If you ask any Nigerian living in Nigeria to describe 2024 for you, they’ll probably give you the same response: “Shege pro max”. But despite the shege Emilokan’s government and inflation dealt Nigerians this year, real lovers still found ways to go all out for their partners.
From spending over ₦600k on fuel to flying across borders for food and surprise birthdays, these individuals prove that our country people don’t hold back on love—even in the face of intense suffering.
Tunde*, 30
The wildest thing I did for love this year? That’ll be spending over ₦600k on fuel for my girlfriend. Before fuel prices skyrocketed, I used to handle the fuel for her car and generator. But this year, the amount tripled. I recently calculated how much I’ve spent, and it’s wild AF. Just fuel alone o! I love her, but at this rate, I might need to chill a little going into 2025.
Seyi*, 31
I pretended to enjoy the gym for my talking stage babe. She’s obsessed with the gym and bodybuilding, and I’m more of an “As long as you’re eating healthy” guy. But every other weekend this year, I’ve been joining her for long, excruciating gym sessions and pretending not to die. And she thinks I love the sessions because I’ve paid for subscriptions and even bought “sports gear” to keep the act alive. Love will make you do stupid things sha.
Joke*, 27
I moved to another state for love. My fiance got a job in Port Harcourt, and instead of doing long distance, I packed my life in Lagos and followed him. I found a remote job, moved in with him, and adjusted to a city I barely knew because I couldn’t imagine not being near him. But to be fair, I’ve always considered moving out of Lagos; this city is the absolute ghetto. And I thought, since the UK or US still seem farfetched, why not consider moving states? I’ve had absolutely zero regrets.
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Ishmael*, 29
I bought my girlfriend a puppy because she loves dogs, even though I’m terrified of them. The dog has taken over our lives—chewing everything in sight and barking at 3 a.m. And guess who takes care of it 90% of the time? Me. I’m the one buying the food, walking it, and cleaning up after it. The crazy thing is, I’m a Muslim, and we’re not supposed to associate with dogs. God, abeg.
Esther*, 31
I took a large sum from my savings to plan a surprise 50th birthday party for my husband’s mum in this Tinubu’s economy. She’s a single mum who worked hard to raise him, and I wanted to show her how much she means to us. I gathered her friends and family, picked out asoebi for her, and even got her church choir to sing. My husband cried when she walked into the party. It was a lot of stress, but totally worth it. What makes it wild is that I’ve never done something as grand for my parents. But then again, that’s because my parents have about eight of us, and sometimes it feels like we’re competing against each other to do stuff for them. My mother-in-law doesn’t enjoy all that.
Jerry*, 41
Earlier this year, during my wife’s pregnancy, she became obsessed with food from a particular vendor in Ibadan. Anytime the vendor posted a new menu, she’d forward it to me or go on and on about how it was the only thing she wanted to eat. I tried ordering from vendors in Lagos who sold similar meals, but she wasn’t satisfied.
One random weekend, I drove to Ibadan to get enough food to last a month. The funny part? When I got back, she said, “Ehn, I’m not feeling it again.” I was so mad, but I packed everything into the freezer. After ignoring it for a week, she finally started eating it—and it became the only thing she wanted till the end of her pregnancy. I made four more trips to Ibadan before she went to bed. Anytime I remind her of what she put me through, she laughs and says, “Don’t worry, next pregnancy, we’ll send you further.”
Ayomipo*, 28
I paid off my ex-boyfriend’s ₦700k debt. We broke up on mutual grounds but stayed friends with benefits. And no, the benefits aren’t just sexual—we’ve come through for each other in other ways, too.
He’d taken a loan to fund a business that didn’t work out, and even though he tried to act like it wasn’t a big deal, I could tell it was breaking him. Anytime I asked for updates, he’d shy away from the topic. I couldn’t bear to see him like that, so I cleared the debt without telling him. Two weeks later, he found out when the loan sharks stopped calling.
Dating a lawyer sounds exciting until you realise you’re arguing about who left the tap running or competing with their packed schedules for attention. From corporate powerhouses to law undergraduates, we asked seven Nigerians to share their experiences dating lawyers and let’s say it’s not always suit-and-tie romance.
Bisi*
My ex and current partner are lawyers, and while both are extremely intelligent and passionate, their intelligence can sometimes complicate relationships. My ex treated our relationship like a business. He’d document our discussions and refer back to them during arguments. It got so bad I started watching every word I said because he’d use it against me later. That pressure eventually ended things between us.
My current partner has similar tendencies, but he reminds himself that we’re lovers, not in a courtroom. With him, I don’t feel like I’m constantly being cross-examined, even when we argue.
Ayo*
As a lawyer who’s dated other lawyers, I’ll say some stereotypes about us are exaggerated. That said, lawyers can be insufferable. While not all of us turn every conversation into an argument, many do. Because I’ve mostly dated within the field, this hasn’t been an issue—we both see arguing as playful banter rather than conflict.
