Way before deep fakes became a cause for concern, journalism in Nigeria was already on trial. Fake news and propaganda often managed to go viral, amassing unbelievable numbers of views and reshares. From health myths to divisive political narratives, misinformation has repeatedly caused panic, tension, and even harm in real life.
To remind you of the importance of fact-checking before sharing any piece of information, here are five outrageous lies that sparked chaos both online and offline.
Ebola Salt Water Myth
During the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, a dangerous rumour spread, claiming that drinking or bathing in salt water could prevent the contraction of the disease. This misinformation, reportedly attributed to so-called “prophets,” led to mass panic. People rushed to drink concentrated salt solutions, leading to cases of dehydration, stomach issues, and even death.
The chaos remains a stark reminder of how misinformation can worsen public health crises, turning fear into harmful actions.
While medical professionals have debunked this claim multiple times, its persistence shows just how misinformation can distract from scientific facts and fuel shame, making it harder for women to seek proper medical care.
COVID-19 Vaccine and the 5G Conspiracy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, conspiracy theories flooded the internet, with one of the most bizarre being the claim that 5G technology was responsible for the virus. Coupled with false narratives that the vaccines were a form of population control, this wave of misinformation fueled widespread vaccine hesitancy. In Nigeria, this directly impacted vaccination rates and undermined public health efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
Conspiracy about Igbos taking over Lagos
During the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, a viral narrative accused the Igbo community of plotting to “take over” Lagos. This baseless political misinformation stoked ethnic tensions, deepening divides in a nation already grappling with unity. The fabricated narrative was amplified by partisan social media users, leading to real-life confrontations that led to injuries and online hostility that persisted even after the elections.
Fake Health Remedies for Serious Illnesses: Miracle Mineral Solution
Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) was touted as a cure for various serious illnesses, including HIV, cancer, and recently, COVID-19. MMS is essentially an industrial bleach known chemically as chlorine dioxide. This narrative was cleared by US Food Drug and Administration and NAFDAC.
How to Spot and Combat Misinformation
Navigating today’s digital landscape requires critical thinking and vigilance. Here are actionable tips to help you avoid falling for fake news
Check the Source: Always verify whether the information comes from a credible, established source.
Cross-Reference Facts: Look for confirmation of the claim on other reliable platforms or from experts.
Look out for emotional manipulation: If a post seems designed to provoke anger, fear, or outrage, pause and question its motives.
Avoid Sharing Without Verification: Resist the urge to reshare information until you’ve confirmed its accuracy.
Misinformation thrives when people fail to think critically about the content they consume and share. By actively questioning and fact-checking, you can help curb the spread of fake news and foster a more discerning digital culture.
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January is the perfect month for fresh starts and even fresher binge lists. Whether you’re a Nollywood superfan or just looking to dip your toes into the magic of Nigerian cinema, this list has you covered.
From swoon-worthy romances to edge-of-your-seat dramas, these Prime Video picks will keep you entertained all month long.
This film tells a tangled love story about a free-spirited woman who finds herself caught between two men—her best friend and her ex-boyfriend—who also happen to be brothers. Directed by Chinazam Onuzo, it features an impressive cast, including Sharon Ooja-Nwoke, Nancy Isime, Jim Iyke, and Mr. Macaroni.
Timini Egbuson and Bimbo Ademoye star in this Lagos-based drama about the pursuit of happiness. The story follows a successful tech bro searching for a deeper sense of purpose in life. Directed by Kayode Kasumu, the film also features Paul Utomi and Mofe Duncan.
This film follows the journey of a rising actress navigating the glitz and challenges of new-age Nollywood. As she ascends to fame, she struggles to balance her newfound stardom with love and other aspects of her life. Directed by Akay Ilozobhie, Superstar features a cast including Teniola Aladese, Eku Edewor, Timini Egbuson, and Nancy Isime.
A bride-to-be finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving her wedding day repeatedly after a tragic incident. As she unravels the mystery, she must confront her past to break the cycle. Directed by Moyinoluwa Ezekiel, The Beads stars Zainab Balogun, Lateef Adedimeji, and Efa Iwara.
O.C. Ukeje and Alessandro Babalola star in this gripping drama directed by Obi Emelonye. The story follows an actor whose career and family are thrown into turmoil when online blackmailers threaten to release an old private video. Tense and thought-provoking, Black Mail explores the dark side of digital privacy.
Tiwa Savage makes her film debut in this 2024 drama about a fashion designer who returns to Nigeria after a decade abroad for a family funeral. Directed by Meji Alabi, the film also stars Mike Folarin, Jemima Osunde, and Godwin Amakye.
Funke Akindele and Stan Nze star in this romantic drama about a man stuck in a toxic relationship. When he meets someone new, his controlling girlfriend refuses to let him move on and find happiness. Directed by Chukwuka Emma-Ogbangwo, Stacy explores love, freedom, and the complications in between.
Directed by Seyi Siwoku, Crossroads is a suspenseful thriller about the robbery of a senator’s wife by four suspects. As the senior detective investigates, he uncovers that there’s much more to the case than meets the eye. The film stars Damilola Adegbite, Kehinde Bankole, and Seun Akindele.
In this thrilling face-off, Ramsey Nouah plays an actor, caught in a bizarre situation with an impersonator. After a year hiatus from acting, he returns to realise that the impersonator is almost living his life. Crazy People also stars Sola Sobowale and Chioma Omeruah.
Directed by Jade Osiberu, Christmas in Lagos follows the story of a Lagos woman who is secretly in love with her best friend. Her world is turned upside down when he comes home with a fiancée. The film stars Teniola Aladese, Ladipoe, Ayra Starr, and Shady Bello.
For many couples, sharing a bed is the ultimate symbol of intimacy and closeness in marriage. But let’s face it: reality often has other plans. Whether it’s snoring that rivals a generator set or midnight prayer sessions that make it hard to close your eyes, sleeping in the same room doesn’t always work out.
