A plane flying from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after diverting hundreds of kilometers from its destination. Out of those on board, 29 survived, while the crash’s cause has sparked conflicting accounts.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev alleged “external physical and technical interference,” highlighting fuselage damage and injuries from foreign particles mid-flight. Aviation experts and U.S. officials suggested a possible strike by Russian air defense systems during Ukrainian drone activity near Grozny.

Russian aviation authorities claimed Ukrainian drones prompted the plane’s diversion. Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to Russian airports, citing “physical and technical interference.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of disinformation, pointing to evidence of missile damage on the aircraft.

The crash remains under investigation by Russian, Azerbaijani, and Kazakh authorities.

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the events that have significantly influenced Nigeria throughout the year.

From political shifts to economic developments and social challenges, this year has been marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the nation.

Political Landscape and Governance

The year commenced with the Ibadan explosion in January, which brought national attention to urban safety and regulation.

This incident showed the critical need for stringent safety measures in densely populated areas.

In the same month, the Ondo and Edo governorship elections were held, with the ruling party securing victories.

In April, a significant development occurred when a schoolgirl abducted during the Chibok kidnapping in 2014 was rescued in Gwoza, Borno State, along with her three children.

Economic Developments

In December, Shell received approval from Nigeria’s oil minister for the sale of $2.4 billion worth of onshore and shallow-water assets to Renaissance Group.

This was Shell’s exit from nearly a century of onshore operations in Nigeria and was part of a larger withdrawal by Western energy companies, including Exxon Mobil, Eni, and Equinor.

The sale faced a block in October by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) due to concerns about Renaissance’s capacity to manage the assets, which are estimated to hold 6.73 billion barrels of oil and 56.27 trillion cubic feet of gas.

Social Challenges and Public Safety

Tragically, in December, at least 13 people, including four children, died in two separate stampede incidents at Christmas charity events in Abuja and Anambra state.

These incidents occurred as large crowds gathered to receive food and clothing items during a severe cost of living.

There has also been a reoccurring incident of the National Grid collapse. The incident has caused blackouts in regions during the time of its collapse.

Security and Conflict

Throughout the year, Nigeria faced persistent security challenges.

In June, a strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress disrupted operations at Abuja and Lagos airports and caused nationwide power outages.

Additionally, the conflict with Boko Haram continued, with incidents such as the attack on a convoy in Shiroro, Niger State, in November, resulting in casualties among security forces.

Sports and International Relations

In February, Nigeria’s national football team faced a setback by losing 2–1 against Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final held in Abidjan.

This loss was a disappointment for fans and showed areas for improvement in the national team’s performance.

The year 2024 has been a period of significant events for Nigeria, which encompasses political shifts, economic changes, social challenges, and security concerns.

As the nation moves forward, these events will undoubtedly influence its development and the well-being of its citizens.

Scarlet Vas, an OnlyFans content creator, and her husband, Tayo Ricci, have announced the birth of their first child, a baby girl, on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

“Our Christmas miracle has finally arrived. Merry Christmas from our family to yours,” Vas shared on Instagram alongside photos of the couple in the hospital, cradling their newborn daughter.

The post featured two heartwarming images: one of the family snuggled up in bed and another showing the parents holding their daughter’s tiny hand.

The next day, the couple shared a reel captioned, “And then there were three,” giving fans another glimpse of their baby girl.

Vas and Ricci, who is also her stepbrother, tied the knot in Mykonos, Greece, in September 2023.

A year later, they announced their pregnancy with a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, “And then there were three. We can’t wait to meet you.”