But here’s something people don’t talk about: the high-pressure lifestyle. Depending on their area of practice, lawyers tend to be workaholics and often resort to substances to cope. Back in law school, my friends and I experimented heavily, and while we’ve toned it down now, stressful cases can bring it back. Not everyone can handle dating someone with that kind of coping mechanism.
Kunle*
I once dated a corporate lawyer, and let me tell you—that babe was monied. She handled high-profile clients, had access to insane luxury, and always looked stunning in her expensive outfits. Dinner at five-star restaurants and hopping expensive hotels became our norm. She hardly asked me for anything, and it felt like a dream considering Nigeria’s shitty dating pool.
But then she relocated abroad for work last year, and distance ruined things. We tried to make it work, but it wasn’t sustainable. Since then, I’ve been trying to bag another corporate lawyer babe, but I’ve not found my spec.
Joy*
I had a situationship with a lawyer once, and by the time it ended, I understood why it never became something more. Every conversation felt like a debate. He never considered my opinions or alternatives to his views—it was always his way or nothing.
Yes, he was attractive and occasionally swept me off my feet, but his egotism and misogyny were dealbreakers. After a while, I couldn’t stand him. There were good moments, but the bad ones left me with no choice but to walk away.
Evelyn*
It depends on the kind of lawyer, really. My dad’s a lawyer, and his dedication to our family inspired me to date one. My ex wasn’t the problem—our breakup was mutual and not because of his profession. If anything, his legal background gave me peace of mind. He was big on “rights” and fair treatment, and I always felt secure knowing he’d never cheat or manipulate me.
Another thing I loved? He seemed to know everyone. Anytime I had a problem, he’d always have a connection to help. That kind of influence and reliability was one of the best parts of dating him.
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Hakeem*
As a law undergraduate, I’ve dated two female law students, and honestly, dating within the faculty is chaotic. We’re all juggling the same intense schedules, but seeing my partner mirror my struggles brought us closer in some ways. One of my exes was so organised she’d schedule our dates on Google Calendar. At first, I frowned at it, but I found myself doing the same.
What stood out most was how easily we slipped into professional mode. Sometimes, we’d sit together in silence, prepping for case studies, and it felt like a work partnership more than a relationship.
Amarachi*
Dating a lawyer has its pros and cons. On the bright side, my partner is a great listener, a thoughtful planner, and amazing with decision-making. His attention to detail means he knows exactly what I like, plans the best dates, and never runs out of topics to discuss. He’s principled, disciplined, well-dressed, and incredibly reliable—if he says he’ll be somewhere in five minutes, he’s there. Plus, being with him comes with unmatched respect everywhere we go.
The downside? He’s often too busy, with little time for holidays or rest, and work can make him distant or unavailable. He’s stubborn and meticulous, always ready to back his arguments with facts, which can be frustrating during disagreements. But he’s honest to a fault and rarely lies.
To date a lawyer, you need patience, understanding, and grace. They’re under constant pressure, often just needing someone to listen rather than offer solutions. If you can be supportive and let them lean on you when needed, they make incredibly loving and dependable partners.
Yesterday was International Men’s Day, and while some guys might pretend not to care, we know accountability in friendships is a big deal. From calling each other out on bad behaviour to getting family members involved, these Nigerian men share how they keep their guys in check.
Emeka*
I’m the kind of friend who will call you out on your bullshit without sugarcoating. If I think you’re messing up, I’ll tell you straight. My guys know me as the one who isn’t afraid to speak the truth, even if it stings. Sometimes, we ignore each other for weeks, but when they cool off, they return and say, “Omo, you were right.” It’s tough love, but it works.
Tunde*
I have a method of holding my friends accountable that’s not exactly conventional. If someone in our circle is slipping—be it with work, relationships, or just generally acting out—I report them to family members they respect. Whether it’s a big brother or even their mum, these people have a way of speaking sense into them that I can’t. Some people would probably call it snitching, but I think it’s an act of caring.
Dimeji*
For me, accountability is about keeping the right energy in our circle. If someone is out here wilding, I organise an intervention. We all sit down, have a heart-to-heart, and make sure he knows we’re doing this out of love. We’ve managed to pull one of our boys back from a downward spiral using this method, and he’s still grateful to this day.
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Chuka*
I’m the youngest in my friend group, but I don’t let that stop me from speaking up. If I feel like one of my older friends is messing up, I’ll send a long voice note or text explaining my point. Sometimes they listen; sometimes they brush it off. But I never keep quiet when something feels off because real friends hold each other down.
Kelechi*
I think accountability is all about leading by example. If you want people to follow the right path, show them you’re also on the same path. And that’s how I move with my guys. If I want them to step up—whether it’s being better partners, taking their careers seriously, or just staying healthy—I make sure I’m doing the same. I don’t preach; I live it. And over time, they start following my lead.