We spoke to six married Nigerians who’ve ditched the tradition of shared beds for separate rooms, and they share what led to the change, how it’s affected their relationships, and why sleeping apart isn’t always as unconventional as it seems.
Zainab*, 34
When I first noticed my husband’s snoring, I thought it was hilarious. I even recorded him several times and teased him about how loud he was. But by the time I got pregnant, the snoring wasn’t funny anymore. I was struggling with back pain, nausea, and the general stress of pregnancy, and the lack of sleep made everything worse. I tried earplugs and even moved to the couch a few times, but it wasn’t sustainable.
Eventually, we agreed I’d sleep in the guest room until the baby was born, and honestly, I haven’t moved back since. It’s affected our intimacy—we don’t cuddle at night or wake up together anymore—but my sleep is much better. My husband has been supportive, though. He’s working on making lifestyle changes to address his sleep apnea, so maybe one day, we’ll share a bed again.
Seun*, 33
My wife has always been a light sleeper, and I have the terrible habit of waking up in the middle of the night to raid the fridge or scroll through my phone. Sharing a bed meant she was constantly waking up whenever I got up, which led to many arguments. Even when I think I’ve been as quiet as humanly possible, she’d still stir in her sleep or hit the bed with her hands to caution me.
Eventually, we decided to try sleeping in separate rooms for a week, and it worked wonders. She sleeps better now, and I don’t feel like I’m walking on eggshells at night. It’s not a perfect solution because we’ve had to get creative to maintain intimacy, but it works for us.
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Amaka*, 29
My husband is very prayerful, and while I admire his dedication, his midnight prayer sessions are exhausting. He wakes up at 3 a.m. to pray and is not exactly quiet about it. He mumbles, hums, and sometimes even sings softly, which makes it impossible for me to sleep.
At first, I thought I could power through it or maybe adjust to his schedule, but it didn’t work. I started moving to the spare room on nights when I needed sleep, and eventually, I just stayed there. Sometimes, I think he’s intentionally doing it to guilt-trip me into joining him, but I don’t even feel bad anymore.
That said, I do miss cuddling with him. Every now and then, I find myself back in bed with him because I miss the intimacy. But the second he starts praying at 3 a.m., I pack my pillow and go straight to the spare room.
Adaora*, 31
We didn’t start out sleeping in separate rooms. In fact, we were one of those couples who loved cuddling and falling asleep in each other’s arms. But whenever we had issues, we’d avoid each other by sleeping in different rooms. At first, it was just a way to cool off and avoid escalating the fight.
Over time, though, it became a habit. Even after we resolved our issues, we’d just stay in our separate spaces because we’d gotten used to it. Now, it’s our default arrangement. We know it’s not ideal—it makes it harder to resolve issues since we’re not sharing a bed—but we don’t see another way. It feels like we’ve reached a point where we enjoy the solitude too much to change things.
Kunle*, 35
We live in a mini-flat, and when our first child was born two years ago, I had to vacate the room to give my wife space to manage the baby. I started sleeping on the couch in the living room, and while it was tough at first, I eventually got used to it. Now, the baby is older, but I still haven’t moved back into the room.
At this point, I’ve come to enjoy the solitude. I get to watch TV late, stay up scrolling my phone without disturbing anyone, and just have my own space. We’re planning to move into a two-bedroom apartment soon, but I don’t think I’ll be sharing a room with my wife again.
Aramide*, 29
I’ve had insomnia for as long as I can remember. I toss and turn all night, and even the tiniest sound can keep me awake for hours. My husband, on the other hand, sleeps like a log. He falls asleep in minutes and can sleep through anything.
At first, I tried to adjust to his schedule, but it just wasn’t working. He’d snore softly, and I’d stare at the ceiling for hours, too annoyed to fall asleep. I started sleeping in the guest room just to see if it would help, and it was a game changer. We still spend time together before bed, but when it’s time to sleep, I need my own space.
Love Life is a Zikoko weekly series about love, relationships, situationships, entanglements and everything in between.
What’s your earliest memory of each other?
Desmond: Meeting her at a mini store near her hostel in December 2022. I was hungry, but the store close to my hostel had closed, so I went to one near hers. As I was about to leave, she showed up with a friend. The store reeked due to chickens the owners kept. She and her friend stood outside, arguing about who should go in because they couldn’t stand the smell. I walked up to them and asked what they needed. When they said airtime, I offered to recharge their number through my bank app and collect cash for the transaction.
Deola: He’s right. The stench was so bad I couldn’t enter the store.
When he came over to help, I couldn’t stop myself from taking a mental picture of his face. Later, when I got to my hostel and replayed the events of the night, I thought, “Fine boy wan send me airtime.”
I considered asking for his number that night, but I chickened out. Still, I kept praying I’d see him again—and I did a few days later.
How did you feel when he asked you to pay for the airtime, Deola?
Deola: I didn’t expect him to charge me, so it made me feel a little off. I assumed he was going to ask for my number, and I also thought he’d give the airtime for free.
Desmond: I considered giving it for free, but I fought the urge.
Why?
Desmond: I didn’t have enough for myself.
Right. So, what happened next?
Deola: We ran into each other on December 5. My friend asked me to come with her to meet a male friend at the school field. I got to the field, and there he was with the person my friend came to see. He was completely engrossed in a mobile game, so I sat beside him and did nothing until he noticed me and we started talking.
Desmond: I was playing FIFA. Then I realised I’d said a short prayer to God, asking him to bring us together again in the same week if she’s the one for me. After my realisation, I dropped my phone and made a conscious effort to start a conversation.
Shortly after, she mentioned that she was hungry, adding that a guy who’d promised her and her friend dinner bailed on them. I offered to buy her the food, but she refused. But she agreed to take a walk with me. On that walk she refused another offer for dinner. We spent most of the time talking and exchanged numbers after.
