In the spirit of love, Indomie Relish hosted an extraordinary event that blended delicious flavours, heartwarming connections, and unforgettable fun. From the laughter-filled games to the soul-nourishing activities, this wasn’t just another Valentine’s event—it was a celebration of love in all its beautiful forms.
Here’s a recap of the top moments that made it truly special:
Love for Everyone, No Plus-One Needed
The Relish Love Experience welcomed everyone, whether they came with a partner, a friend, or simply themselves. It was about more than love; it was about connection and community. The vibe was electric, making every guest feel like they were part of something bigger—a family brought together by love, food, and good times.
Love, Laughter & Indomie Relish
At the heart of it all was love—love for a great company, love for self-care, and love for food (especially Indomie Relish!). The warm, inviting atmosphere made every guest feel cherished. Whether you were sharing a bowl of noodles with a loved one or enjoying the experience solo, you left with a full heart and an even fuller stomach.
Cooking, but Make It a Masterpiece
Let’s talk about food—the real MVP of the night! Guests got a front-row seat at an exclusive Relish Cooking Demo. The Media Girl worked her culinary magic alongside one of our male guests, elevating Indomie Relish into gourmet goodness. Attendees didn’t just watch; they took home inspiration to turn their everyday noodles into a five-star meal!
Kintsugi: Turning Broken into Beautiful
One of the most profound moments of the event was the Kintsugi session. This Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold became a powerful metaphor for love, resilience, and embracing imperfections. Guests mended shattered pieces, transforming them into stunning works of art—just like how love and life’s challenges shape us into something even more beautiful.
Games That Sparked Instant Friendships
Nothing brings people together like a little friendly competition! From laughter-filled challenges to interactive group games, the event was packed with icebreakers that turned strangers into teammates and teammates into friends. Whether you were testing your knowledge or battling it out in a fun showdown, the energy was electric!
The Ultimate Influencer Hangout
What’s a great event without a star-studded lineup? The evening was graced by some of the most exciting influencers— Bam Bam, The Media Girl, Official Beco, and Nelly Mbonu—who brought their signature energy, making the experience feel like a casual, fun-filled gathering with your favourite online personalities. A great event needs an incredible host, and BamBam delivered effortlessly. Her infectious energy, warmth, and charm united the crowd, making every moment feel personal. Whether hyping up guests, cracking jokes, or leading heartfelt conversations, she ensured no one felt like a stranger.
A Valentine’s Gift For Everyone
Indomie Relish made the day even more delightful by surprising attendees with a thoughtfully curated gift box. Each box was packed with love and featured packs of Indomie Relish, chocolates, and other exciting valuable items. This perfect mix of treats and keepsakes added to the beautiful atmosphere and reminded guests that a warm bowl of Indomie is always a great way to share love.
More love to celebrate!
Popular media and culture are saturated with images of heterosexual, monogamous relationships as the ideal set-up for “true romance”, especially around Valentine’s Day. But love exists in many forms, and unconventional relationship structures navigate the love holiday in unique ways.
Curious, Zikoko sat with six non-monogamous Nigerians to explore how they celebrate Valentine’s, their past experiences, and what the day means to them.
Navigating love beyond monogamy
For those in non-monogamous relationships, Valentine’s Day can be a delicate balancing act of time, attention, and resources. Some find ways to celebrate each partner individually, while others embrace group activities or choose to celebrate on different days.
Here’s how six Nigerians in non-monogamous relationships approach the holiday of love.
“I can’t spend Valentine’s Day with multiple people” — Tomi*(23)
I had my first Valentine’s experience in a polyamorous relationship, and it taught me some hard lessons. First, I can’t spend Valentine’s Day with multiple people. I like to treat each of my partners as specially as possible (and within my budget), so trying to schedule multiple dates on the same day isn’t ideal for me.
I prefer to designate time between my partners to make sure I spend quality time with each of them because that’s one of my primary love languages.
I love Valentine’s Day because I’m a romantic, and it allows me to do things that will appeal to each of my partners specifically. This year, I have one partner and I’m making her a scrapbook of some of our favourite memories since we’ve been together.
My favourite part about Valentine’s is that I get to do something special and romantic for my partner. My least favourite thing about the holiday is the cost — doing something cute for the person you love can really drain your account, but it’s worth it.
“If you choose to spend Valentine’s Day with one person, it may seem like you’re placing that partner above your other partners”— Junior*(27)
Personally, Valentine’s Day is always chaotic. I wouldn’t say I have traditions, but sometimes I plan multiple dates with different time slots on that day, which is mostly impractical. Other times, I just spend it alone since scheduling can be tricky, and sometimes, I plan stuff for other days because everyone can be busy on Valentine’s Day.
