
Oghenekevwe stood by the window, gazing at the vibrant fireworks painting the night sky as the clock ticked closer to midnight.
It was a beautiful sight, yet her heart was heavy. The past year had been a whirlwind, filled with laughter, challenges, and the constant juggling of responsibilities.
As a mother of two lively children, she often felt like she was teetering on a tightrope, balancing work, family, and her unfinished project thesis.
The end of 2024 had thrown her into a storm. The office workload had piled up, deadlines loomed like dark clouds, and the pressure to complete her thesis felt like an insurmountable mountain.

Just when she thought she could catch a breath, her extended family arrived for the holidays, bringing warmth, but also a financial strain that made her stomach churn. With limited funds left to ensure a joyful celebration, Oghenekevwe felt trapped.
“Mom, can we have a New Year’s party?” her daughter, Efe, had asked with bright, hopeful eyes. Oghenekevwe’s heart ached at the thought. How could she make it special with so little?
On the night of December 30th, she sat beside her husband, Tunde, on the couch, their children asleep. “I just want them to be happy,” she sighed, the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Tunde took her hand, his warm grip a comfort. “We’ll figure it out. Just remember, it’s not about how much we spend, but the love we share.”
The following day, as she busily prepped for the family gathering, Oghenekevwe stumbled upon an old friend’s message on social media. They hadn’t spoken in years, but her friend was in town and wanted to reconnect.
A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she read about how her friend had turned her passion for cooking into a small catering business.
The idea sparked something in Oghenekevwe. Why not use her culinary skills? She had always loved cooking, especially family recipes passed down from her grandmother. With a little creativity, she could prepare a feast that didn’t require a fortune.
That evening, she started reaching out to her friends and neighbours to contribute a dish for the New Year’s gathering. “It’s a potluck!” she declared, excitement bubbling within her.

To her surprise, everyone responded with enthusiasm. Just like that, the burden began to lift.
On New Year’s Eve, the house was alive with laughter and the aroma of delicious dishes. Oghenekevwe’s heart swelled with joy. The celebration wasn’t extravagant, but it was filled with warmth, love, and connection. Family and friends mingled, sharing stories and memories, creating a sense of community that was priceless.

As the clock struck midnight, Oghenekevwe held her children close, their faces illuminated by the glow of fireworks outside. “Happy New Year!” they shouted, their voices echoing the hope that filled the room. Tunde leaned in to kiss her forehead, whispering, “We did it together.”
In that moment, Oghenekevwe realized that 2024, despite its challenges, had taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, creativity, and the importance of community. As she looked toward 2025, she felt a renewed sense of hope. The promise of a new year was not just in the fresh calendar but in the strength she had discovered within herself.
With her family by her side and a spirit ignited by love and support, Oghenekevwe stepped into 2025 with courage and optimism. She knew that the journey ahead might still have its bumps, but she was ready to embrace them, armed with the belief that miracles often come when you least expect them.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Welcome to 2025
A year filled with opportunities for your elevation.