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The much-anticipated BBNaija All-Stars 2023 season is finally here, and it’s clear the organisers had one intention in mind: pure chaos.
The lineup features housemates from as far back as the ‘See Gobbe’ season and as recent as the ‘Level Up’ season. In case you aren’t familiar with the faces you’ll be seeing on your screen for the next 72 days, here’s a quick refresher to keep you in the loop.
CeeC (Double Wahala, 2018)
She was drama-personified in her season, and she’s back to correct the “difficult and problematic” impressions about her from the last time we saw her in the house. Fingers crossed CeeC, fingers crossed.
Frodd (Pepper Dem, 2019)
Known for his emotions and quickness to cry during his season, Frodd makes a return to the BBNaija All-Stars house. Our man says he’s specifically after the money because he’s about to welcome a child and “Pampers is expensive”.
Princess (Double Wahala, 2018)
She’s back in the ‘All-Stars’ house because she felt she was ousted from the ‘Double Wahala’ season way too soon. For Princess, the world didn’t get to see all she had to offer, but they’ll be seeing that this season.
Venita( Pepper Dem, 2019)
The actress has once again taken a break from Nollywood to join the race for Big Brother’s ₦120 million. We’re here for the drama sha.
Neo Akpofure (Lockdown, 2020)
Known as his season’s resident bad boy, the Lockdown ex-housemate is back for the ‘All-Stars’ edition because he has more to offer. Weirdly, he’s in the race for Biggie’s money with his cousin, Venita.
Seyi Awolowo ( Pepper Dem, 2019)
The ex ‘Pepper-Dem’ housemate said a lot has changed since we last saw him, especially since he’s now a father. This means we’re getting a new version of Seyi Awolowo in the All-Stars house. We’re SAT.
Tolani Baj (Lockdown 2020)
Last seen in Biggie’s house during the Lockdown season, Tbaj is back for the BBNaija All-Stars 2023 edition to correct wrong impressions about her.
Ike (Pepper Dem, 2020)
Our IJGB brother was part of the ‘Pepper Dem’ season in 2019 and has been hustling in Nigeria since then. Mans says the street is tough, and he’s in the All-Stars season to chase the coins. Okay, Ike.
Pere (Shine Ya Eyes, 2021)
Famous as the general of the ‘Lockdown’ season, Pere is back in the BBNaija ‘All-Stars’ house for another chance at the juicy prize money. We understand bro, it’s tough out there.
Mercy Eke( Pepper Dem, 2019)
Lambo won the ‘Pepper Dem’ season, but that’s not enough reason to stop her from jumping on an opportunity to win again. According to her, “winners keep winning”.
Adekunle (Level Up, 2022)
Fresh off the 2022 ‘Level Up’ season, Adekunle is in the running for the BBNaija ‘All-Stars’ 2023 edition because he wants the world to see more of his bad-boy side. Okay Adekuku, we hear you.
Ilebaye(Level Up, 2022)
Another ex-Lockdown housemate in 2022, Ilabaye is back to play the game because she feels like she didn’t get to do that well during her season. Fingers crossed.
Angel (Shine Ya Eyes, 2021)
The last time we saw Angel in Biggie’s house was during the ‘Shine Ya Eyes’ season, but she’s back to slug it out with the All-Stars.
Soma (See Gobbe, 2017)
Another housemate from the ‘See Gobbe’ season feels he left his season way too early; Soma is taking no chances this season.
Whitemoney (Shine Ya Eyes, 2021)
Mazi won the ‘Shine Ya Eyes’ season, but he still wants to get a piece of the cake —Biggie’s ₦120 million. We don’t know if he plans to use the same kitchen strategy this season sha.
Cross(Shine Ya Eyes, 2021)
Our man was last seen during the ‘Shine Ya Eyes’ season having fun until he was evicted. Now he’s back to do the same in the ‘All-Stars’ season. Only difference is he plans to win while at it this time around.
Uriel (See Gobbe, 2017)
The ‘See Gobbe’ ex-housemate was known as the queen of the diary room during her season. She’s back to slug it out now that she has “worked on herself and is more confident to be on national TV.”
Kiddwaya (Lockdown, 2020)
The billionaire kid was a menace during his run in the ‘Lockdown’ season. He’s back in the ‘All-Stars’ house for the good vibes and money.