My favourite part about Valentine’s is that there’s more love to celebrate. My least favourite bit is that it depends on how you choose to spend the day. If you spend it alone, you’re good. But if you choose to spend it with one person, it may seem like you’re placing that partner above any other person you’re sharing your love with, and that just leads to wahala.
“It’s my dream to make more money so I can totally bankroll my wives and all their desires.” — Mila*(24)
Valentine’s Day is looking like plenty debit alerts, kai. I have three partners, and between curating gift boxes and the exchange rate, I’m leaking money everywhere. I show love with gift giving, so it’s very important to me that I come correct when I send gifts. It’s my dream to make more money so I can totally bankroll my wives and all their desires.
“I’m currently writing each of my friends a heartfelt love letter, which they will receive on Valentine’s Day.” — Tiolu*(25)
I’m aroace, non-monogamous and single this Valentine’s. So I don’t have much planned, but I’m currently writing each of my friends a heartfelt love letter, which they will receive on Valentine’s Day. I’m also considering a physical celebration with my friends — the possibilities are endless.
“This year because the economy is not smiling, we’re doing a weekend staycation at my apartment.” — Yemisi* (27)
I don’t really care for Valentine’s Day, but one of my partners really loves it, so I try to go the extra mile. This year, because the economy is not smiling, we’re doing a weekend staycation at my apartment. We’re going to watch all his favourite shows and play games and cuddle. Then next week I’ll go on a nice dinner date with my other partner just to keep things balanced.
My favourite thing about Valentine’s is that everyone is so lovey-dovey — it’s adorable. My least favourite thing, though, is that the social media pressure can be a bit stifling.
Do you want to plan a romantic Valentine’s dinner experience for ₦100,000 and under? We’ve got a list of options for you in Lagos and Abuja to check out.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and there’s no harm in letting your imagination run wild. Would you spend the evening with Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, or Tiwa Savage? Answer these questions, and we’ll match you with your perfect celebrity Valentine.
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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and finding the perfect gift for your lover can feel like a Herculean task. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re shopping for him, her, friends, or family, we did the groundwork by asking Nigerians what they’d love to unwrap this Valentine’s, and these budget-friendly gift ideas might just inspire your shopping.
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Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your wife
Being married to the love of your life is enough to want to celebrate the season of love to the max. We asked some Nigerian wives to share the best gifts their husbands have given them, and what they look forward to getting this year.
Spa day
Credit: Googleaitestkitchen
Pamper her with a relaxing day at a spa for a facial or a massage. It shows how much you’re invested in her soft life mantra. Working with a N100k budget? Consider the One and Only Health Care Centre, where for that price, you can get three deep-skin face treatments while sipping on a glass of champagne. You can also get a one hour long deep tissue massage for ₦80,000.
If you have a smaller budget, try a body treatment from the Strip Wax Bar for as low as ₦30,000, or even a more affordable option like the dermaplaning treatment from the Strip Wax Bar for ₦20,000.
Jewellery
Credit: Shoplamy.com
If you like it, then you should put a ring on it — or a bracelet, necklace, or earrings. Jewellery is a classic Valentine’s Day gift; the wives we asked said it never misses. If you’re up to splurge, the Swarovski pre-Valentine sales have some stunning options like this gold necklace for ₦124,635.
For bold, non-tarnish pieces, check out ShopLamy, where prices start at ₦10,000.
For minimalist jewellery, AnythingPretty has beautiful options for as low as ₦6,600.
Work bag
Credit: Garm Island
A sleek leather bag will have her looking stylish while keeping her essentials organised. This Garmisland bag is a steal at ₦75,000. Married women we spoke to also love MiraChamp’s beaded bags, like this one, for ₦60,000.
If your budget is tighter, go for this structured bag on Jumia at ₦18,000.
Fitness gear
credit: Basics Lagos
Encourage your wife to stick to her New Year’s fitness goals by gifting her these Sweatpants from Basics Lagos for ₦65,000. They also offer tops and jackets in various colours, like this sports jacket for ₦32,000 or cute sports tee for ₦20,000. If your budget is a bit smaller, you can get this two piece set on Konga for ₦14,500 and Jumia also offers affordable leggings for as low as ₦3,600.
