As 2025 draws to a close, several Nigerian entertainers are reflecting on a year of tough lessons, personal wins and big dreams for 2026, sharing how they plan to celebrate the festive season and reset for the future. In candid remarks, they speak about body image, career setbacks, business growth, emotional intelligence and the importance of giving back.
Actress and filmmaker Etinosa Idemudia said her biggest regret was living in fear of cosmetic surgery for too long. She eventually went ahead with a body enhancement procedure in 2025 and now feels genuinely happy with her look, describing herself as over the moon and hopeful for a Nigeria where hard work is better rewarded in 2026. She plans to spend Christmas with family and loved ones, organising charity visits and giveaways while quietly planning for a stronger year ahead.
Producer and actress Lydia Usang described 2025 as slow and tough but ultimately a blessing in disguise. She regretted producing her own film with limited resources, saying some colleagues wrongly assumed she had become “big” and stopped calling her for jobs, which left her hurt and discouraged. Despite the setback, she said she has kept praying, recently invested her savings in a new film titled “Rejami (A Broken Promise)” and believes 2026 will bring more roles, endorsements and production deals.
Media and communications coach Joan Johnson said her “regrets” in 2025 were more like gentle lessons. She admitted she sometimes rushed to help without fully sensing people’s emotions and focused too much on facts instead of kindness. In 2026 she hopes to be more emotionally intelligent, using empathy and reassurance to help people navigate doubt, loss and major life changes.
Entrepreneur and pageant/film promoter Sapphire Adaobi said she has no regrets about 2025, describing the year as full of life changing moments. She plans to spend Christmas on vacation in Morocco with family and also watch some AFCON matches while plotting business expansion in 2026. Her goal is to take her pageant and film ventures to the next level and achieve new milestones.
Digital creator Calabar Chic called 2025 a year of awakening. She said she only regretted not moving into business beyond the creative space much earlier, noting that talent must be backed by structure, systems and multiple income streams. Over the year she started laying foundations in media and production, real estate, art, agriculture and technology, and plans to expand those ventures and launch new platforms that empower others in 2026.
For Christmas, Calabar Chic said her focus is on giving and human connection, not glamour. She intends to spend the holidays quietly in her hometown, sharing with children, the elderly and disadvantaged families and helping them enjoy the season.
Actress Patra Bright said her biggest regret in 2025 was putting her acting career on hold to accept a highly paid corporate role as a TV station general manager. She left the job after two months when she realised she missed being on screen and quickly returned to film sets. Looking ahead, she wants to make quality films, build on her appearance in a Netflix project and secure more international collaborations in 2026.
Across their stories, the celebrities emphasise resilience, faith, planning and generosity as they move into 2026. Many say they are using the festive season as a time to reflect, reconnect with loved ones and set clear, intentional goals for the new year.
About the author
Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]
MasterChef Nigeria: Pearl, Margaret first to be eliminated
Pearl and Margaret have become the first contestants to be eliminated from the maiden season of MasterChef Nigeria after a tense opening episode. The popular cooking show features ten home cooks competing for a grand prize of 73 million naira and the title of Nigeria’s first MasterChef. In the first challenge, contestants were asked to recreate a dish inspired by a person who shaped their culinary journey, using a photograph as their guide. They had 60 minutes to prepare and plate a complete meal that told a personal story and impressed the judges with taste, creativity and presentation. Pearl, a 30 year old from Delta State, chose to honour a loved one with a bold menu of pan seared catfish, garri polenta and palm nut velouté, also known as banga soup. However, she struggled with time management in the kitchen […]
Cameraboss wins Creative Visionary award
London based Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Cameraboss has been named Creative Visionary of the Year 2025 2026 in the United Kingdom. The award recognises his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling, especially in wedding, lifestyle and portrait photography that celebrates African culture in the diaspora. The honour was presented at a high profile event in London, where industry leaders and public officials gathered to celebrate excellence in the creative sector. The Mayor of Westminster presented the award in the presence of the Mayor of Islington and other distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of Cameraboss’s work to the city’s cultural life. Cameraboss, whose real name is John Olalekan Durojaye, is the creative director of the Cameraboss brand. Over the years he has built a strong reputation for capturing emotional, vibrant and cinematic images at Nigerian and African weddings across the UK and […]
Onyedika rejects Brugge deal, pushes for big transfer
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has rejected a new contract offer from Belgian club Club Brugge as he pushes for a major transfer this summer. Reports in Belgium say the club has been trying for some time to extend his deal, but the Nigerian has turned down every proposal so far. Brugge were unwilling to let Onyedika leave during the January transfer window because of his importance to their title challenge. However, the player is now said to be focused on securing a move at the end of the season, and this has reportedly affected his concentration in recent weeks. Onyedika has attracted interest from several clubs in Europe’s top leagues following his strong performances for both club and country. Premier League side Aston Villa are among the teams monitoring his situation closely, while German Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Eintracht […]
Is Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles diaspora push lazy or smart
