. While some residents described the incident as a tremor, others said it could have been a gas explosion or a blast from an improvised explosive device.
Different accounts listed some of the affected areas including Eleyele, Ologuneru, Owalla, Ekerin, Isokan, Apete, and parts of the University College Hospital (UCH) where windows were reportedly shattered. Other affected places included Gbaremu, Mokola, Bodija, Oke-Itunu, Basorun, Akobo, and Sango. Sections of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the late Bola Ige, were also reportedly affected.
Roads were deserted as many residents were forced to stay indoors. Some victims of the incident were admitted to various hospitals, including the University College Hospital (UCH).
In a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the government said there were various interpretations of the explosion, but its cause had not been ascertained. Mr. Oyelade, however, assured residents that the state government was in control of the situation in the state. He said security agencies in the state had deployed their officials to contain the spillover from the explosion. “Governor Seyi Makinde implores citizens to calm down and be assured that their interests are being looked after,” the spokesperson added.
AFCON ‘23 BEGINS
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON 2023, commenced on January 13th, with Ivory Coast serving as the host for the second time in their history. This tournament featured an expanded format, with 24 teams divided into six groups. The opening match took place between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau, with the hosts emerging victorious with a 2-0 win.
The teams were grouped as follows:
Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau
Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique
Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia
Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola
Group E: Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Mali
Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on February 11th, 2024, and Nigerians are fully supporting their national team, the Super Eagles, in their quest to bring home the coveted cup.
January started on a high note for many Nigerians, as they embraced the arrival of the new year with hope and optimism. With the anticipation that 2024 will bring success and prosperity for all, individuals across the nation embarked on their respective journeys, driven by aspirations and dreams. It is a time of renewed energy, where the collective spirit of the Nigerian people sets the stage for a year filled with potential and opportunity. As January unfolds, the nation remains steadfast in its resolve to overcome challenges, achieve personal and national goals, and make 2024 a year to remember.