Scented candle
Credit: Fitila Home Fragrances
Infuse the air around her with this luxury oud-scented candle from Diptyque for ₦97,500. You can get these amazing scented candles from Rejoka for prices starting at ₦25,000. The candles from Fitila Home Fragrances will make her fall in love with you again, and prices start at ₦10,000.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your husband
Wondering what to get your husband for Valentine’s Day? We asked some married men to describe the most memorable gifts they’ve received from their wives, and what they’d love to unwrap this year. Their answers inspired this recommendation list, perfect for any loving wife looking to spoil her man come February 14.
Customised native wear
Credit: Jumia.com
Everyone loves a man in trad. Get your baby boo a well-tailored fit from a Nigerian designer like Gift Fairy for ₦100,000. For more affordable options between ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 check out Jumia’s offerings here. Make sure you choose his favourite colours or one that matches his aesthetic.
Tech him up
Credit: techgpts.com
Has he been eyeing a new tech gadget? Upgrade his tech game with a sound system for ₦71,250 or wireless headphones for ₦21,000. This power bank for ₦20,000 isn’t a bad option either.
Shoes
Credit: Addidas.com
There’s no separating a Nigerian man from his shoes. If you can’t decide what to buy, splurge on a shoe. Consider this classic pair from Adidas for ₦100,000 if he loves casual style, or grab these Jumia classics for only ₦13,000.
For your husband who works in corporate, you can get him these black penny loafers for ₦80,000 or these Oxfords from Jumia at ₦28,500.
Shirts
Credit: Garmspot.com
Yes, You might think men have unlimited options when it comes to shirts, but the husbands we spoke to said there’s no such thing as too many shirts. Help him build his collection with these stylish Garm Island linen shirt options for the big spenders starting at ₦60,000. If you’re looking for more affordable options, Graphic Tees from Garmspot start are gentle on the pockets at ₦8,600.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas for men
Hear us out: buying a Valentine’s Day gift for the men in your life— your annoying brother, supportive bestie or family friend can feel overwhelming. What do they even want? To make it easier, we asked Nigerian men about the gifts they’ve appreciated the most and what they hope to get this year. Here’s a curated list based on their suggestions to guide you when shopping for the men in your life.
Cologne
Credit: manforhimself.com
Have you ever met a Nigerian man who doesn’t like to smell good? Exactly. A great cologne is a timeless gift. Help him smell amazing by getting him one of the top five rated perfumes for 2025: Tom Ford Oud Wood Parfum for ₦735,846, Creed Aventus for ₦609,999, Christian Dior Sauvage for ₦424,999, Gucci Oud Intense for ₦306,000, Club De Nuit is a solid choice at ₦78,000.
Make sure you link up with his mechanic before you make that purchase. This jump start kit from Jumia at ₦102,000 will ensure he’s never stranded on a highway again while this toolbox set starting at ₦70,000 or car scents like this one from Fitila Home Fragrances starting at ₦3,000, —anything that makes his driving experience a little better—are all good options.
Wristwatch
If you can’t afford the latest Rolex or Hublot piece, go for something classic like this clean Casio number that’s on sale right now for ₦100,000.
Way out of your budget? This Casio, priced at ₦26,000, is a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift for any man you hold dear.
Smart home gadgets
Credit: Amazon.com
Alexa, play ‘Upgrade U” by Beyonce. For a tech savvy man, consider a smart home device like an Alexa echopod for ₦100,000. If that’s too expensive, go for this Chrome Cast starting at ₦10,000.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas for women
If you’re stuck on what to gift the special women in your life this Valentine’s Day, don’t worry; we’ve got you. From dresses to skincare, these Valentine’s Day gift recommendations came straight from women who’ve received cherished gifts from people they care about.
Dresses
Credit: Bawsty.com
For dates and special events, Bawsty offers stunning options from ₦18,,000 – ₦26,000. You can also turn that special woman into a fashion statement with a gorgeous office dress starting at ₦8,500.
Skincare products
credit: uncoverskincare.com
You can’t go wrong with skincare. Pick up this Clinique eye cream for ₦78,000 and watch her jump in excitement, or this Uncover sunscreen for ₦13,000. Dove also has a range of budget-friendly skincare products like this body scrub starting at ₦8,000.
Cookware set
Credit: Konga.com
If she loves to cook and you’ve got a big budget, get this 23-piece cookware set starting at ₦190,000. Go mid-range with this non-stick pressure pot for ₦43,500 and if your budget is modest, this three-piece pot set for ₦6,900 is a practical gift.
Sunglasses
Credit: Konga.com
Deck out her face with these Kuboraum sunnies for ₦661,300 or this stunning pair of sunglasses from Marc Jacobs for ₦225,000.