Alex (Double Wahala, 2018)
She was the queen of the dance floor during the ‘Double Wahala’ season. But it seems we’ll be getting an Alex 2.0 in the ‘All-Stars’ house now that she has gone through a lot of personal growth.
Doyin (Level Up, 2022)
Another fairly recent BBNaija alumni, Doyin has some unfinished business in the house, so when Big Brother called, she answered.
A step in the right direction because these recruiters are not realistic with their 24/25-year-old requirement. This is Nigeria, please let’s be for real.
Odogwu is taking Davido’s “new cat” comment in good faith. For Burna, being a new cat gives him more longevity and stretches his lifespan in the industry. Perspective baby, perspective.
Yes to youth inclusion in government, but the opposition is coming for Governor Adeleke’s head for driving nepotism. Tunegee is his nephew and son of late Osun state governor, Isiaka Adeleke.
The good doctor is back on Twitter after a three-year break in the midst of heated rape accusations by his ex-lover, Bola Aseyan. Dr Funmi was exonerated of rape, sexual, and emotional abuse by the UK’s Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.
Most people are horrified at the university’s sudden tuition increment from ₦19k to over ₦140k. Fellow Nigerians also have one question: Will the quality of education improve?
According to the CEO, Mele Kyari, “There is no supply issue; when you go to the market, you buy the product. You come to the market and sell it at the prevailing market prices, nothing to do with supply issues.”
Students of Federal Unity Colleges will now be required to pay ₦100k from a previous ₦45k for school fees. Does Jagaban really want the poor to breathe?
Brymo in an audio recording shared on Twitter, said he doesn’t feel bad because he wanted to “experience the outcome of making music with a female act he was bedding”. Ew.
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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What’s your earliest memory of money?
When I was in primary school, my mum would give me money to buy snacks. It wasn’t regular, though. I took homemade food to school most of the time — which I hated because all my friends had money to buy food at school. Now, I appreciate that she took the time to cook for me in the morning, but then, I didn’t understand why she wouldn’t just give me money.
I was in primary school between 2001 to 2006, and pupils who brought ₦50 to school were considered the rich kids. At the time, ₦10 rice, ₦10 spaghetti and ₦5 meat was the peak of enjoyment. But when my mum did give me money — usually ₦50 too — I didn’t spend it on actual food. I typically spent it on silly stuff like telephone juice and goody goody.
So, you were a rich kid too
We were pretty comfortable. Not like “silver-spoon” comfortable, but there was a spoon. I remember growing up in a house my dad bought. We lived in a rented apartment when I was a baby, but I have no memories of living in a home we didn’t own.
What did your parents do for money?
My dad was a lawyer, and he was the typical Nigerian father. Once he paid school fees, he was done. My mum was a housewife and was really involved with me and my younger brother. She’d take us to school and back, check our homework and make sure we had good results.
Did your dad get more involved at any point?
He did; by trying to force me to study law at the university. I didn’t want to study law because I knew I was creative —I’d been a voracious reader and writer since Primary One, and I wanted to study Mass Communication. This was in 2012.
We fought about it, but I had my mum’s support. She knew what I wanted and encouraged me to stick to it and not be a pushover. She was like, if I let someone else decide what I studied in school, at what point would I be independent?
To show my dad I was serious, I decided I’d rather write JAMB again the following year than go to school for law. At that point, he gave up and let me study what I wanted.
I got into a private university for Mass Communication and graduated in 2017. The waiting period between graduation and NYSC call-up was when I started my natural skincare business.
Was that the first thing you did for money?
Yes. Making money wasn’t the initial plan, though. Growing up, I didn’t care about what I put on my face, so I didn’t have a skincare routine. Even when I started having breakouts as a teenager, I didn’t care. All I did was bathe with Imperial Leather and rub cream. My mum was always on my case like, “Don’t you know young girls need to take care of their faces so they don’t break out and have good skin?”
That period at home after university was when I decided to research and pay attention to my skin. There was nothing else to do with the free time. I watched a lot of YouTube and found several DIY options. Then YouTubers used to recommend the most ridiculous things, like asking you to rub lemon on your face. I tried some but eventually realised that I needed more knowledge. So I paid for classes with skincare professionals — which cost about ₦17,500 in total — and found what worked. That’s where I also learned to make products properly.
In October 2017, I started posting about the business on my WhatsApp status, and my first customers were my friends and family. I did the entire production with a mortar and pestle at home. The soap was ₦1,500 when I started, and the profit was around 30% on each one I sold. But I got called up for NYSC about three weeks later.