Femi*
I’m not big on confrontations, so I prefer to use humour to hold my friends accountable. If one of them is being reckless, I’ll clown him in the group chat with jokes, memes, and sarcastic comments. It’s funny, but they know the message is real. It keeps things light, but the point hits home.
Suleiman*
I think with age comes a different perspective on accountability. When my friends are on a self-destructive path, I bring in a mentor figure we all trust—like an elder from our mosque or a respected uncle. These people have wisdom and can talk to them in a way that makes them reflect and change. Sometimes, we need that level of seriousness.
It’s another International Men’s Day celebration, which means you’ve got to show some love to the guys in your life. However, we know some Nigerian men would rather chew glass than freely express how they feel about their male friends because it feels awkward.
If you’re on this table, we’re judging you like mad. But we’ve also compiled 15 messages that get the job done while keeping things very cutesy and demure.
1. “You still alive, or should I start auditioning for a new best man?”
Because sometimes, all it takes is reminding them that being your friend means constant life check-ins.
2. “Bro, you sef go gym today?”
A nice way to check if he’s keeping fit or needs a little pep talk to get back into routine.
3. “Man, how’s life treating you? You know I’m here if you ever need to vent or laugh about how crazy things are.”
This heartfelt message allows him to open up or share an unhinged gist.
4. “Still chasing your dreams or have you settled for being my personal hype man?”
Encouraging, with just the right amount of banter. If he’s going through something, this might give him a push to talk to you.
5. “Drop location. Let’s eat.”
Food solves everything. And if he’s going through something, a heavy plate of semo and seafood egusi with his bro might be what he needs.
6. “You dey owe me gist. What’s going on?”
Make it about him owing you instead of you worrying. It’s a win-win: he shares, and you hear all the tea.
7. “How’s that thing we don’t talk about going?”
He knows what you mean. And if he wants to talk about it, this message makes it easier.
8. “Remember to be a bad bitch today, baby boy.”
Sometimes, hyping your boy up is the ultimate form of support. Everybody needs a reminder now and then.
9. “When was the last time you took a break and treated yourself, big man? You deserve it.”
Guys often forget to prioritise self-care. You’re just here to remind him that YOLO.
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11. “Just wanted to say you’re doing great, even if life isn’t giving you gold stars right now.”
The type of message that’ll warm his heart, even if he doesn’t say it out loud.
11. “How’s your mental health, bro? Like, for real. No pretending to be a gangster today.”
Straight to the point, but with a layer of care. It’s okay to not always be strong.
12. “You still owe me that PS5 match.”
Use his love of gaming to check-in. The possibility of getting beat might be the push he needs to open up.
13. “You know you can text me at any hour, right? Just don’t call me before 9 a.m., I’ll still be asleep.”
Your guy will feel better knowing you’re there for him, even with boundaries.
Life is hard, but life in Nigeria is even harder for young people under Emilokan’s government. If you’ve managed to secure a sugar mummy who hasn’t yet taken the hint to make your life easier by shipping you off to the UK or US, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a no-fail guide on how to make your glucose mummy sponsor your relocation from Nigeria.
Dump your Nigerian name
If you’re a Mukaila Alao or Adeniji Ifasowapo, it’s time for you to abandon those names and insist on your sucre mamito calling you a Jack Ferguson or Brandon Hammerman. It’ll make it easier for her to start seeing you as a foreign somebody.
Organise a “send forth” party for yourself
Throw an elaborate party where you invite her entire clique, and call it “Baby Brandon takes Europe.” Complete with a cake that says, “To Europe, With Love from Mama Sugar.” Guilt trip her into making the relocation dream come true.
Become her travel content creator in training
Convince her that sponsoring your relocation is in her best interest because you’ll start a social media series documenting “The Adventures of Lady Suzzy and Boy Brandon.” Promise her she’ll be famous worldwide.
Introduce her to International Sugar Mummy Societies
Tell her she needs to network with sugar mummies in London or Dubai for “business connections.” Obviously, you must go ahead first to prepare the way for her royal arrival.
Start speaking only in foreign currency
Refuse to acknowledge Naira anymore. Every time she asks you how much something costs, respond in dollars or euros, and explain that you’re just preparing for your new life abroad. She’ll get with the programme.
Fake an international sponsorship deal
Tell her an “abroad-based” Nigerian sugar mummy has offered to sponsor you, but you turned her down out of loyalty. Remind her that “opportunities like this don’t wait forever,” so she needs to act fast.
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Start a countdown clock
Set up a giant clock that counts down the days until you “have to leave for abroad” and put it in her living room. Tell her it’s a motivational reminder that life is short, and the time for action is now!
Master the art of emotional blackmail
If everything else fails, you’ll most likely secure that abroad sponsorship with the emotional blackmail card. Tearfully tell her that whenever you dream about your future together, it’s in an exotic location, like Santorini or Paris. Hold her hand and whisper, “Mama, do you really want us to die in Mowe Ibafo?”
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.
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When did you first realise the importance of money?
Secondary school, and it was in the context of how people treat each other. I went to an international school, a typical rich kid setting, and the students used money as a popularity yardstick. It was like, “Why should I talk to you if you can’t afford to buy XYZ?”
It was the first time I saw something like that, and it seemed brutal. I didn’t understand why it mattered that people couldn’t afford certain things.
Did you also fall into this category? I mean, not being as rich as the others?
Oh no. I grew up comfortable. My parents are civil servants who own businesses on the side, and we’ve vacationed abroad at least once a year since I was in primary school. Money was never a problem, but I consider myself naturally empathetic, so my classmates’ attitude bothered me.
Plus, my parents didn’t teach me to look down on people based on what they could or couldn’t afford. They’re firm believers of moderation and humility, so my sister and I knew early that mummy and daddy would never throw money at you. They provided the basics. If I needed extra money, I worked for it.
It’s safe to assume you started working early for money then?
Yes, I made money for the first time in primary 4. My sister and I learnt how to make beaded bracelets by watching videos on the internet, and we convinced our parents to buy us the beads and other materials we needed. Initially, we only made bracelets for each other. But we wore them to school, and our classmates liked them, so we decided to sell them.
Each bracelet cost about ₦150 to make, and I sold them for ₦300 – ₦350, depending on the style and whether or not I included charms. My aunty lived with us, so she helped us keep money aside for the materials. My sister and I shared whatever profit remained. We did that business for about a year. By then, almost everyone in our classes had a bracelet, so there was no market anymore.
Oh wait, I just remembered I had a month-long stint reselling snacks in my class before the bracelets thing. I noticed some people came to school with money instead of food, and there was this big shop close to my house that sold snacks. So, I bought snacks from the shop and sold them in class for a ₦50 profit.
I’m trying and failing to picture a 9-year-old logging around snacks
Haha. I always went to the shop with my aunty, and she helped with the buying. The snacks were popular with my classmates because they cost a little less than the ones sold in the school shops, but the ₦50 profit was small. So, I stopped and moved on to the bracelets instead.
Why the need to try businesses so early though?
I liked the idea of having my own money. The bracelet thing was basically turning a skill into a money-making opportunity. My parents are also business-oriented, so they encouraged my sister and me to explore as much as possible.
I entered secondary school in 2014 and resumed the snacks business. Unlike me, most of my classmates were boarding students, and the tuck shop didn’t have much variety. My parents gave me a ₦1500 weekly allowance, so I used part of that to buy snacks from home and sell them in school.
My profit margin was greater this time around, and I made at least ₦150 on every item. In a week, I could make up to ₦2k in profit, and I spent my money on food and gifts for family and friends. I did the business between JSS 2 and SS 1, then I stopped because the school banned boarding students from buying food outside the tuck shop.
I graduated from secondary school in 2020, but I was forced to remain at home for two years due to the pandemic and plenty ASUU strikes. So, while I waited for school, I sold tote bags and other accessories.
How did that work?
I opened an Instagram page and began advertising the tote bags, scrunches, and pillowcases I made myself. I took a sewing class once in secondary school, and I’m quite creative, so it wasn’t that difficult to learn. YouTube also helped a lot.
However, sales weren’t regular. I only sold to a few of my friends and some people online. I can’t even remember what the profit was like because I could sell something once a month and then go weeks without selling anything. I eventually stopped the business in 100 level. My parents gave me a ₦40k monthly allowance, so I just relied on that.
In 200 level, my allowance increased to ₦100k, and I decided it was time to take my finances seriously. The inspiration to get serious with money came from an Instagram financial influencer. She talked a lot about investments and financial management, so I followed her and took a bunch of financial courses she recommended. Most were free, and they were about understanding the stock market and other investment channels.
I’ve always been about making money, but this influencer’s page motivated me to think more about my finances and how to attain financial stability and independence rather than just making quick money. So, since 2023, I’ve been saving half of my allowance and investing some of it in stocks.
What kind of stocks?
US and Nigerian stocks, and sometimes I invest in dollars. Before I bought my first stocks, I tested the waters with a dollar investment. I put $10 in a fintech app and sold it two months later when the exchange rate increased. I made a ₦15k profit on that.
Then, I moved to a brokerage service and put $20 on low-risk stocks because I was wary of losing money. My parents didn’t even support my investment plans — an uncle once lost money to the MMM scam, and I guess they assumed it meant all investments weren’t trustworthy.
I still continued sha. I have about $120 in stocks right now, but that value increases and decreases depending on market conditions. I’m thinking about the stocks as long-term investments, so I’m leaving my profit to accumulate. I also save in savings apps. Currently, my savings and investment portfolio is worth ₦1.2m.
Not bad. Do you still live on allowances?
For the most part, yes. I’m in 200 level, but I also do a bunch of different things to make money. One of them is personal shopping, which I started early this year. My classmates always complimented my fashion taste and asked where I got my pieces, so I decided to make a business out of it.
So, I help people buy clothes — either what they ask me to get something specific or I just buy if I see anything nice and resell it to them. Sometimes, I outsource styles to a tailor and sell the outfits to my clients. I made at least a ₦1500 profit on clothes I buy from the market and resell.
I don’t really have a steady client base yet, but people come to me occasionally, and I make some money here and there.
I also make money from makeup modelling gigs. I started in 2020 after secondary school and worked with an agency. I left the agency in 2022 because of the bad pay. I got ₦5k per gig, and after removing the agent’s commission and my transportation costs, I was often left with ₦1500 as profit. It didn’t make sense, so I went freelance. It’s been a while since I got gigs, sha.
Voiceover gigs are my most recent venture. A friend needed someone to read two scripts a few months ago, so I did that and got paid ₦6k. I also do a bit of scriptwriting and content creation for a little extra cash here and there.
Seems like you’re bent on trying everything
I just want to build wealth as early as possible. I believe the earlier I start, the faster I can build something like a business empire. The goal is to be financially free and afford a good life. By good life, I mean being able to travel at least two or three times a year. I plan to keep saving and investing till I can do that.
Is it safe to assume the plan after uni is to start working on that empire?
Exactly. I intend to start businesses tailored to my various interests. My friends tease me about being a jack of all trades and never sitting down in one place. But if I’m good at many things, shouldn’t I just do everything?
That said, I like fashion, so I’ll most likely work towards creating a fashion brand where I’ll provide styling services, clothing, and accessories. I also love cooking, so I might start a cooking business, too. I’m always scouring YouTube for recipes and recreating them. I’ll probably end up doing both fashion and food and creating content for both brands.
But short term, I plan to buy land with my savings next year and start a maize farm. I’m thinking of maize because it’s such a versatile crop, and from my findings, it’s also profitable. I’m still working out how it’ll run though. Of course, I’ll have to hire a trusted person to manage it on my behalf, as school won’t let me be more hands-on.
I’m not really focused on a 9-5 job because I see how hard my parents still work at their businesses, even while employed. So, I’m not thinking about making money only within the confines of a job. I’ll still run a business even if I’m employed.
Let’s talk about your current monthly expenses
I plan my expenses using my allowance. Anything extra I get from side gigs is just a plus. So, my allowance typically goes like this:
Savings – ₦50k
Data, food and other personal needs – ₦50k
I split my monthly savings into investments and a savings app. ₦25k goes into stocks and dollars, and I save the remaining ₦25k. I don’t have a budget for transportation —my parents bought me a car last semester to make my commute easier, and they pay for the fuel.
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I think I have two extremes with my finances. Sometimes, I spend aggressively, and other times, I save aggressively. But whenever I’m in that spending state, I make sure not to touch my savings.
What was your last “aggressive” purchase?
I swapped my iPhone 13 for an iPhone 16 and got some new clothes for content. To be fair, I only paid for the clothes. The phone swap cost ₦1.2m, and my dad paid that.
Is there anything you want right now but can’t afford?
A bigger ring light and tripod for content creation. I’m still trying to justify whether I actually need to get new ones since I already have a small tripod and ring light. So I haven’t looked at the prices yet.
How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1-10?
7.5. I’m okay right now, but I can do so much better. I’m on the right path.
If you’re interested in talking about your Naira Life story, this is a good place to start.
When you think about dating an upcoming music star, your first thought is probably, “They’ll always want me to listen to their songs and tell them they’ll be the next Burna Boy.” And yeah, that’ll legit happen, but trust us—there’s way more to it than constant music reviews.
We spoke to some Nigerians who’ve been there, done that, and even helped fund a music video or two. Here’s what they had to say.
Adaora*
For the ones who are genuinely talented and deeply passionate about their art, the music always comes first. This is something you need to understand from the get-go. That way, you don’t feel like you’re in competition with something that means everything to them. And trust me, if it’s someone who lives and breathes music, they’ll never choose you over it. If you can accept that, you might find you have the thick skin to handle all the other bullshit that comes with dating an artist. I’m currently dating one, and it’s been a huge learning curve. They love in a way that not everyone will understand.
Tomi*
People don’t realise how much dating an artiste can mess you up. A near-success syndrome eats at you, especially when you’re invested in their dream. Every rejection, every song that fails to blow, every lukewarm response to the track you were sure would take you both out of the trenches, chips away at your soul. Even though you’re not the musician, you’re invested because, in their dream of the future, you’re either their manager, superstar lover, or a crucial team member. I wouldn’t recommend it. My ex eventually realised music wasn’t his calling, and that realisation contributed to our breakup. He felt I’d been egging him on instead of telling him the hard truth.