Can’t afford high-end brands? You should be on Jumia or Konga. Check out sun shades starting at ₦18,000 or these other sunglass offerings for as low as ₦3,500. This one, for example.
Plateware
Credit: lighttrybe.ng
Got a mum, aunt or cousin who’s super obsessed with her kitchen? A plateware set is more than perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift. There are lots of options to choose from, and if you don’t know where to look, start with this pink ceramic set for ₦87,000. If you’re looking to spend those coins without breaking the bank, this five piece set from Temu for only ₦15,000 should be on your radar.
Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your friends
Relationship people can try, but they’ll never steal Valentine’s Day from everyone else. If you’ve got a friend who deserves some soft soft loving, these items are sure to remind them how much you rate them.
Team jersey
Credit: nike.com
For sports fans, jerseys are a thoughtful gift. Nike has cool jersey options starting at ₦136,000, or you can get into retro edition Jerseys for as low as ₦40,000 from My Sport Kit.
An art gallery experience
Credit: @Nikeartgallery
Take your friend to see some amazing art pieces at the Nike Art Gallery or the Red Door Art Gallery for free! You can bond over your opinions about the art you see, especially those by contemporary Nigerian artists.
A bottle of wine
Credit: shoprite.ng
Gift your amigo a bottle of wine to celebrate Valentine’s. Not a wine connoisseur? You can hardly go wrong with this bottle of Rose starting at ₦13,000. For non-alcoholic options, this Chamdor wine going for ₦5,500 should be on your radar.
Vinyl
Credit: Egwurerecords.shop
Have friends who collect vinyls? Get them a record of their favourite artist’s album. You can find vinyls here for as low as ₦35,000. If you live in Lagos, you can also get second-hand vinyls of past Nigerian artists at Tejuosho Market for as low as ₦2,000 each.
Love Lifeis a Zikoko weekly series about love, relationships, situationships, entanglements and everything in between.
Valentine after Valentine, you find yourself struggling to get the person in your life to stick around. Do those who get back-to-back money towers have two heads? They don’t (We’ve checked). So your story can change.
Here are some ways to get someone to spend several Valentine’s Days with you, tried and trusted by our Love Life couples.
As long as whoever you want to see is comfortable with it, then you should definitely go to their house every day for one year. It’s just that, the people who did this didn’t have phones, but now, we do. Still, a gesture is a gesture.
Drop whatever you’re doing and move to your lover’s street. That way, you get to spend every waking hour together and can be doing Valentine left and right. Be warned that this couple had already been dating for two years before they pulled this stunt.
Step 1: Buy Christmas chicken. Step 2: Post that you want to sell it, on your WhatsApp status. Step 3: Meet up with the person who offers to buy the chicken. Step 4: Fall in love and live happily ever after. It’s almost too easy.
Easiest way to get a forever Valentine is by accident. Send a bunch of messages to the person who’s entering your eye, but make sure one of those messages is a dating proposal. Pray they mistakenly say yes.
In most marriage stories, there’s a proposal. But not for Ada and Kingsley. They had sex one day and Kingsley decided he would meet her parents. At the meeting, the parents started dropping dates for introductions. A couple of months later and they’re married. Straight to the point with no time to waste. That’s how you get a forever Valentine.
What we learnt from this Love Life story is more people should sit inside empty, dry gutters. The love of your life might just be tempted to join you inside.
When starting your relationship, lie to everyone, especially your parents. Never lie to the person you’re with though. Or that’s where the problem will start.
If you had a best friend when you were in secondary school, we advise you start looking for them now. If you didn’t have a best friend, you may have to go back in time to get one. That way, you’ll have someone you can do friends-to-lovers with.
Your decision to live alone could be what’s standing between you and getting a forever Valentine. Your destiny might be to fall in love with your roommate, but you wouldn’t know for sure because you’ve decided to live alone. Move in with someone today.
The topic of how young Nigerians navigate romantic relationships with their earnings is a minefield of hot takes. In Love Currency, we get into what relationships across income brackets look like in different Nigerian cities.
From a student’s first Valentine with his girlfriend to the long-distance married couple and the writer receiving gifts from three different partners, this special #LoveCurrency edition explores the cost of Valentine’s Day for Nigerians in different types of relationships.
Product designer living in Lagos on a ₦400k salary
How did you meet your boyfriend?
We were in our third year working on a group project, and he asked to get a recording I’d made during the class. I was in a relationship at the time, and he was breaking off his relationship. By our final year, we’d become close friends who talked and hung out. Since we were both single, we started dating in 2018.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Between our busy schedules and Lagos traffic, we spend most Valentine’s Days at home. I don’t even remember it’s a special day, but sometimes, he buys me gifts.