Why did you decline his offer to buy you dinner?
Deola: It didn’t sit well with me. I thought it much to ask of someone I barely knew.
I see. So what did you guys talk about?
Deola: I can’t recall right now. But all of that talking also led to holding hands that day.
Desmond: We didn’t get to talk about our personal and shared interests, but we talked a lot about our family and struggles as firstborn kids.
Right. How did things progress after you exchanged numbers?
Deola: We kept close contact with each other, constantly texting and spending time together on campus.
Desmond: I confessed my feelings the same night we exchanged numbers, but she didn’t buy it. She argued we just met, but I also insisted that I was sincere with my feelings. Then, she texted saying the only way she’d take my words for it was if I confessed my feelings to her in person.
Deola: On December 7th, while I was mourning my dad on his 17th death anniversary, Desmond asked me out. It was a quick proposal, and while I didn’t feel the same way, I accepted.
Why did you accept?
Deola: I liked him and wanted to give him a chance to change the way I felt.
Desmond, why the rush? Did you know she was in mourning?
Desmond: Yes, I was aware of that. But I asked her out as quickly as I could because I feared things would fizzle out, and it would end as another fruitless talking stage. I was already losing interest in knowing new people, but Deola was a breath of fresh air.
Our conversations were deep and meaningful, and I realised we were aligned in many ways, especially about our future. I’ve always been focused on financial success, and she didn’t shy away from such discussions. Whenever I brought up ideas about money and how to make it, she was genuinely interested, wanting to know my plans and encouraging me to pursue them. In fact, I can proudly say she’s one of the biggest reasons I got involved in the forex market.
Seeing that you skipped the friendship phase, what were the early days of the relationship like?
Deola: We were in perfect sync, both financially and emotionally. The first three months were smooth, and we mostly focused on improving ourselves and working towards financial stability.
Desmond: Those were some of our best days. We didn’t have a single fight during those months.
We shared the same ambition for our respective families. Growing up, I didn’t always get what I wanted because of financial constraints, and Deola had it tougher, dealing with emotional and physical hardship from her mum.
We both want a better life for our families, so we spent the early months mapping out strategies to climb to the top of the financial ladder.
Beyond that, we took the time to truly get to know each other. We went out often, and everyone around us noticed how much we cared for each other. Our relationship became the talk of the school, and my guys couldn’t stop telling me how lucky I was to have her. A few even joked about wishing she was theirs.
I’m curious. Why do you both feel that level of responsibility to your families?
Desmond: We’re both the first child of our families, hence the responsibility. Also, we feel we owe them a lot for the life they’ve given us even with their limited resources.
Deola: Beyond our families, we have a shared goal of becoming the wealthy aunt and uncle, and the wealthy parents. We want our kids to have everything and not let them experience the lack we did. It was our goal as individuals and as a couple.
Do you remember your first major fight?
Deola: Yes. It started when I cheated.
Please, tell me more
Deola: I went to a male friend’s place to charge my phone. One thing led to another, and we got intimate. Initially, I wanted to keep it to myself and stay away from him, but he wouldn’t let it go. He kept pestering me for more; almost like he couldn’t get what happened out of his head. It became too much to handle, and I came clean and explained to Desmond.
For weeks, he brought it up constantly, and it was clear he was deeply hurt. The issue kept resurfacing, and the toll on our relationship made me determined to make better decisions moving forward.
Desmond: She met the guy while taking a course in his department. I remember her telling me about him, saying she wanted to keep him as a friend. I wasn’t comfortable with it and warned her that he likely had other hidden intentions. I even asked her not to visit him and to cut off the vibes, but she didn’t agree. She argued our relationship didn’t mean she couldn’t have male friends.
I didn’t mind her having male friends, but I suspected this guy wasn’t coming from a purely platonic place because he was overly friendly. And after all my warnings, she eventually confessed what had happened.
How did you feel, Desmond?
Desmond: I was deeply hurt and annoyed. But I decided to give her another chance. I told her I wasn’t going to break up with her, but I made it clear that I considered her actions a rookie mistake and wouldn’t forgive her if it ever happened again.
What do you mean by “rookie mistake”?
Desmond: I believed she’d never been in a real relationship where the love is completely pure and genuine. She was a beginner experiencing true love for the first time, and she didn’t fully appreciate that.
I see. How did you guys move past this?
Desmond: I asked her to cut ties with the guy completely. But later, she told me they started talking again, and the guy tried to cross the line once more.
Deola: I knew asking the guy to stay away from me wasn’t going to work. So, I asked Desmond to tell him off.
Desmond: I spoke to him and made it clear he needed to back off. That was the end of it, and we’ve moved on since then.
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Did this break the trust in your relationship?
Deola: Definitely. We lost the trust for a while, and it took a while to regain it.
Desmond: My trust in her dropped completely, but like she said, we were able to build it again within months.
How?
Desmond: We had to come up with ground rules. She couldn’t visit male friends or accept gifts from them.
Deola: I wasn’t allowed to take other guys’ numbers or form close connections with male friends. But I also held myself accountable by telling him everything and making him my best friend. In time, we were able to regain each other’s trust.
Fair enough. What would you say is the best thing about being with each other?
Desmond: We have each other’s back. She’s always down to support me. I was broke most of last year and expected her to leave, but she stayed. That said, there have been times when she almost left. I feel insecure when it comes to her, and I can be a very different person when my insecurity gets the best of me.
Deola: The best thing about being with Desmond is how we’re able to help and better each other. Since we started dating, he’s helped me become a better version of myself. I have my current job thanks to his words of encouragement and just pushing me to chase opportunities.
How do you act when you’re feeling insecure, Desmond?
Desmond: I’ll pick up unnecessary fights and say infuriating things, especially if I think there’s another guy in the picture. I’ll turn from lovable to a complete irritant. I say really hurtful things.