Henrietta*
I dated someone on the brink of mainstream fame but paid for it dearly. I lost my finances, my self-esteem, and even myself. It was partly my fault for not realising sooner that he saw me as a means to an end. My brothers are in showbiz and have some high-up connections, something I don’t go around advertising. But you’ll know if you’re close to me, especially as a partner. He used that to his advantage, constantly taking while I kept giving because he sold me this picture of a beautiful future together. I learned the hard way that many artists can be selfish and laser-focused on their goals, even if it means hurting those around them.
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Feyi*
They’re always broke. It’s not because they don’t make money; the music eats it all. I’ve dated two upcoming artists, and while they were great guys, the financial drain was something I wasn’t ready for. Every penny went to unproductive studio sessions. When I asked them to spend on me, they’d tell grand stories about investing in their careers for a better future. The last straw was when my ex sold his car to fund a music video. To be fair, the car was problematic, but at least it saved us from jumping on buses or spending money on Uber. One day, I got to his place and found the car gone. He explained he’d sold it, and the video he made with the money? It’s still on his hard drive because he thinks it’s not good enough.
Denzel*
Dating an up-and-coming artiste is different for everyone because I am one. Some people like you for your music; others want you despite it. The best part about dating me as an artiste? I’ll make you my muse and involve you in my creative process. Also, I’m not putting “I’m an artiste” all in your face.
My relationships worked better when I was committed to my partners. Some artistes have stable relationships, and others are always knee-deep in drama. For me, if it didn’t work, it was either because my heart wasn’t in it or it was just casual. But as an artiste, I wouldn’t mind dating another up-and-coming act.
Hassan*
In the beginning, it wasn’t bad. Things only went south when one of us started progressing, and jealousy crept in. The best part of dating my ex was the quality time we spent together when she was free. Music was always her number one priority, but when she was available, she was fully present.
Would I date an upcoming artiste again? Nope. The industry has become too “dirty” for my liking, and I don’t want to be involved with someone still trying to break into that scene.
James*
I had to master the art of lying and telling the truth simultaneously. Sounds confusing, right? My girlfriend gets excited about her music, and I’m usually one of the first people she plays it to. Sometimes, I know we’re not making it out of the trenches with that song, but I try to soften the blow. And to be honest, some of the music grows on you over time. It’s like when Wizkid’s Essence first dropped—imagine if I shut it down the first time I heard it. Sometimes, you just need to give it a chance.
Before you argue for or against POS agents, you might want to read Gbolahan’s* story first.
He talks about navigating assumptions about POS agents being opportunistic, wanting people to be more understanding and why he intends to stick with the business.
As told to Boluwatife
Image: Zikoko
I’ve been in the POS business for about three years now, and while carrying out online payment transactions for money wasn’t exactly my dream job, it pays my bills. At least I’m making money in an honest way, and I need Nigerians to respect that.
My POS business has saved my life in more ways than one. In addition to being my primary source of income, it has helped me develop a sense of self-worth and independence. My parents are poor people who have struggled all their lives and often rely on the generosity of others to survive, always looking for the next “helper” to bless them. So, subconsciously, I also grew up with that mentality.
After classes, my friends and I would hang around the supermarket opposite my secondary school to hail the customers who drove in to buy stuff, hoping they’d dash us money. I learned to size people up and guess how much they had so I could determine how well to greet them. When I wasn’t doing that, I was directing traffic at owambe parties so the drivers could find their way out and hopefully give me the random ₦100.
I actively participated in giveaways before they became a thing on Twitter. In my polytechnic, I attended several fellowships not because I was interested in God but because the executives often held airtime giveaways and sometimes shared food to encourage people to join the fellowship.
I was also the “urgent ₦2k” guy to my friends, often asking for one financial help or the other. I realised people had begun to know me for constantly begging when my classmates shared one of those anonymous message links on our department WhatsApp group so we’d shade each other for fun. One person said something like, “If a week goes by without Gbolahan asking for money, heaven can come down.” Everyone laughed, and I acted like it was funny, but it really pained me.
So, as soon as I finished my OND in 2021, I decided to look for whatever means possible to make my own money. I’m sure my mum expected me to return to school for my HND the following year, but it just wasn’t possible.
I’d barely managed to pay my OND school fees by begging family members and gathering whatever money I made from the owambe food server gigs I got during the weekends. I knew no one was going to sponsor me to school. It was better to hustle to make money rather than get a certificate I’d now struggle to get a job with after school.
That’s how I started my POS business. It took me only about ₦20k to apply for the machine and register, but my mum still had to borrow ₦150k from a microfinance bank for me. The extra cash was so I’d have something to deposit in my wallet and have some money at hand to give customers.
