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Spending the Festive Season Alone? How to Make Christmas to New Year Feel Intentional, Warm and Surprisingly Good

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Spending the Festive Season Alone? How to Make Christmas to New Year Feel Intentional, Warm and Surprisingly Good

So the festive season is here and you are on your own. Christmas Day came quietly, the days between feel long, and New Year’s Eve is already peeking around the corner. Maybe travel plans collapsed, maybe distance won, or maybe you chose peace this year. Whatever brought you here, being alone through Christmas into the New Year does not have to feel empty or awkward. It can feel deliberate. Even nourishing.

This stretch of days is not just one holiday. It is a pause. A soft in between where you get to decide the tempo.

The trick is simple. Treat yourself like someone worth planning for.

Build a slow festive rhythm, not a single big day

When you are alone, the pressure to make Christmas Day perfect disappears. Use that freedom. Create small daily rituals that carry you from Christmas through the New Year.

Wake up without alarms when you can. Rotate your breakfasts so each morning feels different. One day it is pancakes, another day toast and eggs, another day akara and pap. Play music that matches your mood, some mornings want carols, others want Afrobeats or old school R&B. Light a candle each evening. These little repetitions give the season shape.

Eat well, not impressively

Festive food does not have to be elaborate. Research on solo living consistently shows that people enjoy meals more when they slow down and add intention, even with simple dishes.

If you cook, cook small and fresh. One pot meals, oven roasted chicken, jollof for two days. If you order in, upgrade the moment. Plate the food. Sit at a table. Put your phone away for the first ten minutes and actually taste what you are eating. Eating alone becomes lonely only when you rush through it.

Curate your entertainment instead of binge watching blindly

The days between Christmas and New Year can dissolve into endless scrolling. That is when rest starts to feel empty.

Pick themes instead. One day for films you loved as a child. One day for documentaries. One day for that series you have been saving. One evening for music and nothing else. Giving each day a loose focus keeps time from blurring.

Stay connected without draining yourself

You do not need to be constantly available because it is the holidays. Short, intentional connection works better.

A quick video call. A voice note instead of a long chat. Commenting thoughtfully on someone’s photo instead of doom scrolling. Research on social wellbeing shows that meaningful micro connections lift mood more than forced long conversations. You get to choose how present you are.

Use the quiet to reset your life, gently

This period is perfect for low pressure reflection. Not dramatic goal setting, just honest noticing.

What felt heavy this year? What surprised you? What do you want more of next year, not what sounds impressive but what actually fits your life. Write it down casually. No planners required.

You can also do practical resets. Clean one cupboard. Sort your photos. Update your CV. Learn a small skill on YouTube. These tiny acts give you a sense of forward motion without overwhelm.

Move your body, even softly

Loneliness intensifies when the body stays still for too long. You do not need intense workouts. Walks, stretching, dancing alone in your room, ten minutes of yoga. Movement shifts your mood faster than motivation ever will.

Be honest about the hard moments

Some days will still sting. That is normal. The holidays magnify emotions, even when everything is technically fine. Do not rush to fix the feeling. Sit with it. Cry if you need to. Then do one kind thing for yourself after. Emotional regulation studies consistently show that acknowledging feelings shortens their grip.

Redefine what celebration looks like

Celebration does not always mean noise, crowds or champagne at midnight. Sometimes it looks like peace. Like waking up on New Year’s Day without a hangover. Like starting the year rested instead of depleted.

Spending Christmas through the New Year alone is not a failure of connection. It is a different version of it. One where you learn how to keep yourself company, how to listen to your own needs, how to enter the new year grounded rather than scattered.

This season is not wasted on you. You are living it.

And that is enough.

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“Nurturing Minds and Shaping the Future Remains Our Priority” – Comrade Boluwaji Isola, Moba Student Union President

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“Nurturing Minds and Shaping the Future Remains Our Priority” – Comrade Boluwaji Isola, Moba Student Union President

The President of the Federation of Moba Local Government Students’ Union (FEMLGSU), Comrade Boluwaji Ebenezer Isola, has reaffirmed his commitment to educational development and student capacity building with the hosting of NURVISTA ’26, an initiative designed to promote academic excellence and nurture young talent across Moba Local Government.

The programme, held at Olowojorubu Hall, Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun-Ekiti, featured spelling bee, quiz and essay-writing competitions, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, spelling proficiency and writing skills.

The initiative, themed “Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Vision, and Shaping the Future,” reflects Isola’s manifesto commitment to creating opportunities for students to develop their intellectual abilities and achieve their academic potential.

