Resolutions
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, Jan. 3, 2026 (NAN) Nigerians from diverse walks of life have expressed varied views on the relevance of New Year’s resolutions, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The respondents, in separate interviews on Saturday, expressed their opinions, ranging from strong belief in their usefulness to outright rejection of the idea.
For instance, a Kwara-based businesswoman, Mrs Titilayo Adeniyi, described resolutions as tools for reflection, accountability and renewed purpose.
According to her, it is like hitting the reset button in an electrical or mobile device.
“The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past year, identify areas for improvement, and set intentions for positive change.
“It’s a chance to leave old habits behind, set new goals, and work toward becoming the best version of yourself,” Adeniyi said.
A civil servant in Ibadan, Mr Jide Akinpelu, said resolutions are set goals within the year under review.
“They are to-do lists, and they are meant to be realistic and result-driven pursuits,” he said.
A member of staff of a corporate organisation in Ibadan, Miss Jesutofunmi Robinson, says resolutions make her more accountable.
Meanwhile, another civil servant in Ibadan, Mrs Odun Oladejo, described New Year’s resolutions as “psychological resets” that could only be useful with the right mindset.
Miss Esther Akinpelu, a nurse in Ibadan, and Mrs Motilade Ajayi, a private sector worker in Ilorin, unanimously said resolutions help build good habits and work when one is determined.
Similarly, a civil servant in Port Harcourt, Mrs Idara Obong, said the beginning of a new year offers a fresh start and motivation for self-improvement.
“I think they are helpful because the beginning of a new year gives people a fresh start and a chance to reflect on their past habits.
“Making resolutions can motivate us to set goals, improve ourselves, and stay focused on what we want to change.
“Even if we don’t achieve every resolution perfectly, the efforts themselves help us grow and become more disciplined,” Obong said.
A civil servant in Ibadan, Mr Seun Adeniran, said resolutions keep faith and hope alive.
An Ibadan-based accountant, Mr Sola Famakinwa, described them as opportunities to start afresh with new targets.
An entrepreneur in Ibadan, Mr Samuel Ogundele, said resolutions encourage goal-setting and provide direction, while Mr Jide Akinpelu said they should be realistic, result-driven and time-bound.
A civil servant in Lagos, Mrs Yetunde Alabi, said resolutions only work when backed by consistent habits.
Another civil servant in Ibadan, Ms Victoria Awolade, said people often fail because they don’t break their goals into small bits.
“The mistake people make is trying to start big instead of breaking the behavioural change or what it is, into small SMART objectives.
“Yes, it works, but only if you know how,” she said.
Miss Oreoluwa Osanyin, a physiotherapist, and Miss Ayoola Kehinde, an entrepreneur in Ibadan, agreed that dedication and disciplined actions make resolutions effective.
Miss Adura Kanyinkwe, a banker, described resolutions as personal promises that bring hope and encourage behavioural change.
A graphic designer, Mr Oluyemi Ojeyemi, said the new year is a good time for self-evaluation.
Meanwhile, Pastor Muyiwa Olanrewaju in Akure said resolutions, only if maintained with discipline, help people review their lives and guide them towards growth.
“New year’s resolutions allow you to look back to identify what is missing, things to be done or dropped.
“They guide us in the new year to maintain a good life,” Olanrewaju said.
Pastor Supo Odeleye in Ibadan described them as checks and balances, while Pastor Ben Assam in Calabar said resolutions give direction and purpose.
According to a civil servant in Port Harcourt, Mrs Theresa Ihejirika, resolutions, with God’s help, can help individuals overcome negative behaviours.
An entrepreneur in Ibadan, Mr Oluwasegun Dada, said resolutions reflect trust in God’s plan for the future.
Some respondents are, however, sceptical about resolutions.
Miss Mariam Dakwan in Port Harcourt says the first day of January is like every other day, noting that many people do not keep resolutions through.
A Lagos-based businessman, Mr Dare Dada, dismissed resolutions as “just words,” while Pastor Kayode Opemuyi states that he prefers daily personal growth decisions to annual resolutions.
Port Harcourt-based Pastor Uche Nelson said resolutions should not be seen as magical tools for transformation, stressing the need for determination and discipline.
“I believe decisions should be made as life goes on.
“Major ones can be made in the new year, but not as magical tools for transformation because every decision requires determination and discipline to follow through,” Nelson said.
NAN reports that some others had a balanced view of the idea.
Mrs Omobolanle Arotiba in Ibadan said she believes in making resolutions but not necessarily waiting for a new year.
A statistician in Ogun, Mr Leke Oni, says, “Time is continuous, and real change usually comes from consistent systems rather than decisions tied to a calendar date.
“Life is too dynamic and uncertain for rigid annual resolutions to be sustainable. I prefer principle-driven habits that can adapt and scale over time,” Oni said.
An anonymous respondent in Ado-Ekiti said that regular reflection and adjustment were necessary, regardless of the season.
Pastor Olufemi Bamidele in Lagos summed it up by saying that a new calendar alone could not create change without wise choices.
A civil servant in Lagos, Mr Muyiwa Oke, said, “I believe in it. It helps people to have a clear understanding of purpose.”
Overall, respondents agreed that whether embraced or rejected, meaningful personal changes depend largely on discipline, consistency and deliberate efforts, rather than on calendar dates. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IBK/KOLE/MAS
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Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke