…New Year will sweep away years of hardship — Atiku
…How Countries Welcomed 2025
It’s 2025! Nigerians have bid farewell to 2024, welcoming the New Year with renewed optimism for the days ahead.
Across the country, millions of people gathered in churches, fun spots, and other places to usher in 2025. From Kano to Lagos, Taraba to Imo, the atmosphere was light with fireworks, jubilations, and fun fare.
Just as the clock hit midnight, shouts of “Happy New Year” echoed across the country followed by fireworks adorning the skyline.
As early as 6 pm, people converged in churches and public places across Nigeria to begin the countdown to the New Year. Some state governments even organised events where residents stayed to welcome 2024.
Inflation has reached new levels in Nigeria, eating away the incomes of many and pushing the costs of basic items beyond the reach of millions of households.
Despite the stark realities of the outgone year, many Nigerians especially worshippers who poured into churches to usher in 2025, are hopeful of better days for the nation.
In Lagos, the Cathedral Church of Christ at Marina is hosting its annual Watch Night service, a cherished tradition that marks the transition from the old year to the new.
With a message of hope, renewal, and faith, this event drew worshippers from all walks of life.
Governors, ministers, and high-profile persons sent in messages, welcoming the New Year and promising better times for residents of their states.
Earlier, some countries had ushered in the New Year. The first places to ring in the new year were Kiribati and the Christmas Islands, which hit midnight some hours ago.
As New Year’s Eve parties kicked into gear along Australia’s picturesque Sydney Harbour on Tuesday afternoon, many revellers were relieved to see the past 12 months in the rearview mirror.
The self-proclaimed “New Year’s capital of the world” will spray nine tonnes of fireworks from its famed Opera House and Harbour Bridge at midnight.
More than a million spectators are expected to pack the city’s foreshore to catch a glimpse of the pyrotechnics.
How Countries Welcomed 2025
As is the tradition, many Nigerians, especially Christians would spent the last few hours of 2024 in churches, observing prayers, singing, dancing and shouting “Happy New Year” as the long hand of the clock hits one minute into 2025.
The first places to ring in the new year are Kiribati and the Christmas Islands, which hit midnight a few hours ago.
Meanwhile, Sydney in Australia has kicked off its celebrations with the 9 pm fireworks display, to give a taster of what’s to come.
Here Are A Few Key Times To Watch:
Kiritimati atoll in Kiribati – 10:00 GMT
New Zealand – 11:00 GMT
Most of Australia’s east coast – 13:00 GMT
Japan and South Korea – 15:00 GMT
India and Sri Lanka – 18:30 GMT
The UK and 25 other countries – 00:00 GMT
Brazil and Argentina 03:00 GMT
The east coast of the US 05:00 GMT
By the time Baker Island in the central Pacific Ocean leaves 2024, it will be 12:00 GMT – by which point it will already be 2 January 2025 in Kiribati.
Four Countries That Won’t Celebrate New Year
Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan are four countries that won’t be celebrating New Year’s Day 2025.
Ethiopia: The Ethiopian calendar
Ethiopia is a land of ancient traditions and unique cultural identities, including its own calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar, based on the Coptic calendar, comprises 13 months—12 of which have 30 days, while the 13th month, Pagumē, has five or six days depending on the leap year.
The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1, which corresponds to September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, Ethiopia is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning that as the rest of the world enters 2025, Ethiopia will still be in 2017.
Nepal: Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat
Nepal embraces two traditional calendar systems—Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat—making it one of the most unique timekeeping cultures globally. Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar, is the official calendar of Nepal and is approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
Additionally, the Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar, is used by the Newar community and runs on its own timeline, adding another layer of distinction to the nation’s calendar traditions. The official New Year celebration in Nepal, called Bisket Jatra, typically falls in April. Hence, January 1 is not a significant date in Nepal.
Iran: The solar Hijri calendar
Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in the world. This system begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls around March 21 and is celebrated with elaborate customs and rituals that date back over 3,000 years.
For Iranians, January 1 is an ordinary winter day, with their focus firmly set on the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises.
Afghanistan: The Solar Hijri Calendar
Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, aligning its timekeeping closely with Iran. Similarly, Nowruz marks the New Year in Afghanistan, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and cultural events.
Afghanistan’s rich history and adherence to its traditional calendar reflect its cultural pride and resistance to adopting the Gregorian system, making it one of the few nations where January 1 holds no special significance.
Why These Calendars Persist
The use of non-Gregorian calendars by Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan highlights their dedication to preserving cultural heritage and resisting colonial influences.
These calendars are more than systems of timekeeping; they embody historical and spiritual traditions that remain integral to their national identities.
Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed hope that 2025 will usher in a new era of prosperity and relief for Nigerians, following years of economic hardship and political challenges.
In a New Year message personally signed and released on Tuesday, he urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to redefine the national dialogue and hold leaders accountable.
In his message, Atiku emphasised the importance of public vigilance in safeguarding democracy.
He urged Nigerians to remain resolute in ensuring that political leaders at all levels are held to account.
“This New Year is not just another passage of time but a new chapter filled with possibilities.
“It is a moment for Nigerians to closely monitor the actions of their leaders and ensure that power is not abused to erode liberties or exploit public office,” he said.
Reflecting on the lessons of 2024, Atiku noted that the challenges faced in the previous year highlighted the need for greater governmental accountability.
He described 2024 as a sobering year that underscored the importance of a vigilant and engaged citizenry.
Atiku expressed his gratitude to God for granting Nigerians the grace to witness another year, despite the trials of the past.
He prayed that 2025 would mark a fresh start, sweeping away years of national hardship.
“Our faith has been our guiding light through the trials of the past year.
“It is my fervent prayer that this New Year will bring a fresh dawn, revitalising our national economy and liberating Nigerians from the suffocating grip of economic hardship,” he said.
The former vice president also called on Nigerians to unite in pursuit of good governance and resist attempts to divide the nation along ethnic and religious lines.
He said, “This year, Nigerians must stand together in the fight for accountability and good governance.
“We must reject any efforts by the ruling elite to divide us and focus on building a stronger, more unified nation.”
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, highlighted the importance of addressing the economic challenges that have plagued the country, urging the government to prioritize policies that alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
He expressed hope that 2025 would bring economic revitalization, enabling citizens to breathe freely once more.
He also urged Nigerians to remember those who lost their lives to the hardships of the past year, calling for collective efforts to ensure a better future for all.
In closing, Atiku wished Nigerians a prosperous New Year filled with blessings and success.
He called for continued faith, unity, and vigilance as the nation works toward building a safer, stronger, and more equitable Nigeria.
“This is a year of new possibilities.
“Let us come together, not just to dream of a better future, but to actively work toward it. Together, we can overcome the challenges before us and create a nation we are all proud to call home,” he said