Did you continue the business?
I literally carried it with me. I stayed in the Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) house for the entire one-year period. I couldn’t take my big mortar with me, but my mum sent a small mortar and some of the needed raw materials, and I stored them under my bed.
My business was basically marketed by word of mouth. I also started using Instagram, but it was still a work in progress. I usually had one or two orders in a month.
I also wasn’t getting an allowance from home anymore. From the moment I left for NYSC, it was, “You’re earning money now, so good luck.”
It’s a good thing you had allawee, at least
Luckily, I didn’t get posted to a school. I served with a government parastatal and was the highest-earning Corps member in the NCCF house. My stipend was ₦25k when I started the job. Three months later, they reviewed salaries, and I started earning ₦40k. There was also the NYSC ₦19,800 stipend, bringing my monthly income to ₦59,800. That’s minus the small change I got from my business once in a while.
Staying at the NCCF house meant I could save a lot of money because I didn’t pay rent. At the end of service, I’d saved ₦400k.
Nice. What did you use the money for?
I just left it in a savings account. The money is still untouched, and I don’t even have access to it.
Come again?
My mum created the account on my behalf when I was little, and she’s the signatory. I let her keep it that way even though I’m grown now — it helps me not to spend my savings anyhow. If I ever need anything, she can help me withdraw it.
Interesting. So, what did you do after NYSC?
I finished service in 2018 and came back home to Lagos. My business also started to scale up. I started getting orders from Instagram because I had more time to push what I did on social media. I went for my Masters in Marketing Communications shortly after in 2019.
What did that mean for your business?
Like during NYSC, I moved with it too. My parents paid my school and hostel fees, so I was responsible for feeding myself.
Now, I was averaging between ₦30k and ₦50k in sales from my business and paying myself a salary of ₦10k. I had to increase the price of the soap to ₦2,000 because of an increase in the price of raw materials. I also sold body scrubs, body butter and lotion, but none exceeded ₦3,500.
What were you spending on?
Mostly provisions. I also only spent one semester in school because of the pandemic in 2020. Subsequently, I finished my Masters at home and graduated in December 2020.
The job market must’ve been waiting
It stressed me for seven months. I didn’t get a job till July 2021, and I probably wouldn’t have gotten it without the help of my mum’s friend who had connections at an energy company. Although she helped me get a leg in, I still had to pass the interview. That’s how I joined the corporate communications team.
Nice. What was the pay like?
₦206k gross. ₦170k after deductions.
Not bad for a first salary
My master’s degree helped since they couldn’t put me on the same scale as a first-degree holder.
So you had 9-5 and a business. What was that like?
I started having less time for my business because of the hours I spent on the road daily. I live in Ajah, and my office is at Marina. Just imagine going through that Lekki-Epe traffic every day. I drive, and it takes me about an hour and thirty minutes to get to work on a good day. On a bad day, it starts at two hours and can be infinite.
So, about a year into my job, I stopped my business. I just couldn’t continue.
That’s tough
I lost an income source, but I live with my parents and have minimal financial responsibilities. My money is basically for me. Then, I tried to save at least ₦50k monthly in that account I don’t have access to. The only other things I spent money on were fuel — which cost me about ₦11k weekly and about ₦20k on data monthly. The rest of my money went into hanging out with friends and eating out.
How was it going at work?
I got a raise around the same time I stopped my business in 2022. A new MD came in, increased salaries, and I started earning approximately ₦210k net. That’s my current salary because I still work there. For the next couple of weeks, at least.
You’re leaving?
I’ve wanted to leave for the longest time. It’s not the money, because I know my salary isn’t bad. But the traffic and the recent increase in fuel prices mean it’s time for me to go. Before fuel subsidy removal, I budgeted ₦40k monthly for fuel. Now, it’s ₦140k.
I’m not leaving my job to be jobless, though. I’m also a virtual assistant, and I currently have three stable clients.
Wait. How did you become a virtual assistant?
This was also in 2022. I really wanted something that’d allow me to make money from home, so I went to YouTube to look for options. I saw options like affiliate marketing, which I tried for a bit and stopped after making about ₦18k in commissions within two weeks. Of the ₦18k, ₦10k was the commission from selling a course, while the 8k was from another site that paid ₦1,600 for every referral. It wasn’t sustainable.