However, I’m currently working on this version of myself.
Right. How do you handle this version of him, Deola?
Deola: I try to meet him halfway and calm him down. But as he said, he’s a work in progress, and we’re finding better ways to resolve our issues. Better communication and understanding each other’s triggers are critical parts of that.
Do you think your relationship has changed you in any way?
Deola: He’s helped me become emotionally strong. Once upon a time, I couldn’t speak up for myself and he taught me how to do that.
Financially, I began to do things for myself. I’m a successful writer now only because he kept pushing me to do what I love. He’d take care of me when I break down from the workload and still motivate me to do more. He’s just the best man I could ever ask for.
Desmond: If I hadn’t met her, I wouldn’t have had the zeal to take trading forex seriously. She continues to push me to be better, and this also includes my spiritual life. I’m not an atheist, but I wasn’t interested the Church either. Deola changed that; she brought me closer to God.
Curious. How do you handle finances in your relationship?
Desmond: Right now, Deola is the only one making money through her writing. And the way we operate is: her money is our money, my money is our money.
Deola: Even if he has more, I’d still add mine into it. What we’re doing now in our dating phase is exactly what we’d do when we get married. We spend the money together.
Neat. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your love life?
Deola: It’s a 10. Desmond is everything I dreamed of as a young girl. He’s my best friend and he supports and fulfills me emotionally. I tend to rant a lot, but he listens and offers the best solutions. Even though we aren’t there yet financially, he’s enough and that’s just it.
Desmond: It’s a 10 for me too. Before Deola, I’ve never experienced true love from another woman besides my mother. Deola takes care of me, calms my soul…she’s legit my dream woman. Being with her has instilled cherished values in me and I’m proud to call her my woman.
If you want to share your own Love Life story, fill out this form.
Let’s talk true; we’ve all had that moment of curiosity (and maybe mild panic) when we’re about to encounter our partner’s private parts for the first time and don’t know what to expect. “Is it big or small?” “What shape is it?” and so on.
For these Nigerian women, their experiences ranged from amusing to endearing and even a little shocking.
Uche*, 25
My boyfriend is 27, so imagine my shock when I first saw his pubic hair and found streaks of grey! It was such a jarring sight because I didn’t even know people went grey down there, especially not a young person. I had to ask if he’d dyed it as a joke, but he said it was natural. It was so unexpected, but now I think it’s kind of cute.
Yinka*, 26
It took about a year of dating before my boyfriend and I decided to get intimate. We’d kiss, smooch and do other stuff, but we never crossed the line of pulling our clothes and doing the real thing. The day we finally got intimate, I remember pausing because I’d never seen foreskin up close before. I had so many questions: Is this normal? Shouldn’t it look different? He laughed and said it was perfectly normal and only looked that way because he didn’t get a circumcision. I had to do a Google search later just to ascertain if all was truly well and fine.
Toun*
I was surprised and scared. I already knew what the male reproductive organ looked like, but I wasn’t prepared for what it would be like on a grown man. I had no idea it could grow and change size like that, so I just sat there watching it happen, completely stunned. The size was overwhelming, and I wondered how it would fit. It became an issue between us at some point because it felt like it was just too big. But with time, my body adjusted, and things got easier.
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Bisi*, 28
I’ve had my fair share of weird, nauseating smells while going down on a partner, so when I met my current partner, I already had this stereotype in my head that men don’t pay attention to grooming down there. But my guy shocked me. Everything was neat, trimmed, and moisturised. He probably uses scented powder or cologne, I don’t know which, but I’ve never gone down for some mouth action and twisted my face in disgust. However, I’m not sure if it’s healthy practice for him to use scented products on his private parts.
Fola* 32
Don’t get me wrong; size doesn’t matter if the guy knows his way around and gets creative with foreplay. However, I was slightly underwhelmed when I first saw my husband’s private part. It looked really small, and it wasn’t all that much, even when he got hard. Over time, I realised he more than makes up for it in other ways. Plus, my husband loves toys. However, I’ve never been able to get him to agree to a strap-on. Whatever the case, I firmly believe that size isn’t everything.
Fatima, 25*
My ex-boyfriend is light-skinned, and I’d always wondered what he looked like before we got intimate. However, the first time I saw his private parts, I couldn’t stop staring. His skin is a fair caramel colour, but his penis was so much darker in comparison. One would have thought he bleached his skin and left out that part of his body. I had to ask him if it was a health issue, but he laughed it off and said it was normal. It took some time to get used to the distinct imagery. Now, it’s something we joke about when we’re being silly.
Dera*, 23
I know pubic hair is normal, but I wasn’t expecting to find that much hair on “the twins”. It caught me off guard, and I may have giggled a bit. It was almost like holding a distressed volleyball. He later explained that it gets extremely itchy whenever he shaves his balls, so he doesn’t bother. I thought he would get offended, but he joked about the entire thing.
Lawmakers in Nigeria’s House of Representatives might be standing on business this year because they appear to be showing that already– reports have it that they’re looking to curb public smoking of tobacco in the country by introducing stricter punishments and jail terms.
Three lawmakers, Usman Zannah, Aliyu Garu, and Mansur Soro, who are currently sponsoring a piece of legislation titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Amen the National Tobacco in Public Places and for Related Matters,’ are spearheading this move.
What does this mean?
Nigeria currently has a law named The National Tobacco Smoking (Control) Act 2015, which already prohibits public tobacco smoking in the country but lawmakers want it to be amended to contain stronger penalties for people who default against it.
The current law, for instance, provides that any individual guilty of smoking in public would be sentenced to six months in prison; under the proposed amendment, such an individual would either be made to pay a fine of not less than ₦10,000 (and not above ₦50,000), or one-year imprisonment (instead of six months), or be made to suffer both consequences.