NURVISTA ’26 advances student development agenda

Through the programme, FEMLGSU brought students together to compete, showcase their abilities and earn recognition for their academic performance.

The event also provided a platform for encouraging intellectual engagement and healthy competition among students from participating schools, with cash prizes awarded to the top three positions in each category.

A total of ₦240,000 was awarded across the spelling bee, quiz and essay-writing competitions.

In the spelling bee, Adeleye Adesewa of Seventh Day Adventist, Ikun-Ekiti, emerged first and received ₦25,000. Oyeyemi Eniola of SUBEB Model, Otun-Ekiti, came second with ₦15,000, while Okenua Chinedu of Seventh Day Adventist, Eleti, Otun-Ekiti, placed third and received ₦10,000.

The quiz competition was won by Oluwadare Gift and Ajayi Samuel Iyanuola of Saliu Adeoti Memorial Comprehensive High School, Otun-Ekiti, who received ₦35,000.

Omotayo Oluwapelumi and Abegunde Timileyin of Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti, placed second with ₦25,000, while Adeleke Abiola Josiah and Olabode Testimony of Aaye-Oja Community Grammar School, Aaye-Oja-Ekiti, finished third with ₦15,000.

In the essay-writing category, Owolabi Oluwanifemi Patience emerged first and received ₦50,000. Fadare Joshua Alaba placed second with ₦35,000, while Fadare Helen Opeyemi came third and received ₦20,000.

Manifesto commitment puts education in focus

NURVISTA ’26 represents a practical expression of FEMLGSU’s stated commitment to educational advancement and capacity building among students in Moba Local Government.

By organising competitions that assess different academic skills, the union has created an avenue for students to demonstrate their strengths while encouraging learning, confidence and intellectual development.

The initiative also highlights the role student organisations can play in supporting educational opportunities beyond the classroom. Sustaining such programmes, however, will require continued collaboration with schools, parents, educators, community leaders and other stakeholders.

FEMLGSU recognises contributions of partners

The union congratulated the winners and commended all participating students and schools for their preparation, courage and determination.

It also acknowledged the Academic Committee for its planning and coordination of the event, alongside the participating schools, students, distinguished guests, speakers, sponsors and other contributors whose support helped deliver the programme.

FEMLGSU called on parents, educators, government representatives, community leaders, organisations and well-meaning individuals to partner with the union in sustaining educational initiatives and youth-development programmes.

Building a stronger future for Moba students

For Isola and FEMLGSU, the broader objective of NURVISTA ’26 is to encourage students to recognise their abilities, pursue academic excellence and develop skills that can support their future ambitions.

The initiative aligns with the president’s stated manifesto focus on capacity building and educational development, placing student advancement at the centre of the union’s activities.

As FEMLGSU seeks broader stakeholder support, sustaining initiatives such as NURVISTA will be important in expanding educational opportunities and encouraging more young people across Moba Local Government to reach their potential.

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FEMLGSU Holds NURVISTA ’26 to Promote Academic Excellence in Moba

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FEMLGSU Uses NURVISTA ’26 to Promote Academic Excellence in Moba

The Federation of Moba Local Government Students’ Union (FEMLGSU), led by her president, Comrade Boluwaji Ebenezer Isola, has held her NURVISTA ’26 educational initiative, bringing students together for spelling bee, quiz and essay-writing competitions aimed at promoting academic excellence and nurturing young talent across Moba Local Government.

Held at Olowojorubu Hall, Moba Local Government Secretariat, Otun-Ekiti, the programme featured the theme “Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Vision, and Shaping the Future”.

The initiative provided a platform for students to demonstrate their spelling proficiency, subject knowledge, critical thinking and writing abilities while competing for cash prizes.

Students win ₦240,000 in prizes

The competitions recognised nine winning positions across the three categories, with a combined prize pool of ₦240,000.

In the spelling bee, Adeleye Adesewa of Seventh Day Adventist, Ikun-Ekiti, emerged first and received ₦25,000. Oyeyemi Eniola of SUBEB Model, Otun-Ekiti, came second with ₦15,000, while Okenua Chinedu of Seventh Day Adventist, Eleti, Otun-Ekiti, placed third and won ₦10,000.

The quiz competition was won by Oluwadare Gift and Ajayi Samuel Iyanuola of Saliu Adeoti Memorial Comprehensive High School, Otun-Ekiti. The team received ₦35,000.

Omotayo Oluwapelumi and Abegunde Timileyin of Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti, finished second with ₦25,000, while Adeleke Abiola Josiah and Olabode Testimony of Aaye-Oja Community Grammar School, Aaye-Oja-Ekiti, placed third and received ₦15,000.

