The final week of 2025 was a powerful blend of celebration, heartbreak, drama and nationwide conversation in Nigeria and beyond. From iconic concerts and festive highlights to startling headlines that gripped the nation, here’s everything you may have missed.
Adekunle Gold Electrifies Lagos
Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold delivered a memorable performance at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts on December 27, drawing a large, enthusiastic crowd to celebrate music and culture in an intimate yet powerful show. The evening even featured a surprise appearance by rapper Olamide, adding to the buzz.
Flytime Fest & Detty December Highlights
Lagos continued its tradition of end-of-year entertainment with Flytime Fest and other holiday concerts, including strong performances across venues in the city , part of what’s come to be known as Detty December.
Nollywood Mourns Allwell Ademola
The Nigerian film industry was shaken by the death of actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola at age 43. Reports indicate she suffered a heart attack at her home and was rushed to hospital, but did not recover. Colleagues and fans flooded social media with tributes, describing her as a versatile and beloved figure in Nollywood.
Pastor Chris Okafor Publicly Apologises to Doris Ogala
In a dramatic turn of events, televangelist Pastor Chris Okafor publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala amid a widely reported and controversial dispute. The pastor was seen kneeling before his congregation and admitting mistakes while maintaining some of the allegations against him were untrue. Ogala later accepted the apology but rejected parts where he claimed she lied about certain accusations.
Aunty Esther’s Death Sparks Nationwide Debate
Social media personality Aunty Esther (Mensah Omolola) , a breast cancer patient who had declined a medically advised blood transfusion due to her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness passed away this week. Her case had drawn significant public attention and sparked intense discussion about religious belief, medical decisions and public fundraising after Nigerians raised over ₦30 million for her care.
Lagos Fire: Trapped Chinese Returnee and Others Found Dead
A devastating fire in Lagos Island claimed the lives of a China-returnee and two others, as rescue operations confirmed their remains after days of effort. This incident added to ongoing concerns about fire safety and emergency response in the city.
US-Nigeria Anti-Militant Action Continues
Over the holiday period, US-coordinated strikes targeted ISIS-affiliated militant groups in northwest Nigeria, part of a broader effort to contain extremist activity in the Sahel and the Lake Chad region.Nigeria Confirms US Airstrikes On IS Targets, Says Operation Was Conducted At Government’s Request
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that recent United States airstrikes on Islamic State
(IS) targets in northwest Nigeria were conducted at the request of the Nigerian government, describing the operation as a product of established counterterrorism cooperation between both countries.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said the strikes were “undertaken following formal engagement and with the full knowledge and coordination of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Lagos Police Deploy 5,000 Officers for Festive Season
The Lagos State Police Command strategically deployed over 5,000 personnel to maintain security and manage traffic through the holidays, helping keep festive celebrations peaceful amidst the yuletide rush.
AFCON 2025 Electrifies Football Fans
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 kicked off during the week, with passionate support from fans across Nigeria and the continent as teams battled in the group stages.
Christmas, Boxing Day & Holiday Vibes
Christmas week brought family gatherings, travel rushes, church services, and the traditional Detty December parties that define Lagos and Nigerian year-end culture. Cities were alive with concerts, themed events and seasonal campaigns from brands looking to end the year with flair.
NSPPD Breaks Global Streaming Records
Nigerian televangelist Pastor Jerry Eze’s New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) emerged as one of the top most-watched live YouTube channels worldwide in 2025, ranking among the highest for livestream view hours a remarkable digital milestone for a faith-based platform.
Wizkid Shuts Down Cotonou With Epic Performance
Afrobeats superstar Wizkid brought down the house in Cotonou, delivering a high-energy set that trended across social media. Fans from across West Africa flocked to the concert, cementing his status as one of the region’s most engaging live performers.
DDG Eyes Nigeria Amid Public Buzz
American rapper and social media personality DDG (Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.) has publicly expressed interest in visiting Nigeria in one of his recent streams and fans have speculated he might be visiting Nigeria soon, partly fueled by ongoing personal developments and earlier statements about Lagos being his next home base.
Adekunle Gold & Simi
Music power couple Adekunle Gold and Simi announced they’re expecting their second child, sharing the news through the visuals of his song “My Love Is The Same.” The reveal featuring Simi’s baby bump and family moments with their daughter sparked widespread love and congratulations online.
Tyler Perry Faces New Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Claims
Hollywood producer and filmmaker Tyler Perry was sued in California by actor Mario Rodriguez the second recent sexual assault lawsuit alleging Perry made unwanted sexual advances over several years. The suit seeks $77 million in damages and names studio partners as well, while Perry denies the allegations.
Lagos Eyo Festival Welcomes Top Leaders
President Bola Tinubu and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appeared together at the iconic Lagos Eyo Festival, celebrating Yoruba heritage and the state’s cultural legacy as crowds cheered on the vibrant costumed pageantry.
Final Thought
In a week where celebration met controversy, and joy met reflection, December 21–28 2025 wrapped up the year with moments that carried laughter, tears, debate, and culture. Whether it was live concerts, cinematic headlines, personal milestones, or legal battles the stories that trended painted a vibrant mosaic of our times.