Business has been good. I make up to ₦10k on a very good day and no longer need to beg anyone to survive. I even repaid half of the amount my mum borrowed for me to start the business while she paid the balance. I can now afford to drop money for food at home and buy myself clothes.
I’m very proud of my work and always encourage people to start the business too. The only downside is that most people make it seem like we’re wicked opportunists who are using our fellow Nigerians to make money.
There’s nothing my ears didn’t hear during the cash scarcity last year. I was waking up as early as 4 a.m. to queue at bank ATMs to collect cash because, scarcity or not, I had to do my business. Even with that, I still had to buy cash from market women, fuel attendants and drivers because the ATM withdrawal limit was only ₦20k. There was a time during the scarcity that I bought ₦10k cash for ₦2k.
Of course, after going through all that to get cash, I had to increase my transaction charges to make a profit. But people just thought I was being wicked and choosing to take advantage of the situation. I remember getting the insult of my life from an old woman because I charged her ₦2k to withdraw ₦10k cash. Another one accused me of hoarding cash when I said I didn’t have any to give her.
The cash scarcity issue has gone, but people still treat POS agents somehow. A few months ago, I had some issues with my kiosk location, so I moved it to just in front of a bank in my area that’s known for always having issues with its ATM. When people come to the ATM and can’t get cash, they have to patronise me. A few people have complained about this while withdrawing cash from me, as if I’m the one who spoilt the ATM.
I also see people come online to talk as if POS agents are destroying banks. Some even say the authorities should ban us. Imagine. Instead of facing the government and making them explain why it’s more difficult to get cash now, we’re blaming people who are just trying to survive.
We’re simply filling a vacuum caused by the different policies the government and banks are implementing. I wish people would understand this and appreciate that POS agents are even making it easier for them to access their money. You can’t please everybody sha.
I don’t have any other business ideas for now, so I’ll stick to my POS. If I stop it, who will feed me? Nigerians should just leave me alone.
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2024 is gradually wrapping up, and it’s time to remind your friends and loved ones that despite Nigeria’s many attempts to unalive you, you guys made it. Whether you want to make the LOYL feel extra special, remind your family how much they mean to you, or show your friends that you actually rate them, we’ve compiled 30 end-of-year messages that’ll do the job.
End-of-year messages for your lover
Because your special person deserves to end the year with a smile, a warm heart, and a reminder of how much they mean to you.
As the year draws to a close, my heart overflows with gratitude for your love. May the coming year bring us even greater joy, deeper love, and countless blessings. May God continue to shower us with His grace and mercy.
Thank you for being my sunshine on the darkest days and my partner in every adventure. I’m so excited to write another chapter of our love story next year.
I’m so grateful for the love, laughter, and support you’ve given me this year. May the New Year bring you all the happiness your heart can hold. May God bless you abundantly.
With every passing year, my love for you grows stronger. I pray that the coming year brings us closer together and fills our lives with joy, peace, and divine favour.
As we say goodbye to this year, I look forward to what the future holds for us. May God bless our love and guide our steps.
May the New Year bring you all the love, joy, and success you deserve. I pray that God continues to bless our relationship and fill our lives with His love.
Your love has been my constant through every ups and downs. Thank you for being my rock this year. I love you more than words can say.
May love, peace, and prosperity fill our lives as we embark on a new year. I pray for God’s continued blessings upon us.
Here’s to another year of you stealing my food, finishing my jokes, and being the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Let’s make 2025 even crazier.
Looking back on this year, I’m most grateful for the moments we shared and the love we grew. Here’s to another year of adventures, laughter, and endless love. I’m so lucky to have you.
End-of-year messages for family
Your family deserves all the love and appreciation for supporting you, stressing you out, and making you who you are.
To the family who made this year unforgettable, thank you for the love, laughs, and never-ending support. I’m grateful to call you mine every day.
As we end this year, I pray that our home remains filled with love, joy, and our shared blessings. May we continue to grow together.
Here’s to surviving another year with this crazy family. May 2025 bring fewer arguments and more family game nights where we don’t fight.
I’m so grateful for a family that’s as loving as it is chaotic. May our group chats be filled with fewer fights and more memes in 2025.
The older I get, the more I realise how much I need my family. Thank you for being my everything this year. I love you all endlessly.
No matter where life takes me, home will always be where my family is. Thank you for being my safe space and biggest cheerleaders.
I pray that every dream we’ve nurtured as a family comes true in the new year. May our bonds grow stronger and our hearts stay full.
Thank you for being a family with whom I can laugh, cry, and argue—sometimes all at once. Cheers to another year of unforgettable memories.
Family is the gift that keeps on giving. I’m blessed to have you all in my life, and I can’t wait to make more memories in the new year.
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End-of-year messages for friends
Your friends deserve a shout-out for making the year memorable. Let them know how much you love their chaotic, hilarious, and heartwarming presence in your life.