Do you have a memorable one?
In 2021, we had a car movie date. We usually do this once a month, so for February, we used Valentine’s Day. We went to Ikeja City Mall to buy snacks, chose the two to three movies we’d see in sequence and set up his laptop in the car outside his house, while we snuggled up in the backseat.
He also got me a ring light and make-up — foundation, lip gloss, powder and eyeshadow pallet, all Maybelline products — because he knew I’d been saving their posts on IG.
Did you get him anything?
I sent a small chops tray to his office with a note asking him to be my Valentine. I also got him these Chelsea boots I saw he’d bookmarked on his Twitter. Everything cost about ₦35 – 40k.
How much were you making at the time?
I worked as an account manager, and my monthly income was between ₦150 – 250k, commissions included.
University student schooling in Kaduna on a ₦25k+ income
How did you meet your girlfriend?
Our parents knew each other, and we attended the same church. I always thought she was pretty, but I didn’t know how to approach her. Towards the end of 2018, I sent her a friend request on Facebook. We didn’t start chatting until April 2019.
In the three months that followed, we texted and talked over the phone a lot. I could tell she liked me as much as I liked her, so I asked her out in August, and she said yes.
Tell me about your most memorable Valentine’s Day with her
We’ve never really celebrated Valentine. I get her gifts, but because we were in different boarding houses when we were in secondary school, we didn’t see each other till the holidays.
What gifts have you gotten her over the years?
In 2021, I got her a bracelet, rings, perfume and necklace set for about ₦5k. In 2022, I got her four teddy bears — one big one and three small ones. They cost about ₦10k in total. This will be our first Valentine together physically. We’ve both graduated from secondary school, so I’m hoping this year is really special. I got her a Valentine package with flowers, cake, wine, card, bracelet and a customised mug. It cost ₦25k. I’m also planning to take her on a date.
How can you afford gifts?
I work at my mum’s farm, and she pays me ₦1- 2k per day, but it’s not consistent. I also trade forex and give my friend money to place bets for me. He enjoys betting, and he’s good at it. Last week, I gave him ₦20k; he won ₦46k, which is what I’m spending on this Valentine.
Writer living in Osun State on a ₦200k salary
How did you meet your partner?
I met my main partner on Twitter in January 2020. We were both in relationships then, but we spent a lot of time talking to each other. So we got together in July 2020, when our relationships ended.
I met my second partner in November 2021, at a university party, and we hit it off. We weren’t in a defined relationship, but we were together. I met someone else on social media, sometime around December. I had a work event, and I had to reach out to her about it. After the event, we stayed in contact. We didn’t date but we liked each other.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day with them?
In 2022, I told them I didn’t want to celebrate it, but I got a charger for my third partner because she’d been saying she needed one. That cost about ₦8500. My first partner got me a really cute dress, the second one got me lunch of about ₦7 – 9k, and my third partner gave me a foot and back massage and we also got ice cream for about ₦5k.
God, when? What are your plans for this Valentine?
I’m actually single for the first time in a while. So, I’ll just spend the day working and watching movies with my ex.
Ex?
The first partner. We broke up some months ago but we’re still pretty close, so why not?
Content creator living in Lagos on a ₦250k salary
How did you meet your partner?
We met at a friend’s beach party in October 2021 and exchanged IG handles and followed each other. But we didn’t really talk till January 2022 when he replied to a story I posted about taking 17 shots. By January 22nd, he asked me out on a date. We went to Rufus and Bees some days after, and from there, we started going out.
When did it become official?
February 27th. The plan was to spend the weekend at a hotel in Ikeja, so we stopped to buy food — he got me my favourite cheesecake. And when we got to the hotel, he asked me to be his girlfriend.
So this is your first Valentine together?
Sort of. Even though we weren’t dating till a week after Valentine, we still exchanged gifts. He got me a romper — I love rompers. I got him a wallet, two-piece co-ord and a man purse, all for about ₦30k. This time, we agreed not to do too much because our anniversary is in two week’s time. My budget for that is about ₦50k. I want to get him one of those gift boxes with shoes in them. But for Valentine’s Day, I got him brownies and a pair of sneakers, which cost about ₦23k. I don’t know what his plans are, but I already got my first gift from him on Sunday — a pair of sneakers.
Executive and HR assistant on a ₦150k salary
How did you meet your partner?
