As 2023 gradually come to an end, The Herald brings you controversies, events that dominated the news and will linger on in the minds of Nigerians and the international community.
Major events that shaped the year cuts across the outcome of the 2023 elections, global turmoil, security matters, death of political big horns, bandits attacks, among others.
In the same year, disasters and the demise of some prominent Nigerians who fell to diseases, armed attacks and other news were not left out in the events that shaped 2023 and stirred reactions.
Here Are Major Events That Shaped Year 2023
1. Yul Edochie’s Loss:
Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, faced a heartbreaking moment as he lost his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, two months after celebrating the young boy’s 16th birthday with his wife, Mary Edochie.
2. Global Turmoil: Russia-Ukraine Conflict:
Regrettably, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has persisted into 2023, with both countries still embroiled in war. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in human suffering and geopolitical tensions, affecting regional stability.
3. 2023 Election: New President and Governor’s Second Term
Nigeria witnessed significant political changes, with Bola Ahmed Tinubu assuming office as the new President. Additionally, Lagos State Governor Sanwoolu returned for a second term, promising continued governance and development.
4. Banky W’s Alleged Infidelity:
Singer Banky W found himself in the spotlight when rumours circulated about his alleged affair with his ex-signee, Niyiola. The speculations, fueled by the Instagram blog, Gistlover, led to a public outcry, with fans scrutinising the singer’s actions and responses.
5. Anita Brown’s revelation about Davido:
The American ‘model’ Anita Brown stirred up a storm by initially claiming to be carrying Davido’s child, only to retract the statement, citing a hacked Instagram account.
Subsequently, she provided evidence of her past relationship with Davido, including messages where the singer’s cousin allegedly requested her to terminate the pregnancy. Anita’s rollercoaster of accusations, repentance, and forgiveness left netizens on edge, anticipating further bombshells.
6. Yvonne Nelson’s Explosive Memoir:
While Nigerians grappled with Anita Brown’s revelations, Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson, captivated audience with her memoir, “I am Not Yvonne Nelson.” The book delved into shocking aspects of her life, including her mother’s deception about her father’s identity, an alleged pregnancy for Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, and accusations of her ex-lover, Iyanya, cheating with actress Tonto Dikeh.
7. Seun Kuti’s Arrest:
Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, faced legal troubles as he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. A viral video showed Kuti engaged in a confrontation with the officer, resulting in his arrest.
8. Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record:
Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, known as Hilda Baci, surpassed the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual,” showcasing her culinary prowess by achieving a remarkable 93 hours and 11 minutes.
9. MohBad’s Death:
The Nigerian music scene mourned the loss of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, aka MohBad, a former Marlian record signee who passed away at the age of 27. The news left the industry in sorrow and led to unsolved controversies.
10. Mr. Ibu’s Health Struggles:
Comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, faced a health crisis that left him bedridden. He also had his leg amputated and is currently recuperating.
11. Naira Marley’s Anti-Drug Message:
Naira Marley, known for his controversial music, surprised fans by visiting the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and campaigning against drug abuse. The “Soapy” singer urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of harmful substances.
12. Davido’s Grammy Nomination:
Afrobeats sensation, Davido, achieved a significant milestone with three Grammy nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards. The nominations included Best Global Album for “Timeless,” Best African Performance for “Unavailable,” and Best Global Music Performance for “Feel,” marking a historic moment in his career.
13: Israel-Hamas war
The Middle East looked promising in late September 2023. The Abraham Accords were deepening ties between Israel and Arab countries. Speculation abounded that Saudi Arabia might soon establish diplomatic relations with Israel. A ceasefire in Yemen’s bitter civil war was holding. These trends prompted National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to declare: “The Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades now.”
That changed just eight days later, on October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel. Roughly 1,200 Israelis were killed, the deadliest day in Israel’s history. Some 240 people were taken hostage. Vowing to eradicate Hamas, Israel launched airstrikes against Gaza and then invaded northern Gaza. A negotiated pause in the fighting at the end of November secured the release of roughly one hundred hostages. But fighting soon resumed with Israeli troops moving into southern Gaza.
The soaring death toll for Palestinian civilians, most of them women and children, fueled worldwide complaints that Israel was committing war crimes. Israel denied the charge, arguing that Hamas was using Palestinian civilians as human shields. Joe Biden unequivocally backed Israel’s right to retaliate and traveled to Israel early in the conflict to show his support.
How the conflict will end and what will follow it remain open questions.