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Dear BellaNaijarians, can you believe it was just January when we were setting our intentions and sharing insights to navigate 2025? Now, as the year draws to a close, we reflect on what has truly been an extraordinary journey.
Each year, we pause to look back on BellaNaija’s path-not to overlook the hurdles, but to celebrate the milestones and growth that define us. The end of the year is a perfect moment to appreciate our collective achievements and the vibrant community that makes it all possible.
Throughout 2025, our commitment was to spotlight uplifting narratives from across Africa. We honored the continent’s brilliance in diverse fields, spearheaded impactful social campaigns, and journeyed globally to bring you stories that educate, entertain, and inspire. Our video content ranged from lighthearted moments to powerful features on individuals making remarkable contributions.
From renowned celebrities and innovative creatives to everyday heroes, our coverage spanned countries including Jordan, the United States, France, Barbados, Algeria, Tanzania, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond. We explored sectors such as fashion, sports, education, governance, music, film, and entertainment, consistently amplifying authentic African voices. Your unwavering support has been our driving force-thank you, BellaNaijarians.
We are excited to share some of the key victories, initiatives, and highlights that defined BellaNaija in 2025.
Celebrating Our Achievements and Advocacy Efforts
- BellaNaija proudly received the 2025 TikTok Glow Up Award for the fastest-growing account, reflecting our expanding digital influence.
- We launched the global #HPVForHer campaign, emphasizing the critical need for early education, regular screenings, and vaccination to combat HPV and cervical cancer. This initiative bridged knowledge gaps through expert advice, medically reviewed content, personal testimonies, and interactive digital media. Notably, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death among women worldwide, with a new case reported every two minutes.
- Founder Uche Pedro was honored alongside luminaries like Davido and Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) awards, recognizing her impact on the continent.
- In partnership with MamaMoni, BellaNaija empowered women economically by sponsoring Point of Sale (POS) devices, facilitating financial inclusion for female entrepreneurs.
- Uche Pedro contributed as a technical ecosystem advisor for the EMHubsChampions project, supporting Nigerian storytellers showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival.
- She also hosted the BellaNaija Gender Equitable Storytelling Roundtable, exploring Nollywood’s evolution from VHS tapes to AI-driven content on platforms like YouTube and streaming services.
- Our team members represented BellaNaija at prestigious events worldwide: Mary attended the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco and participated in a High-Level Breakfast Roundtable on Gender-Responsive Legal Reforms at Nigeria’s National Assembly; Oluwadunsin spoke at the DWP Congress in Jordan; Esther covered the grand finale of #JP2025 in Tanzania and the Africa Soft Power Summit in Nairobi; Layomi attended the Intra-Trade Fair at CANEX 2025 in Algeria; Oluwadamilola was present at the GUBA Awards in Barbados; and Funmilola explored Benin during SIMA2025.
Recognizing Excellence: The BN Awards
We celebrated our team’s outstanding contributions with awards that highlight dedication and talent:
- Uche Pedro – Excellent and Extra Award
- Mary Edoro – Innovation Award
- Omotunde Ibironke – Excellence in Execution Award
- Oluwadunsin Sanya – Star of the Year Award
- Ahmad Adedimeji Amobi – Best Team Player of the Year
- Allen Horsfall – BN Tech Guru Award
- Nnebuife Kwubei – Pop Culture Champion Award
- Oke – BN Comedian Award
- Osas Okonyon – BN Hidden Talent Award
- Esther Ordia – Trailblazer Award
- Dorcas Anya – Culture Champion Award
- Funmilola Sanya – Positive Energy Award
- Rashidat Olere – Energiser Award
- Damilola – Most Likely to Brighten Your Day Award
- Rebekah Bankyu – Most Reliable Award
- Collette Otsu – Best Meeting Lead Award
- Deborah Oludimu – BN Email Warrior Award
- Rising Awards recipients: Elizabeth, Hope, Adeola, Splendour, and Dein
Editorial Highlights: Stories That Mattered
Our editorial team consistently delivered compelling content from across Nigeria and the African continent, covering entertainment, politics, sports, and major events. Their work kept you informed and inspired throughout the year.