While the National Tobacco Smoking (Control) Act 2015 currently penalises public entities who allow smoking with a fine of not less than ₦200,000, the amended version will increase the punishment by either making them pay a fine not exceeding ₦1 million, a prison term not more than two years, or both.
The new amendment also seeks to increase the punishment for people who advertise or sell tobacco, among others.
Why is this important?
You might be rolling your eyes at this amendment, but the lawmakers are actually on to something here. How? Tobacco use is currently responsible for 28,000 deaths annually in Nigeria and eight million deaths (per year) globally, and here’s the kicker– it’s also responsible for the death of an estimated 1.3 million people who do not smoke but are victims of second-hand smoking.
If you still haven’t made the connection, the stricter punishments against public smoking of tobacco are especially important because any form of exposure to tobacco can lead to death. The World Health Organisation notes that second-hand smoking can lead to “serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer.”
It’s such a menace that the WHO wants a ban on tobacco smoking in Nigeria as a whole rather than the existing ban on only its public use. Also, in 2019, the Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) revealed that Nigeria spent ₦526.4 billion in treating diseases caused by tobacco smoking.
Commonly contained in things like cigarettes, Shisha, and other products, tobacco has remained a major health concern across the globe. Its smoke contains thousands of cancer-causing chemicals such as Acetaldehyde, Arsenic, Benzene, and Cadmium.
Authorities around the world have tried to curb its use with things like popular “smokers are liable to die young” (which is a legislative requirement for cigarette companies) imprinted on cigarette boxes and other anti-smoking rules. In 2003, WHO member states (to which Nigeria belongs) adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to curb this menace. Legislatures like the National Tobacco Smoking (Control) Act 2015 are part of the country’s attempt at abiding by the framework. But like almost every law in Nigeria, implementation has remained a problem. Maybe it’ll be different this time around?
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We’ve stepped into 2025, and we’re all about fresh energy. You’re wondering what the next 12 months have in store for you. Well, wonder no more because we’re here to spill the tea for you. All you have to do is take this quiz:
Again, happy new year, folks! As we all know, stepping into a new year is all about fresh starts, new beginnings, and (let’s be real) making promises we might not keep. But in all seriousness, the start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on what we want to achieve, and how we plan to make it happen.
That’s why we asked Nigerians to share their New Year’s resolutions for 2025. From career goals to personal growth, and from the relatable to the ridiculous, their responses are motivating reminders that we’re all in this together.
So, what do Nigerians want to achieve in 2025? Here’s what ten people had to say:
Mariam
My resolution for the year is broken down across career, faith, money and enjoyment. It breaks down what goals I want to achieve at the end of the year, how much money I want to save, and what I can do to be a better Muslim. The enjoyment is simple stuff I enjoy like skincare and the books I want to buy.
Every year I make resolutions, I follow through on most of them. Before I wrote out what I wanted for 2025, I listed what I achieved in 2024 and realised that I hit 70% of my 2024 goals. I wrote out the resolution for 2025 in my app note and I’ll check it regularly to ensure I’m on the right track.
Olayemi*
My resolution for the year is to get better at my job. That is, improving my writing, my knowledge about the things that I cover and my source list, and connecting more with people doing incredible work in my ecosystem. I didn’t follow through with all my resolutions for 2024, and even this year, it’s been hard — because new year resolutions involve a change of habit and carving out time for new things you think are worth pursuing. That’s really been difficult, changing old habits and some things I still do.
And of course, I know that most of what I see is an accumulation of small, tiny habits: read one hour today, read one hour tomorrow, eventually by the end of the month, one has probably finished reading four books. Everyone already has busy lives, but it’s the intention of carving out time for something and sticking to it. Being disciplined about it is usually hard for most people and for me as well. But this year, we go again — we no gree, because eventually my life’s in my hands and it’s up to me what I make of it.
Mikun
I no longer work with resolutions, I work with prophecies and it’s much more effective. For example, I knew everything that happened to me in 2024 will happen right from the last days of 2023. God told me everything and I wrote them down. To help me visualise it, I put the visions together in one picture. Occasionally, I get visions about what God is willing to share about the people around me as well. I also told my friends what He had told me because I needed witnesses. God told me everything, down to December. So I’ve ditched resolutions since then. I follow prophecy and God’s instructions.
I have no resolution for 2025 either. My ultimate goal is to seek the kingdom of God. That’s all He told me for this year. And no, I’m helped by God so I don’t backslide on His instructions.
I put aside resolutions and started to work with prophecy in 2024 because that was the year I started hearing God and trusting His leading. I used to be a control freak, so I was a fan of resolutions. They used to fail like mad. For example, in 2023, I told myself that I was going to make my first million. I worked so hard but I didn’t hit it. I did in 2024 and it was a gift. In 2024, I did everything God told me and more. There was something He told me about November 2024 and I was terrified it wouldn’t happen, but it did. When you follow visions, you have a divine advantage. It’s really beautiful. To be honest, I don’t do anything outside the Holy Spirit. I don’t have habits that He can’t break. I had an addiction to soda and I wanted to stop it. I told Him about it and it’s been easy since then. Sometimes, prophecies can come in the form of instructions that would require you to drop certain habits.
Philemon
I don’t think they’re new year resolutions. I like to think of them as goals I’d like to achieve because they’ve been my goals even before 2025. I’ve never really written down a new year’s resolution. I didn’t have any new year’s resolutions for 2024. My goals were to improve my craft and value, which I think I did.
This year, I have goals I’d like to achieve and I work towards. The first and the most important is to get more money. I’m also keen on improving my health and value as an individual and a professional. I also want to build my body. That’s all.
Betty
My new year resolution is to deepen my creative explorations: write more and paint more. I spent last year in a pessimistic struggle for survival. 2025 is a nice year to make a change. I don’t usually have new year’s resolutions, but I follow through like 50% according to my track record.