Debate has intensified over Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s growing reliance on foreign born players of Nigerian descent, with many asking if his diaspora recruitment drive is a smart strategy or a lazy shortcut. Supporters argue that the approach reflects modern football realities, while critics fear it may weaken opportunities for home based talents in the Nigerian league. Since taking charge, Chelle has widened Nigeria’s scouting network across Europe, targeting dual nationality professionals who are eligible to represent the country. He has already secured commitments from players such as defenders Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, while holding talks with several other prospects who grew up abroad. Chelle insists that his focus is not on passports but on quality and fit for his tactical plans. He has repeatedly said that he cannot invite every interested player and […]
Galatasaray value Osimhen at €150m amid transfer links
Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly placed a massive 150 million euros valuation on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen amid growing transfer interest from top European clubs. The Istanbul giants see the Nigerian forward as a key asset and are using the huge price tag to fend off potential suitors. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli in a record deal, has been in outstanding form since arriving in Turkey. Reports indicate that his transfer fee and performances have already made him one of the most valuable players in the Turkish Super Lig. Club officials believe his market value has almost doubled since the move, justifying the 150 million euros benchmark. The high valuation comes as clubs from Spain, England and France continue to monitor his situation closely. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and some Premier League sides have all been linked with Osimhen […]
Related
Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]
MasterChef Nigeria: Pearl, Margaret first to be eliminated
Pearl and Margaret have become the first contestants to be eliminated from the maiden season of MasterChef Nigeria after a tense opening episode. The popular cooking show features ten home cooks competing for a grand prize of 73 million naira and the title of Nigeria’s first MasterChef. In the first challenge, contestants were asked to recreate a dish inspired by a person who shaped their culinary journey, using a photograph as their guide. They had 60 minutes to prepare and plate a complete meal that told a personal story and impressed the judges with taste, creativity and presentation. Pearl, a 30 year old from Delta State, chose to honour a loved one with a bold menu of pan seared catfish, garri polenta and palm nut velouté, also known as banga soup. However, she struggled with time management in the kitchen […]
Cameraboss wins Creative Visionary award
London based Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Cameraboss has been named Creative Visionary of the Year 2025 2026 in the United Kingdom. The award recognises his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling, especially in wedding, lifestyle and portrait photography that celebrates African culture in the diaspora. The honour was presented at a high profile event in London, where industry leaders and public officials gathered to celebrate excellence in the creative sector. The Mayor of Westminster presented the award in the presence of the Mayor of Islington and other distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of Cameraboss’s work to the city’s cultural life. Cameraboss, whose real name is John Olalekan Durojaye, is the creative director of the Cameraboss brand. Over the years he has built a strong reputation for capturing emotional, vibrant and cinematic images at Nigerian and African weddings across the UK and […]
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplets
Reports say the couple welcomed three baby boys and are overjoyed at the arrival of their children. The births come after intense public speculation about their family life and repeated online rumours over the years. Lateef and Mo Bimpe, who got married in 2021, had often faced pressure and insensitive comments about not having children yet. Many fans are now describing the triplets as a testimony and a reward for the couple’s patience and faith. Videos and photos shared online show the actors expressing gratitude to God and thanking well‑wishers for their prayers and support. They have, however, kept details such as the exact birth date and the babies’ names private for now. Colleagues from the movie industry, bloggers and fans have continued to celebrate the news, turning it into one of the most talked‑about celebrity stories of the week. […]
Video: Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife announce birth of triplet sons
Nollywood star Lateef Adedimeji and his wife, fellow actor Adebimpe Oyebade (Mo Bimpe), have announced the arrival of their triplet sons. The couple shared the joyful news in an emotional video posted on Instagram, sparking celebrations across the entertainment industry. In his message, Lateef said he had been “quiet, not absent” because he was building and protecting the greatest blessing of his life. He thanked God for giving him more than he prayed for, describing his wife as a mother of three and their newborns as “three kings” he can call his own. The couple, who married in 2021, had faced repeated public speculation and pressure over their family life. Their testimony about finally welcoming children after years of waiting has touched many fans who say it gives them renewed hope. In the video, Mo Bimpe appears visibly emotional as […]
Societal stigma on women makes me wish I were a man – Phyna
Reality TV star and media personality Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, says societal stigma and pressure on women sometimes make her wish she were a man. She said she feels life is much easier for men because they are given more freedom and judged less harshly. Phyna explained that women face many unspoken rules and restrictions about how they should dress, talk, behave and live their lives. She noted that while men are mainly expected to work hard and make money, women are often criticised even when they do the same or more. According to her, every choice a woman makes is easily questioned or labelled. She said women are judged over their relationships, lifestyle, appearance and even their success, in ways that men rarely experience. Phyna added that the constant scrutiny can be exhausting and mentally draining. She […]