- They spearheaded comprehensive coverage of Big Brother Naija Season 10, including popular segments like “The Dip” and “TikTalk in 60,” which amassed millions of views across platforms within three months.
- Studio interviews featured notable personalities such as Bambam, Uzor Arukwe, and Omoni Oboli, following the success of “Love in Every Word.” The team also hosted discussions for the MENtality with Ebuka Podcast, engaging guests in episode reactions.
- Major entertainment events like the AMVCAs, GRAMMYs, and Headies were covered extensively, providing timely news and exclusive insights.
- Funmilola conducted in-depth interviews with creatives including Seun Badejo, Wuraola Oyewusi, Olugbile Holloway, Falz, RMD, Nora Awolowo, Pepi Sonuga, and three first-class UNILAG graduates, among others.
- The Ojude Oba festival received full editorial attention, featuring interviews with Farooq Oreagba and capturing the event’s vibrant atmosphere, generating thousands of social media impressions.
Feature Stories: Capturing the African Experience
Our Features team published some of the most captivating narratives of 2025, with contributions from esteemed writers like Mfonobong Inyang, The BookLady NG, Roseline Mgbodichimma, Rita Chidinma, Dennis Isong, Elizabeth Agboola, and Kehinde Ajose.
- Journalistic pieces explored topics such as urban nightlife in Osogbo, the rising cost of housing in Nigeria, and the challenges of cinema affordability.
- The “Doing Life With…” series was revamped to better reflect the unique stories of featured individuals.
- Ahmad traveled to Côte d’Ivoire to interview African music icon Angélique Kidjo, offering readers an exclusive feature.
- The #BNEpilogues series continued to showcase inspiring personal stories, fostering community connection and empathy.
- Spotlights included trailblazers like Oluwatoyin Shakirat Madein, Nigeria’s first female accountant-general, and women dedicated to preserving Yoruba culture in contemporary times.
BN Weddings: Celebrating Love Across the Globe
Love was in full bloom in 2025, and the BellaNaija Weddings team was at the heart of it all, chronicling romantic journeys that captivated hearts everywhere.
- The team covered high-profile weddings such as Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux’s finale, Davido and Chioma’s white wedding, Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi, Sharon and Shaun Faqua, Bisola Borha and Andrew, Enado and Tola, Asa Asika and Leona, Ife and Frank, among many others.
- They launched the “December Love Tales” series, inviting couples to share their stories of finding love during the festive season.
- BN Weddings introduced the “BNW Vendors Corner,” a 14-episode video series featuring interviews with wedding vendors, providing insights into the industry.
- On International Women’s Day, the team celebrated female wedding vendors in Nigeria, highlighting their contributions to the wedding ecosystem.
BN Style: Setting Trends and Empowering Women
The BellaNaija Style team maintained its leadership in fashion and lifestyle coverage, delivering global style insights and championing women’s empowerment.
- In partnership with eHealth Africa, they organized a Women’s Month campaign focusing on Sexual & Reproductive Health, Mental Health, and Women’s Empowerment, culminating in a successful BNS High Tea event.
- The team provided extensive coverage of Lagos Fashion Week 2025, showcasing emerging and established designers.
- Noteworthy features included interviews with fibre artist Ore Akinde, Rashidat Olere on postpartum depression recovery, the Ella Mo brand’s mission to elevate African fashion, and Ikechukwu Urum’s styling work on the film “To Kill a Monkey.”
- They also highlighted creatives such as tattoo artist Prints, Fisayo Longe, Zaron Cosmetics, and Gbemi Alonuki, celebrating diverse talents across the continent.
Advertising and Client Relations
The Ads team played a pivotal role in maintaining seamless collaborations between BellaNaija and its clients. Their efforts spanned campaign management, live and virtual event coverage, client engagement, and strategic upselling.
Key campaigns managed included Beauty in the Motherland, Fuze Campaign, Entertainment Week Africa, Funke Akindele’s movie #BehindTheScenes, Swift Martell Campaign, Heineken Lagos Fashion Week, and Sunflower Hospitality Awareness Campaign, among others. We extend our gratitude to all clients who entrusted us with their brands in 2025 and look forward to continued partnerships.