Chigor
I actually don’t follow up with my plans. I usually come into the new year with plenty of energy and then back slide later. Last year for instance, one of the things I said I was going to do was workout, but I only did it till March and stopped. I backslided on some other plans last year that I can’t really start listing. But there are some like working out, making more friends, putting my work out there and stuff that I achieved.
The effort I make to follow through with my resolutions is mostly not calling them “resolutions” and making them a big deal, because once it’s framed as a big deal, my brain sort of taps out along the line. So, I’m just taking things one step at a time. For 2025, I don’t really have a “resolution,” but one thing I’ve acknowledged I want to do this year is go out more. I already aligned with one of my friends on this. We’re supposed to have a call this weekend about it actually.
Bobga
I didn’t set clear resolutions in 2024, to be honest. I went with the flow for most of it. Though it wasn’t horrible because I was very malleable and adjusted to situations better. For instance, I’d been waiting for my results to get cleared, so I could go do my NYSC, but I wasn’t sure when they’d clear it. So whenever I got disappointed by the school, I just made short term decisions that I believed would add up in the long run, like learning to mix vocals, or taking tutorials to improve my visual art.
This 2025 is the first time I’m setting clear resolutions. I want to hit the gym and bulk up. I want to drop more projects as an artist, explore more genres as an artist too. I also plan to be more outgoing.
Samuel
My resolution for the new year is to get a job that pays in dollars because I’m currently too poor to live in this country with my current income as a graphic and product designer. Also, I want to work more on my music this year.
I had a resolution to learn product design in 2024 and I followed through. I always try my best to follow through because my resolutions are very critical to my life. This new year, I’m taking one step at a time and staying positive.
Owoh
My resolution this year is to try as much as possible to stay sober. I want to cut down my drinking and smoking habits this year and focus on working out. My body needs a break and the exercises. My resolution for 2024 was to earn bigger and I did it. I got a new job and doubled my income. In 2025, I’m confident I’ll make more money than I did last year, but my health is my top priority this year. My HMO covers gym membership, which I’m super grateful for, and I’ve already registered and started working out small small.
Dinho
The thing about resolutions is that I’m always backsliding. I don’t think I’ve ever made a resolution and seen it through. Funny, I didn’t have any resolutions in 2024, I just wanted to get through the year. Regardless, what’s life if we don’t strive?
2025, so help me God, I intend to be more disciplined about showing up everyday. I genuinely believe it’s the key to success in my life. I’ve been committing to that by following the routine I created for myself to optimize workflow last year. I’m not taking any unnecessary days off.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is not just a serious and pervasive issue that affects people across all demographics in Nigeria; it also hinders societal progress.
You probably already know this, but GBV includes a wide range of harmful behaviours directed at people based on their gender. But while all genders are affected by this issue, women and girls suffer it the most.
Every now and again in Nigeria, reports of different forms of GBV, like rape, domestic abuse, femicide, and many more, make the news, and each time, we ask what can be done to stop this— the answer to that question is not a straight one, as deep fundamental societal issues and norms cause GBV but there is a major solution that can be used to reduce the prevalence of GBV— the law.
How to fight GBV with the VAPP Act
Even though there are several laws in place to combat Gender-based violence in Nigeria, this crime has remained a huge issue in the country, mostly because many victims do not understand the legal frameworks available for combatting it.
This article provides a guide to clear, actionable information about legal avenues available to victims of GBV in Nigeria; this guide will help lead victims to healing and justice.
Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act: The VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, is at the heart of Nigeria’s legal response to Gender-based violence. This landmark legislation represents significant progress in protecting individuals from various forms of violence, particularly women and girls.
What are the key provisions of the VAPP Act?
Comprehensive Definitions: The VAPP Act defines various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. This broad definition ensures that multiple forms of GBV are recognised and addressed.
Penalties for Offenders: Offenders face severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from two years to life, depending on the nature of the crime. This serves as a deterrent against GBV.
Victim Protections: The Act guarantees confidentiality for victims and protects their identities throughout their legal proceedings. This encourages more victims to come forward without fear of stigma or retaliation.
Access to Legal Representation: Victims can seek legal aid to navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring they have support during what is typically an overwhelming process.
Protection Orders: This is a special legal tool in the VAPP Act designed to prevent further violence against victims. This order can be used to prohibit an abuser from contacting or approaching the victim. Section 28(1) of the Act allows victims to apply for protection orders that are effective throughout the country. Additionally, the Protection Against Domestic Violence Law (PADVL) in Lagos State provides further provisions for individuals in domestic relationships to seek such orders.
Step-by-step guide to reporting GBV
Reporting GBV is a crucial step in seeking justice and holding offenders accountable. Here’s how this can be done effectively:
Gather Evidence
Preserving evidence is crucial for constructing a compelling case against an offender. The types of evidence that can be collected include:
Medical Reports: Obtain medical documentation that records any injuries sustained.
Photographs: Capture images that clearly show visible harm.
Eyewitness Accounts: Gather testimonies from individuals who witnessed the incidents, as their accounts can corroborate your story.
Reporting
Victims can report incidents at local police stations, NGOs specialising in GBV support, or through dedicated hotlines established for immediate assistance. These hotlines include:
1. International federation of women lawyers (FIDA) – 2347088496115
2. The Mirabel center – 08155770000, 08187243468, 07013491769
3. Women at Risk International Federation (WARIF) – 08092100009, 08092100008
4. Lagos DSVA – +2349167802222
When reporting, it is important to include details such as dates, locations, descriptions of the incident, and any witnesses who may have seen or heard what happened.
Legal Processes involved in the fight against GBV
The journey through the legal system can be daunting, but understanding each stage can help manage expectations:
1. Investigation
Once a report is made, law enforcement will gather evidence through interviews with witnesses and forensic analysis if necessary. Legal advisors play a crucial role in ensuring that victims’ rights are upheld during this phase. During this process, victims have certain rights, including the right to be treated with respect and dignity by law enforcement officials and the right to be duly informed about their case’s progress and any developments during investigations.