On my birthday in November 2015, a friend of mine posted my picture on BBM. He saw it and fell in love.
FR?
LOL, just kidding. He asked for my BBM pin and we started talking. I wasn’t looking for anything serious because I’d just gotten out of a relationship while he was dealing with an ex. But during one of our midnight calls in March 2016, I asked the “What are we?” question and we agreed it made sense to make it official since everyone already thought we were dating.
And what were you?
A long-distance couple. We were schooling in different universities and even when we were both back to Lagos, he lives in Surulere, while I live in Ibeju-Lekki. But it was still better than him abandoning me in the trenches. In 2018, he went to Canada for his master’s degree.
That’s a heck of a distance
It was. We were barely speaking. Between school, work and the time difference, there was no time When we did speak, it couldn’t be for long. We started to have arguments and eventually, I told him he had to make me a priority too. Communication started to improve after that.
When he finished his master’s, he had more time.
Good
Our relationship took a new turn once he got back. He returned in October 2019 for his sister’s wedding, and visited my dad to introduce himself. I realised he was serious about me.
But when he asked me to marry him in March 2021, I was both scared, nervous and excited. I knew I wanted to marry him, but I just didn’t think I’d get married at 24.
Valid concern
My plan had been to go to Canada for masters, but then it kept taking time because the money wasn’t forthcoming. His plan was for us to get married so he could start processing my spousal visa. So he came back to Nigeria in December 2021 for the wedding.
How do you celebrate special occasions?
He usually sends money, anything between ₦100 – 200k. But for Valentine in 2022, he sent money to my friend and they got food from my favourite restaurant, chocolates, and drinks.
Do you gift him?
I buy him things I think he likes — clothes and jewellery, and either wait till he comes or send it through someone travelling to Canada. Last time I sent a gift was in September 2022. Everything I got was about ₦50k.
Do you have plans for this Valentine?
We honestly don’t go crazy for Valentine. I’m going to work, then coming back home to sleep. I’ve gotten him some t-shirts that cost about ₦20k, but I’ll add some things to them as time goes on.
Media executive living in the UK
How did you meet your partner?
We met on Twitter in November 2018. I asked people what they wanted before the end of the year and he said a date with me. He slid into my DM and we fixed a date but then I didn’t hear from him till weeks later. He apologised and said he was busy with work and wanted us to reschedule.
Did you?
The next time we met was at a mutual friend’s dinner, a few months later. After the dinner, we started talking more on Twitter and hanging out after work. We bonded over Game of Thrones and pedicures. We also had a lot of common beliefs and by lockdown, we were already dating and spent a lot of time together.
When did you start talking about money?
During lockdown, when we were staying together, we used to pull our finances together to buy things.
How do you celebrate special occasions?
We buy gifts for each other regularly, and the more we grow, the more money we have and the higher the quality of gifts. For Valentine in 2021, he got me wine, chocolate and flowers. While in 2022, he got me a camera.
What are your plans for this year?
I got him some gifts. Nike gear, sneakers, loungewear, a backpack, body massager and some other things. They cost about £500. I don’t know what he got me, but he said he spent £1k. We’re going to see a movie on Friday night and a mani-pedi date on Saturday, but for Valentine’s Day itself, we’d probably just sit home and drink wine.
If you’re interested in talking about how money moves in your relationship, this is a good place to start.
Spending Valentine’s Day single? Well, so are Elizabeth* (21) and Tobi* (23), an ex-Love Life couple who were together for two years until 2022. We invited them back to talk about their break up, how they usually spent Valentine’s Day together, and how they’ll spend their first Valentine apart. This is a guide for fellow newly single people.
Why did you break up, first of all?
Elizabeth: We broke up because my head is not correct.
Tobi: I always found it funny we broke up on the 18th of November because we’re both born on the 18th of different months.
Elizabeth: I thought it was the 14th? Anyways, yeah, we broke up because we argued a lot. It felt like we both wanted things the other couldn’t give.
Tobi: Although we plan on getting back together, we want to do a lot of self-work first.
Elizabeth: But until then, bye bye to our two-year relationship.
Tobi: Two years, three months and 17 days. Don’t ask me why I calculated. Just know that I did.
Elizabeth: Problem.
How did you spend Valentine’s Day as a couple?
Elizabeth: The Valentine’s Day before we started dating, I wanted to get them a gift, but they refused vehemently.
Tobi: We were just “friends”. I was scared. Plus, I was so anti-love before we started dating. I was one of those annoying people who wore black on Valentine’s Day and stuff like that. The first one I spent with Elizabeth though, I kinda went all out.