This year wouldn’t have been half as fun without you. Thank you for the laughs and late-night calls and for being my personal therapist. Here’s to more unforgettable moments in 2025.
I pray the new year brings you everything you’ve worked so hard for and that our friendship thrives. You deserve all the blessings coming your way.
Here’s to another year of questionable decisions, inside jokes, and pretending to be responsible adults. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!
Through every high and low, you’ve been there. Thank you for being my ride-or-die this year. I’m so grateful for your friendship.
I pray the new year brings you joy, love, and fewer reasons to say ‘God when?’ We’re manifesting only good vibes for 2024.
Some friends become family, and you’re one of them. Thank you for making this year brighter and better. Can’t wait for more adventures together.
May 2025 bring you more wins, fewer disappointments, and countless moments of happiness. I’m sure our friendship will keep flourishing.
We’ve barely survived another year of Nigeria’s shege. Here’s to more unfiltered rants, memes, and nights we can’t remember with people we’ll never forget.
I’m endlessly grateful for the friendship we share. Thank you for being a source of joy and strength. Let’s make next year even more incredible.
Happy New Year to my amazing friends! Cheers to another year of friendship, fun, and unforgettable memories. May God continue to bless our friendship.
The miracle of the mobile device means people can stay connected 24/7. For some people, this doesn’t make digital communication with their loved ones any easier; in fact, it has become a factor that negatively affects their interpersonal relationships.
We talk to eight young Nigerians about their bad texting habits and how it has affected the relationships they maintain, asking them, “Are you a bad texter only when you don’t like the person you’re texting?”
Source: Imagefx
Kwansogbu*
Nah. I like my friends very much, but I forget to text back because I’m absent-minded and easily distracted. I’ll see a notification and say, “I’ll respond to it when I’m done with what I’m doing,” but I never do. I often feel like a bad friend when it comes to texting because I really want to stay in touch, but it doesn’t come naturally. Sometimes I open texts from my crush and only realise (by seeing their name) hours later that I didn’t reply.
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Kylie*
I’m a bad texter even with people I really love. I’m better at calls, but I literally hate texting. I can’t explain why, but it just stresses me out. I feel like we should control our phones, not the other way around. With texting, I’m expected to respond immediately, and, I just don’t have the capacity for that. It has made my friends think I don’t like them as much because other people they barely know are ready to text them all the time. I enjoy physical interaction more than texts. I’d hang out with my friends every day if I could but sadly, most of them live in different cities now, and some abroad.
Sommelier*
Honestly, I’ve really tried to get better at it. I get bursts of motivation to text, but that never lasts. Most potential partners have to push through my bad response times to get to know me. I’m grateful my friends understand because it would be easy to get mad at me. I’d rather just have a phone call, a quick in-and-out.
Dana*
Sometimes, I think I’ve replied, and I find out later that I didn’t. It’s weird because I wasn’t like this in the past.
It all started 2 years ago. I was going through a lot and was a bit depressed, so I was unwilling to reply to any texts. I went on many social media breaks during this time, and most of my friends ultimately became tired and distant, which I totally understand. I became used to replying to texts when I felt mentally up to it.
My remaining friends have gotten used to it, so they just wait until I reply. On other days, they send messages repeatedly, so I reply to them.
Sometimes, I try to dedicate my day to replying to all my friends, but other days, I feel down and don’t reply on time. I’ve worked really hard to fix my bad texting habits, and I think I’m getting better.
Sunshine*
I’m really a bad texter, and it stems from having a traumatic childhood. I’ve always liked keeping to myself; I grew up being told to be more reserved. Now, I have an avoidant personality, and I fear being too much or saying too much.
This means I’m terrible at communicating with friends or texting. I’m used to going through stuff alone. So anytime I’m at a crossroads in my life, I panic, disappear and stop texting. I know I had a traumatic childhood, and I need to see a therapist because of my avoidance issue, but I’ve been managing it well. One day, I’ll have enough dispensable cash to see a therapist; there is so much to unpack.
Jay*
Omo, at this point, I’m a bad texter to everyone. Once, my estranged best friend tried to reconnect with me, and I aired her for days. There were also other factors involved (my sim got blocked, and I was writing exams). When I finally got back to her to reconnect, she said she was no longer interested. I didn’t even try to convince her because, lowkey, I knew I didn’t have it in me to actually text her frequently. At the time, I felt bad, but now I don’t really care anymore.
Hen*
In general, I find conversations quite overwhelming, especially after a full day of work. I don’t want to return to even more conversations. As such, I’ll put off responding until I feel better, but then I’ll forget to respond.
McGash*
No, I just struggle to connect emotionally to what’s not right in front of me. I think of myself as an “in-person” person. Also, I’ve come to gradually shun social media. This, combined with a myriad of short-term memory issues, means I struggle to maintain my attention in a chat setting and hardly remember why when I do. Liking someone has little to do with it for me.