2. Prosecution
Once sufficient evidence is collected, charges are filed in court. Victims retain rights throughout the trial process; they should feel safe and supported while testifying and to ensure their comfort and safety, the court may implement measures such as closed hearings or allowing testimony via video link if there are concerns about intimidation.
3. Judgment
The outcomes may vary from conviction to acquittal based on the evidence presented. For example, if the accused is found guilty, appropriate sentencing measures may include restitution for victims—financial compensation for damages suffered due to violence.
The case timeline varies, but staying informed and persistent ensures better outcomes.
Profiles of Some Organizations Offering Pro Bono (free) Legal Support
Women Impact Nigeria (WIN): Committed to combating social injustice and violence against women and girls through a comprehensive legal aid system.
Mirabel Centre: Specializes in providing medical care and legal assistance specifically for survivors of sexual violence.
LEEDAP: Provides free legal representation to poor and vulnerable victims of human rights violations.
Project Alert: Focuses on raising awareness about GBV while offering support services such as counselling and legal aid.
These organisations play a crucial role in empowering victims by providing essential resources and support networks tailored specifically for those affected by GBV.
In addition to the VAPP Act, other relevant laws include the Criminal Code, Penal Code, and Child Rights Act. These laws collectively address various forms of violence and discrimination. For example, the Criminal Code outlines offences related to sexual violence, while the Child Rights Act provides specific protections for minors.
These laws operate at both federal and state levels, with some states, like Lagos and Ekiti, implementing additional gender-based violence laws that complement the VAPP Act. Understanding how these laws interact is essential for effectively navigating the legal landscape.
Gender-based violence is a grave issue, but victims are not powerless. Armed with knowledge of their rights and Nigeria’s legal framework, survivors can hold perpetrators accountable and begin their journey to healing. With the support of dedicated organisations and advocates, the path to justice becomes clearer and more attainable.
You are not alone. Seek justice, find support, and break the cycle of violence.
This article was written by the We Believe You Initiative.
Every week, Zikoko seeks to understand how people move the Naira in and out of their lives. Some stories will be struggle-ish, others will be bougie. All the time, it’ll be revealing.
What’s your earliest memory of money?
In JSS 3, I was a part-time apprentice learning how to make aluminium windows. Sometimes, clients would drop amounts like ₦1k for the apprentices to share. I can’t remember how much I usually got, but it was enough for snacks. That was the first time I got extra money — my family was quite poor —so it was a big deal.
Tell me more about your family’s financial situation
I grew up in the north, and everyone was pretty much content with what they had. I only realised we were poor when I became older.
My dad was an okada rider, but when the state government banned okadas, he lost that income source. Then, he had a stint cleaning at a general hospital and farmed for food.
My mum also did several things for money; she sold kerosene, firewood, uncooked pap and ground pepper for people with her grinding machine.
I’m the first child, and learning a trade while still in school was my parents’ way of making sure I had skills that could lead to money in the future. I didn’t just learn how to make windows; I also learnt photography and electrical installations. Those didn’t exactly bring money— except on the random occasions when clients dashed the apprentices’ money. I did get a chance to make money when I got into the polytechnic in 2017.
How did that happen?
So, at this point, I was living with my uncle. His son and I schooled in the same area, and I remember him giving us foodstuff and ₦500 each, then explaining that was all he had after saving for two weeks. It was very clear I needed to figure something out.
My mum sent me my first school fees — around ₦62k, but instead of paying my fees, I teamed up with my girlfriend and used the money to start a plantain chips business. We’d wake up at 4 a.m. to buy plantains at the market for insanely low prices, fry and pack in small plastic buckets, which we then gave to people to sell in school.
We didn’t turn a profit at first, but I made my school fees back.
Phew. That could’ve turned out badly
That wasn’t the last time I used my school fees for business. We sold the chips for about a year and used my school fees as the capital for the most part. We stopped after a year when school authorities banned students from selling on the premises.
Around the same time, my landlady sent me and my guys packing, so I used everything I’d saved from the business to rent a new room. My guys never refunded me, and that’s how that money went.
I finished my OND in 2019 with distinction and got a ₦50k cash gift from the state governor. I used the money to buy an Infinix phone someone eventually stole.
Yikes.
Anyway, my internship came next, and I secured an intern technician role at a company that sold inverters, batteries and other energy products. My salary was ₦15k/month, which mostly only covered transportation.
Whatever was left went into financial self-help books. I think my financial situation really started to hit me, and I just wanted to learn everything I could about making money. I also started a liquid soap side hustle with the guys I lived with.
We made the soap in 5-litre kegs and sold each at ₦1k. We stopped when we ran out of customers. Then, we moved to coated peanuts. A friend’s sister sold zobo, so I went to her for used zobo bottles. We washed the bottles and used them for our peanuts. I can’t remember how much we sold the peanuts because sales weren’t consistent. We just shared whatever profit we made.
That’s how I managed my ₦15k salary. At some point, my employers increased it to ₦20k, but I didn’t enjoy that for long because my two-year internship ended three months later.
Two years?
It was supposed to be one year, but I waited an extra year to return to school for my HND because of my girlfriend. Our school had some delays with the HND programme, and I didn’t want to leave her behind. Funny enough, she got a scholarship to study at a private university, and I returned to school alone.
But before I returned to school, my girlfriend and I decided to take the coated peanuts business seriously and make it a professional venture. We registered the business as a company and got NAFDAC approval in 2021. That was around the time Vice President Osinbajo offered a discount for people to register companies, and I spent less than ₦20k.
What was the NAFDAC approval process like?
Pretty seamless. I went to their office to get the requirements, and it took us about two months and about ₦100k from start to finish. That included the cost of fumigating the kitchen space we used for production and settling other requirements the NAFDAC officials gave as conditions for the inspection before finally getting the approval. We started selling before the approval came, though.