Human Resources and Operations: The Backbone of BN
The HR and Operations teams ensured the smooth functioning of BellaNaija throughout a demanding year. Their dedication to fostering collaboration and supporting team members across multiple locations was instrumental.
They coordinated international assignments to South Africa, Algeria, Jordan, and more, while organizing in-person gatherings that strengthened team bonds. Their exceptional management has set a strong foundation for 2026.
Strategic Partnerships: Expanding Our Reach
Thanks to Motunde and Hope’s leadership, BellaNaija secured numerous local and international partnerships. Highlights include collaborations for the #BBNaijaS10 and #StopHPVForHer campaigns, as well as partnerships for the BNS High Tea, International Women’s Month, AMVCA, GUBA Awards, and other major events. The Partnerships team was truly unstoppable in 2025.
Creative Excellence: The Design Team
Under Oke’s guidance, the Design team produced captivating visuals and animations that enhanced BellaNaija’s digital presence. Their creative work on the #StopHPVForHer campaign and various other projects elevated our content’s appeal across social media platforms.
Meet the BellaNaija Team: Reflections and Aspirations
Behind every story and campaign is a passionate individual. Here’s what some of our team members shared about their 2025 experiences and hopes for 2026:
Uche Pedro
“2025 was a year filled with blessings and gratitude. I send love to the entire BN community and wish everyone a peaceful, joyful, and prosperous 2026.”
Mary Edoro
“This year taught me that progress often comes through steady, consistent effort rather than giant leaps. I’m proud of our team’s growth and the meaningful impact we’ve made. Here’s to another successful year ahead!”
Osas Okonyon
“2025 was a season of sowing-learning, unlearning, and growing. I’m grateful for every step forward and look to the future with hope and excitement.”
Oluwadunsin Sanya
“This year, I stepped into the spotlight-moderating panels, speaking at events, and leading major campaigns like #StopHPVForHer. I’m ready for bolder moves in 2026.”
Motunde
“2025 was fulfilling, marked by impactful projects such as #StopHPVForHer and the #MentalityWithEbuka podcast. My first work trip to South Africa was a personal highlight. I look forward to continuing this journey.”
Rashidat Olere
“Grace sustains us, growth transforms us, and gratitude keeps us grounded. These lessons defined my 2025.”
Collette Otsu
“2025 was a year of resilience and learning. Despite challenges, perseverance and creativity carried us through. I’m excited for what’s next.”
Funmilola Sanya
“Everything good will come-and it did this year. I’m rooting for myself and everyone around me as we move into 2026.”
Rebekah Bankyu
“Even in tough times, magic happens. 2025 was full of growth and lessons, setting the stage for a purposeful 2026.”
Splendour
“2025 was a roller coaster, but I’m grateful for the wins and lessons. Here’s hoping 2026 is smooth sailing and full of joy.”
Dein
“Without a plan, God was quietly weaving a story where every experience-good, bad, or confusing-worked together for my benefit.”
Allen Horsfall
“This year taught me about my limits and when to trust my instincts. I’m entering 2026 with intention, stability, and confidence.”
Adeola
“2025 reminded me that my potential is limitless. With faith, every challenge is surmountable. Here’s to breaking barriers in 2026!”
Ahmad Adedimeji Amobi
“The goal is always growth. 2025 was a year of unlearning, relearning, and new adventures. I’m ready to become more in 2026.”
Elizabeth Agboola
“2025 was a time for learning and unlearning. I’m grateful for the journey and hopeful for a brighter 2026.”
Dorcas Anya
“I’m thankful for the growth and teamwork in 2025. Excited for the opportunities and achievements that await in 2026.”
Deborah Oludimu
“You can just do things.”
Nnebuife Kwubei
“Reflecting on all I’m grateful for-there’s so much to appreciate.”
Damilola
“2025 was a year of many firsts-intense but beautiful. I’m thankful and eager for what 2026 holds.”
Oke
“2025 was a fantastic year, starting strong and ending even stronger. All I can say is, ‘Thank you, Lord.'”
Esther Ordia
“2025 was my best year yet, full of firsts and victories. In 2026, I seek more courage, bigger challenges, and intentional living.”
Hope
“2025 brought clarity and momentum. I’m grateful and look forward to building meaningful partnerships and purposeful growth in 2026.”