Elizabeth: Since we couldn’t see each other on the day, they came over to my place the day before and we exchanged gifts. Tobi has safe snacks like certain brands of gummy worms and chips they ate whenever they needed to spark joy. So I went to the supermarket near my house and bought as many as I could find. I also got them a fake flower and a shirt of mine they’d been disturbing me for.
Tobi: I did a whole five senses thing. I got her the book version of her favourite movie, a night light because she’s scared of the dark, a shirt that smelt like me because I bathed it in my perfume she likes, chocolate and a teddy bear she could attach to her bag so she had a piece of me with her everywhere she went. We also exchanged cards and spent the day in each other’s presence. Although I don’t look forward to Valentine’s Day, that day with her was sweet and chill.
Elizabeth: The second year, we said we weren’t going to celebrate it. I was in another state, and it felt like too much pressure for us to do something. I took myself out to lunch, but do you know Tobi still bought me a dress?
Tobi: You’d wanted the dress for as long as I could remember.
Elizabeth: I felt bad because I didn’t get them anything in return, but it is what it is.
Now, you’ve broken up. What’s your guide to spending Valentine’s Day single?
Tobi:
Work
Valentine is on a Tuesday and you probably have a job, because I do. If you don’t have love, at least, make money. It may not keep you warm at night, but it can pay for a nice hotel with great heating.
Beg your parents for money
You’re single, but (hopefully) they’re not. The least they can do is give you some money to do something nice for yourself. Also, you’re supposed to be a testament of their love. Testament no deserve gift?
Watch sappy movies
If you’re not spending your Valentine’s Day watching all the romantic movies you can lay your hands on, what are you actually using it to do? Watch Someone Great, Mamma Mia, About Time, Entergalactic, and remind yourself that love exists — it’s just not for you.
Elizabeth:
Cook
The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Cook yourself some good food so your heart can be happy.
Jigsaw puzzle
I have a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle with my name on it. I’ll spend the night solving it and having a fun time. It’ll spark joy and keep my brain sharp.
Drink while scrolling through social media
I love love, and I love alcohol. So I’ll get myself a nice bottle of rum or red wine and drink while watching other people gush about their partners. It’ll give me another nice little brain boost.
We already know you have coconut head, and that’s why you chose to fall in love after all our warnings. But still forget about celebrating Valentine for any of these valid reasons.
You’re broke
Do you know how much a single rose is? Have you seen the price tags on those Valentine packages? Even boxers and singlets are now expensive. If you know what’s good for you, cancel your plans.
No cash
Anything worth doing is worth doing well. So except you don’t mind trekking to the date venue or washing plates when your bank’s network disappears again, better cancel everything and sleep.
No fuel
If you manage to get cash, you’ll spend most of it on transport for you or the gift you want to send.
Love is wicked
Brick and Lace warned you, but you didn’t hear. Burna Boy predicted it’d end in breakfast, nothing. Even Omah Lay broke commandments for love that still ended in tears. Carry your slippers and run.
It’s just overrated
Every February 14, the same thing. Flowers, babalawo red and fornication. Aren’t you tired?
Your partner is cheating
Your partner didn’t fall asleep last night because they were with their actual partner. So please, why are you planning a surprise for them? Don’t be surprised when they make up an excuse to spend Valentine with their real partner.
Election is coming
Elections are just a few weeks away, and you’re thinking about love? Do you even have your PVC? SMH.
What you do with the information gotten from this quiz is entirely up to you.
Questions
This is a question
Pick the ones that apply to you:
You can relate to #{score}/#{total} of these things
Ermm, better luck next year?
You can relate to #{score}/#{total} of these things
Depending on what you do from now till February 14, you might get a gift.
You can relate to #{score}/#{total} of these things
Ahan, best in showing love. Tag your friends and loved ones, so they know what to do.
You can relate to #{score}/#{total} of these things
If you don’t get a gift, just call us to come and fight the people in your life.
Ensuring that Valentine’s Day fell within ten-day chocolate marketing period may have been a masterstroke for Ghana’s chocolate marketers. But they were also helped because a campaign launched 15 years ago to encourage local consumption of chocolate is beginning to bear fruit.
By Zubaida Mabuno Ismail, bird story agency.
“I have run out stock of Kingsbite milk chocolate, I only have the love chocolate (chocolate from Turkey),” announces a vendor stationed at the Dzorwulu junction in a suburb of Accra. It’s Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2022 and already vendors are selling out of Ghanaian chocolate.