My girlfriend took the peanuts to different banks on Fridays, and we also approached several supermarkets. We made the peanuts in 200 and 500 grams bottles and sold each at ₦1500 and ₦3k, respectively. Again, sales weren’t that consistent, and we put most of what we made back into the business.
Marketing reduced when I resumed school. Since my girlfriend had transferred schools, I had to do it alone. So, in 2022, I dialled down on production and turned to writing for extra cash.
How did that go?
The money wasn’t great, but I survived. Although it was inconsistent, I charged ₦15k to write and print projects for students. Even when the gigs came, a project could take about three to six months to complete.
Naturally, I was exploring other opportunities. A few friends in school had access to the SUG buses and used to get periodic solar installation gigs, so I tagged along since I had installation experience. The first time I went with them, we installed 12 panels in about four different places, and they paid me ₦45k. That was the biggest lump sum I’d ever received as personal income. I was so excited.
Subsequent gigs paid ₦15k, but I absolutely loved it. I spent practically nothing on transportation and got fed whenever we went for gigs. It was like free money for only three hours of work. After a few months, I started getting the gigs myself and sharing the work with a friend. The first huge gig I got was in 2023, during NYSC. ₦1.3m for solar panel installations.
Mad o
That wasn’t only profit o. I still had to buy the panels and other materials. Even though I brought two friends on the project, I made ₦200k in profit. But that ₦1.3m was the biggest amount to ever enter my account. It was surreal.
Besides the occasional income from the solar installation gigs, I also got ₦53k/month from NYSC — ₦33k stipend and ₦20k from my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). I served in the same polytechnic I graduated from, and I did everything from being a personal assistant to a lecturer to helping him teach classes within and outside the school.
In addition, I got some side income helping students write project reports, which brought ₦30k on average. Plus, I received random ₦10ks here and there from students who were being supervised by the lecturer I worked with. The lecturer was super strict with projects, and some students gave me money to help with their projects or make sure they got approved.
I made good money during my service year, and when it ended in October 2024, the money was pretty much used to set up my life. I got a ₦150k/year self-contained apartment and furnished the place with some furniture and other essentials. I even splurged ₦280k on a fridge and got a new laptop for ₦370k. In all, I spent about ₦1m.
What’s your income like post-NYSC?
I’m currently unemployed with no consistent income. Right now, I have only ₦900 in my account. Solar panel installation gigs don’t come as often anymore, and I can’t be sure of when or how much money will enter my account. The last gig I got was about a month ago, and it paid ₦220k. I used that to buy half a bag of rice and some other provisions because I might not get another gig for another month or two.
I still run the coated peanut business, but I don’t earn from it. My girlfriend and I broke up in 2023, and I haven’t had much time to focus on growing the business. I have a manager who I pay ₦30k/month to handle the end-to-end process of producing and packaging the peanuts whenever we have orders from a supermarket.
Whatever we make is returned to the business to pay the manager and other workers involved in production. The orders don’t come every month, and I have to pay the manager out of pocket most of the time, like I did in the last two months. I hope to give more attention to the business in 2025 and see how I can grow it.
Out of curiosity, does your unstable financial situation come with some anxiety?
Definitely. I get anxious, but I anticipated this as I was rounding up NYSC. I just make sure to always have food at home so I don’t add hunger to the pressure of not having a job. That way, I can keep a clear head and explore how to pursue my dreams and turn my business around.
I also have some money invested. Out of the ₦220k I made last month, I invested ₦110k in a friend’s cassava farm. I’m supposed to put in ₦350k, so I’ll spread the balance over the next few months. I expect to make a ₦245k profit added to my initial investment after harvest at the end of the year.
So, when I feel bad about asking someone for ₦2k data like I did last night, I remember that I still have something to look forward to. I also have the bulk of my money invested into my business. It reminds me that while I don’t have money right now, I didn’t exactly waste it when I had it.
Right. Sounds like you’re not exactly job-hunting
I think about getting a job sometimes, but I want one that’ll give me time to pursue other interests and maybe explore a writing career. I don’t want to be stuck at a 9-5 that’ll keep me in a cycle. I’m not looking for a job just to survive.
I’ve turned down offers. The person I work with on solar installation projects offered me ₦100k/month to come work with him full-time, but I refused because I’d have to go everywhere with him and possibly work 24/7. I don’t want that. If I find a remote job that allows me flexibility and creative control of my time now, I’d definitely take it.
I notice you haven’t really mentioned your family, but you’re the firstborn. Do they have financial expectations of you?
My dad and I are not on great terms. Nothing serious; he just doesn’t know whether I’m surviving or not since I was in the polytechnic. My mum doesn’t ask me for money, but she put me through school. So, whenever I have money, I send her between ₦20k – ₦30k, or as I earn. For my siblings, I support them when I need to. I’m not under black tax pressure to handle anyone’s expenses.
Talking about expenses, what are your recurring monthly expenses like?
I buy food in bulk when money enters my account, so I don’t spend on food monthly. The only food items I buy outside bulk shopping are bread and the occasional pepper for stew.
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I’m quite self-sufficient, so it makes me plan my money right down to the last kobo. I don’t like begging or asking for salt from neighbours, so I think ahead for whatever I might need and plan accordingly.
I also like to invest. I know if I spend everything that comes to my hand, I’ll suffer for it soon. But by investing, I have something to look forward to.
Is there something you want right now but can’t afford?
A washing machine. I’ve become very lazy to do my laundry. The last one I checked cost ₦177k, and I’ll probably get it next year from the proceeds of my cassava investment.
How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1 – 10?
5. I don’t have all the money I need, but I’m content that I’ve utilised the opportunities I had to the best of my ability.
If you’re interested in talking about your Naira Life story, this is a good place to start.
