2025 wasn’t exactly calm. Between political tension, economic pressure, and one controversy after another, the year delivered nonstop social media moments/headlines. Social media turned many of those moments into full-blown entertainment — with memes, hot takes, debates, and reactions flying around for days. From celebrity scandals to cultural wins and internet jokes that refused to die, these were the moments that truly ruled our feeds in 2025, in no particular order.
1. The Labubu Doll Obsession
@purplespeedy Omo 😹😹😹… #purplespeedy
Midway through the year, Labubu dolls created by artist Kasing Lung suddenly took over TikTok and Instagram. The quirky monster figurines quickly became a luxury flex, with celebrities flaunting their collections and fans styling them as fashion accessories or décor. As if that wasn’t enough, some users even attached spiritual meanings to the dolls, turning a cute trend into an online debate.
2. The Tuface and Annie Macaulay Split
Early 2025 opened with shock as Innocent Idibia announced his separation from Annie Macaulay after 13 years of marriage. Speculation flooded social media almost instantly, followed by hints, confirmations, and conversations about new relationships. His eventual marriage to Natasha Osawaru kept the story alive, with Annie’s personal life becoming one of the year’s most discussed topics online.
3. “Achalugo” Takes Over the Internet
When Love in Every Word dropped on YouTube, it introduced the internet to “Achalugo” — and social media ran with it. By April, Boy Spice had released a song inspired by the term, and Ugoccie followed with her own in September. Couples, singles, and content creators turned it into skits, memes, and endless jokes that dominated timelines for months.
4. Hilda Baci’s Jollof Rice Record
Hilda Baci once again captured national attention by breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest pot of jollof rice. Cooking over 4,000 kilograms at Eko Hotels & Suites became a moment of collective pride for Nigerians. Social media followed every update closely, from brand support to suspense-filled commentary about whether she’d succeed.
5. Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko Drama
Celebrity gossip hit peak levels when Regina Daniels publicly accused Ned Nwoko of various wrongdoings. The situation quickly spiralled into counterclaims, resurfaced interviews, and endless memes. Nigerians spent weeks analysing old statements and social media posts, keeping the conversation alive across platforms.
6. Super Falcons’ Historic WAFCON Comeback
The Super Falcons reminded everyone why they’re legends. Trailing Morocco 2–0 in the 2025 WAFCON final, Nigeria staged a dramatic comeback to win 3–2 and secure their 10th title. Social media erupted in celebration, with highlight clips going viral — followed closely by debates around the president’s promises to the team.
7. BBNaija Season 10: Imisi’s Win
Reality TV never misses online, and BBNaija Season 10 was no exception. Imisioluwa “Imisi” Ayanwale’s victory resonated with fans who admired her authenticity and gameplay. Timelines filled with congratulatory messages, emotional reactions, and think pieces about her journey.
8. Mama G’s Reaction GIF Takeover
2025 officially crowned Mama G as the queen of reaction GIFs. Her expressive facial moments were endlessly edited, re-captioned, and shared to fit every possible mood — hairstyles included. The internet collectively agreed: Mama G owned reaction culture this year.
9. Viral Weddings: JP, Davido, and Chioma
Weddings became social media spectacles in 2025. Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux’s ceremony had fans analysing asoebi coordination, guest appearances, and fashion choices. Davido and Chioma’s Miami wedding also trended for weeks, especially after Chioma’s hairstyle inspired countless recreations online.
10. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs Godswill Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio sparked nationwide debate online. Conversations around gender justice, power, and accountability dominated social media — and even spilled into radio discussions, where Nigerians passionately argued both sides.
11. Nicki Minaj and Cardi B’s Feud
International drama made its way firmly onto Nigerian timelines as Nicki Minaj and Cardi B’s long-standing feud resurfaced. Fans picked sides, memes flooded the internet, and Nicki somehow found time to throw shots at Jay-Z — as usual.
12. Christian Killings and US Involvement Talks
Discussions around insecurity took a different turn when reports surfaced suggesting US interest in intervening to protect Christians in Nigeria. The topic sparked serious political debates alongside sarcastic memes, as Nigerians questioned the motives behind the attention from the White House.
13. The Revival of the Ochanya Case
The tragic Ochanya case resurfaced after a viral tweet highlighted continued neglect by prosecutors. Nigerians revisited her story, reigniting conversations around justice, accountability, and systemic failure. Though the buzz eventually faded, the moment forced uncomfortable but necessary reflection.
14. Tax Law Reforms and Timeline Outrage
In June 2025, President Tinubu signed new tax reforms into law, and social media reacted instantly. Memes, rants, and long threads took over timelines as Nigerians debated how the changes would affect everyday life. As always, anything touching the average person’s wallet became instant online news.
If there’s one thing 2025 proved, it’s that social media remains Nigeria’s loudest town square — where entertainment, politics, culture, and outrage all collide. From joyful wins to serious national conversations, these moments didn’t just trend; they defined the year online.
