Introduction

As 2026 draws to a close, BellaNaija is launching its annual year-end reflection project and inviting readers to put their experiences into words. The #BN2026Epilogues initiative is an open call for personal stories about the highs, lows, and defining moments of the past year.

What Happened

BellaNaija is collecting first-person essays that capture what 2026 felt like for everyday people. Writers are encouraged to reflect on career moves, new relationships, hobbies, purchases, financial wins and losses, memorable experiences, goals reached, and goals missed. The platform also welcomes stories about difficult moments and the resilience that followed.

Submissions should fall between 400 and 1,500 words and be sent to [email protected] with “2026 Epilogues” included in the email subject line. The editorial team will review entries on a rolling basis, and publishing will begin on December 1, 2026. The final deadline for all submissions is December 15, 2026, and contributors are welcome to attach photos to accompany their writing.

This year also marked several notable milestones across Nigerian and African culture. Nora Awolowo and Damilola Osikoya set a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a film screening for Black Market: The Movie. Ogaga Ifowodo received the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, while sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi broke Nigeria’s 100-meter record. BellaNaija itself marked its 20th anniversary with a Grand Red Carpet Experience, celebrating two decades of shaping African culture through storytelling.

Why This Matters

Personal storytelling creates connection. By sharing victories and setbacks, readers can help others feel less alone in their own journeys. Year-end reflection is more than nostalgia; it is a way to process growth, acknowledge challenges, and enter the new year with clarity.

Key Takeaways

  • #BN2026Epilogues is BellaNaija’s open invitation for readers to share 2026 reflections.
  • Essays should be between 400 and 1,500 words.
  • Send submissions to [email protected] with “2026 Epilogues” in the subject line.
  • Publication starts December 1, 2026, and the final deadline is December 15, 2026.
  • Photos are encouraged alongside written entries.

Conclusion

Whether your 2026 was filled with triumphs, lessons, or quiet moments of growth, your perspective matters. BellaNaija is ready to read your story, and someone else may find comfort in seeing their own experience reflected in yours. Send in your epilogue before the deadline and be part of the collective closing of the year.