In the essay-writing category, Owolabi Oluwanifemi Patience won first place and received ₦50,000. Fadare Joshua Alaba came second with ₦35,000, while Fadare Helen Opeyemi placed third and won ₦20,000.

FEMLGSU reaffirms commitment to education

FEMLGSU congratulated the winners and commended all participating students and schools for their preparation, courage and determination.

The union said NURVISTA ’26 reflected its commitment to creating opportunities for students to develop their abilities and pursue academic excellence. Under Isola’s leadership, the initiative also provides a platform for the union to engage students and encourage greater participation in educational activities.

The union acknowledged the dedication of its Academic Committee in planning and coordinating the event. It also thanked participating schools, students, guests, speakers, sponsors and other contributors for their support.

Union seeks wider support for youth development

FEMLGSU called on parents, educators, community leaders, government representatives, organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the union in sustaining initiatives that promote education and youth development in Moba Local Government.

Continued collaboration would help create more opportunities for young people to develop their intellectual abilities and prepare for future responsibilities, said by the union stakeholders

The Union reiterated its commitment to nurturing talent and supporting students, emphasising the importance of investing in young people as part of efforts to build a stronger future for Moba Local Government.

NURVISTA ’26 concluded with the recognition of outstanding participants and appreciation for those who contributed to the programme, reinforcing the union’s stated commitment to academic development and student empowerment.

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Oyebanji Rewards Ekiti Teachers With Disabilities With ₦6.5m

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Oyebanji Rewards Ekiti Teachers With Disabilities With ₦6.5m

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has rewarded teachers and school administrators with disabilities with ₦6.5 million at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ado-Ekiti.

The award, presented at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion along New Iyin Road, recognised five educators and administrators from the state’s special schools for their performance and service.

Mrs Olaniyi Bamidele Ruth of the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti, won the top prize of ₦2 million in the special education teaching category.

Mrs Adebayo Adenike Comfort of the Government Special School, Ido-Ekiti, came second and received ₦1 million, while Mrs Christianah Ojo of the Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti, placed third with ₦500,000.

In the administrative category, Mrs Adu Olaide Temitope, principal of the Government Special School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti, received ₦2 million after emerging first.

Mr Salami Oduntan Rasak, principal of the Government Special School for Children with Intellectual Disability and Physical Challenges, Ido-Ekiti, placed second and received ₦1 million.

The combined awards brought the total cash distributed to the five awardees to ₦6.5 million.

The celebration, held under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Futures,” also provided the Oyebanji administration an opportunity to outline its investments in public education.

Mr Oyebanji thanked teachers across the state for what he described as their support and commitment to his administration.

«“Their commitment and dedication to duty have enhanced and improved teaching and learning outcomes,” the governor said.»

He also acknowledged education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Association of Principals of Public Schools, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers and private school owners.

Mr Oyebanji said his administration was modernising public schools to prepare students for a technology-driven economy.

According to him, all 203 public secondary schools in the state now have ICT laboratories, interactive boards and 5kVA inverters. He added that internet facilities had been installed in 125 schools.

The governor also said old school buildings had been renovated across the state, while perimeter fencing had been provided for 54 public secondary schools.

CCTV cameras, he said, had been installed in 48 schools, with another 85 scheduled for installation.

The Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye, said the state government had invested more than ₦18 billion in education over the past four years.

Mrs Aderiye said the expenditure included ₦11.9 billion in counterpart funding, ₦2.289 billion in running grants and ₦546.9 million for feeding pupils in the state’s three special schools.

She also listed ₦2.1 billion for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, ₦955 million for school placement fees and ₦125 million for National Business and Technical Examinations Board examinations.

The government did not provide an independent breakdown in the statement showing how the various figures combine to reach the stated ₦18 billion total.

Princess Adetoun Agboola, the governor’s Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, described the recognition of teachers with disabilities as significant.

She said the awards showed that teachers with disabilities remained valued members of the education workforce.

“By honouring PWDs, we are saying that disability is not inability, and that every teacher, regardless of ability, is valued and seen,” she said.

Mrs Agboola said this was the third occasion on which persons with disabilities had received specific recognition for their service under the administration.

She also stressed the role of non-teaching staff in running schools, saying administrators, clerks, secretaries, bursars and typists contribute to the effective operation of educational institutions.

The recognition of educators with disabilities placed inclusion at the centre of Ekiti’s 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, while the government used the occasion to highlight its broader education policies and infrastructure programme.

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