That is a measure of success for the organisations behind Ghana’s National Chocolate Week Celebration, an annual marketing drive that was begun in 2015 and which is beginning to change the narrative on chocolate.
It’s also great news for the Ghana Cocoa Processing Company, which sells seven main brands of chocolates – including Kingsbite.
Three private firms — Chocolate 57, owned and run by London-based sisters, Priscilla and Kimberly Addison, Niche Cocoa and Cocoa Liquor Company-GIHOC Distilleries are the other key partners behind the country’s annual Chocolate fete. According to the managing director of the state-run Ghana Cocoa Processing Company, Nana Agyenim Boateng, more and more stakeholders are being drawn in every year.
It may have been luck that this year, Valentine’s Day fell within the 10-day chocolate fete, scheduled to run from February 12 to February 22 but the Valentines Day slogan, “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana; Our Chocolate, Our Health, Our Wealth” left no doubt as to what the day was meant to be about.
Valentine’s gift boxes and bouquets invariably contained a bar of Kingsbite Milk Chocolate.
Board member of the country’s COCOBOD, Naa Adwoa Dokuah, explained the celebrations’ origins – and why the board shares chocolate bars each year with the Darbah community in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District to share bars of chocolate to pupils.
“The national Chocolate Day celebration idea was mooted by former tourism minister Jake Obetsebi Lamptey during ex-President John Agyekum Kufour’s tenure and this is an opportunity to honour the president in his hometown,” he said.
Ghana has had plenty of chocolate visionaries. The first was the late Tetteh Quarshie. Quarshie is credited for bringing the first cocoa beans to the then Gold Coast in 1879. The agriculturalist planted the beans on his farm at Mampong-Akuapim, a town in the Eastern Region but little did he know that his discovery would later be the lifeline to his country’s economy, becoming an important part of the country’s export.
Born in 1842, Quarshie did not witness his country’s first official export of two cocoa bags in 1893, as he died on Christmas Day, 1892. But by 1910 Ghana was already the world’s largest exporter of cocoa and produced almost half of the world’s output until 1978, when Ivory Coast overtook Ghana as the largest producer.
Although cocoa beans originated in South America, the majority of the world’s annual crop is grown in Africa, and the 2017-2018 African harvest amounted to around 3.5 million tons. The top two producers are Ghana and Ivory Coast, with Ivory Coast producing more than twice the volume that Ghana does. Some three million people work in the industry in those two countries.
In 2015, while the world’s cocoa farmers received about 8 billion US dollars in revenue, the world chocolate market was valued at 110 billion US dollars, according to the African Development Bank. Ghana wants to retain far more of the chocolate market value than it currently does, by developing its domestic chocolate market and relying less on exports of unprocessed beans… basically changing the narrative from “raw cocoa exporter” to “processed chocolate consumer”.
To boost local cocoa consumption, in the academic year 2017/18, the government introduced a hot chocolate programme for senior high school students in the country. The country also encourages an interest in cocoa and chocolate production, at school.
School principal Lawrence Ahiagbor said that the strategy not only encourages learners to become familiar with chocolate as a local product but also promotes its consumption. Surprisingly few learners know about cocoa or chocolate, especially in the country’s north.
“Since cocoa is not something that is produced in the northern part of Ghana. Most of our learners would have seen it for the first time in its real essence and not in pictorial form. They would also learn the act of sharing and then begin to develop an interest in cocoa made products in Ghana,” Ahiagbor said.
One of those who got to enjoy chocolate products at the annual fete was Kanitatu Abdul-Latif, a pupil of the Alhassan Gbanzaba Memorial School in Ghana’s Northern region. She was fascinated with chocolate saying she had only seen the cocoa pods either in photos or television.
“I only see cocoa on television so seeing it today (chocolate day) brings me joy. Again, I have learned about other products produced from cocoa. Thank you for bringing us cocoa,” she said with a smile on her face.
Mohammed Farakhan, another pupil, enjoyed the celebration, too.
“I see today as a day to honour the cocoa farmers and the celebration in school is our way of saying thank you to the farmers.” Latif said.
Cocoa is mainly grown in the country’s forested areas of Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central Region, Eastern Region, Western Region, and Volta, where rainfall is 1,000–1,500 millimetres per year.
While the global price of cocoa beans can fluctuate considerably, the price has gravitated been between 2,000 and 3,000 US dollars per metric ton for the past few years.
So while it may have been luck that Valentine’s Day this year fell during the annual Chocolate Week Celebration, it was no coincidence that it was chocolate, not flowers, that marketers across the country, were pushing on the day.
