After a year that tested everything, these are the hopes we’re taking into 2026.
2025 was many things at once — a year of firsts, fearless leaps, hard lessons, and quiet wins. We stumbled, we got back up, and somewhere in between, we questioned almost every life choice we’d ever made. It was not an easy year, especially with everything unfolding in Nigeria, but even within the chaos, there was growth, there was beauty, and for our team, a reminder of why we do what we do.
At Marie Claire Nigeria, the past year sharpened our purpose and reaffirmed our commitment to telling stories that matter. As we step into a new year with our readers, I asked the team one simple question: What are your wishes for 2026?
January is the month of fresh starts — the “new year, new me” declarations, the resolutions that rarely last past mid-year, and the vision boards. Notwithstanding all of that, here is what the team is carrying forward into 2026.
Esther Akinbola, Content Editor
My biggest wish in 2026 is to experience more travel — not just for leisure, but to expand my horizon and build meaningful connections. I also hope it opens doors to opportunities that align with my goals. I aspire to make smarter money decisions, creating solid financial stability that allows me to live comfortably and invest wisely — including securing a landed property that represents both growth and legacy. Above all, I hope 2026 brings balance, fulfilment, and a truly good life, where success, joy, and purpose beautifully align.
Patricia Ellah, Features Editor
My biggest wish for myself is to be able to enjoy each moment for what it is, learning to be present, grateful and in tune with myself more this year.
My biggest wish for the team this year is to take on more meaningful projects that resonate with our readers and reflect Nigerian stories of creativity and excellence.
Read also: Curating a wardrobe that reflects new year, new you
Chinazam Ikechi-Uko, Fashion & Beauty Editor
Looking back on 2025, in the early months, I struggled with balancing work and personal life. I got so immersed in work that I didn’t have any time for personal development. So I didn’t read as much as I usually do. I don’t want that for 2026. I want to find time to do things I love — explore, watch movies, hate on that “Paulo Coelho” book, reread “Dune”, eat more obscure meals, and discover new gothic literature. I wish for myself to live and get a loft.
Oyindamola Adebiyi, Lifestyle & Culture Writer
My greatest intention for 2026 is to live with purpose and clarity — to be deeply intentional about my life and the choices I make. I want to place myself at the centre of my own story, grounded in self-awareness and guided by what truly brings me peace.
I hope to create space for exploration and growth by travelling more, embracing at least one thing that genuinely scares me, and always putting my best foot forward while staying true to who I am becoming.
Ashim Ojeh, Fashion & Beauty Writer
As for me, one thing I wish for in 2026 is conviction in going after what I truly want for myself.
2025 was a year of growth for me — evolving, learning, and picking up new skills. However, life is more than just learning; it’s about putting those lessons into practice.
So my wish is to fully take control of my life: To live on my own terms, do the things I love, and actually apply everything I’ve learned. I want to be more adventurous, more willing to take risks, and honestly, I think it’s time I finally step into that self-proclaimed baddie era I’ve been talking about.
For the team, I wish for us to have continued growth, creative freedom, and the confidence to take bold risks together — telling meaningful stories, supporting one another, and doing work we’re genuinely proud of.
Setting intentions for a year that matters
As 2026 unfolds, these wishes aren’t just predictions, but they echo our true intentions for the year. They remind us that even after challenging seasons, we are allowed to hope, to soften, and to imagine better. As 2026 begins, dare to dream boldly and claim the year you want to live because when we work with purpose, all that our hearts desire is within reach.
Happy New Year!
Read more: These are the trends I’m officially ready to retire in 2025