I eventually took an interest in virtual assistance. The job description seemed simple enough: helping people with tasks, booking flights, and responding to emails and comments.
Those are things I already do at my 9-5. If I could do this from home and still earn money, why suffer myself?
I found and applied for the ALX Virtual Assistant course in May 2022. It’s discontinued now, but it was an eight-week intensive course that provided me with all I needed. The course was worth $750, but it was sponsored, so it was free for participants. I graduated at the end of July and officially launched out as a virtual assistant in August.
Did you get clients immediately?
It took me eight months to get my first client. Before then, what I did was put the word out on my social media. I let people know I was open to virtual assistant gigs, and I built my portfolio using the tasks I did during the ALX course. I expected clients to see my content and reach out to me, but it didn’t happen that way. I saw things.
Pray tell
I almost got scammed on LinkedIn once. I applied for a job on the site via the “easy apply” option and sent my CV. These people didn’t interview me. One day, I just got a random message on WhatsApp: an offer letter in a PDF file. My first thought was, “What’s going on here?”
First, the offer letter was badly written with multiple grammatical errors, and I wasn’t even sure who was hiring me. Second, there was no salary. They wanted me to “recruit” candidates for jobs, and I’d be paid based on every candidate I sourced. I just replied and said I wasn’t interested.
Another time, I found a “client” who wanted a social media manager and offered to pay ₦40k. It was low, but I thought the extra income wouldn’t hurt. I signed a contract, and we were supposed to start work, but they ghosted me for like two weeks. I had no access to the social media pages they hired me to manage, and they hardly responded to my messages. After a while, I got tired and stopped.
The ghetto. Let’s talk about your first client
I got them in March 2023 via Twitter. Someone had tweeted about her friend needing a virtual assistant, so people tagged me under the tweet. I reached out to confirm the service needed and also shared my CV and portfolio. My portfolio includes a link to a discovery call with potential clients, so we got on a call and agreed on the deliverables.
I work 15 hours a week, and she pays me ₦150k per month. She’s based in Ghana, and at first, she paid in naira through different payment channels, but we kept having conversion issues, so now she just pays in dollars, which is better for me. I take my payments biweekly, so it’s $159 every two weeks, making $318 at the end of the month. In naira, it’s about ₦222k now.
I guess the naira devaluation has…advantages
LOL. I got two more clients in June, and one of them also pays in dollars. It’s funny how I got no virtual assistance gigs for so long and then got three in quick succession. In fact, the way the third gig came was funny.
I’m listening
I think I made a Twitter thread about virtual assistants, and he just sent me a DM asking, “How much do you charge?”. No “hello”, just straight to the point. I responded, “$30 an hour,” and he said okay.
I thought someone was trying to scam me, so I checked out his page and noticed he’s into forex trading. I was sceptical, but he explained that he coached clients and needed someone to help him send emails every week. I calculated the number of hours I’d use per week and charged him $500 per month. He negotiated to $200, insisting the task would just take a couple of minutes per week. We eventually settled at $250, and he signed my contract.
The time between when he reached out to him and when he signed was less than a day. The Nigerian in me was suspicious, and I kept googling him to confirm he was a real person. I always take the first half of the payment before starting work, so within 24 hours, he paid me, and I started working with him officially.
Interesting. So, the payment before work is a kind of protection?
Oh yes. I put my clients on my Selar subscription where they enter their card details. So I don’t even have to send them invoices. It just takes the money from their accounts every two weeks.
So, you have a 9-5 and three gigs. How much money do all four bring you?
I actually haven’t thought about this before. But all together, it’s ₦769k per month.
That’s impressive. What do you spend your money on?
I spend more on my car than anything else. It’s like the car somehow knows when I have money, and suddenly, something needs fixing. The increase in fuel cost is another reason I want to become fully remote because by the time I spend ₦140k out of the ₦210k my 9-5 pays me on fuel, what’s remaining?
LOL. What’s something you bought recently that you didn’t plan for?
I got some wigs, trousers and shoes a few weeks ago that cost me about ₦132k in total. I prefer to buy things in bulk, but I’m also trying to be more regular with my savings since I plan to leave my 9-5 soon.
How much do you have in savings now?
About ₦1.5m. I may eventually use it if I ever need to move out of my parents’ and rent my own place, but for now, it’s just there.
I’m curious. Are you worried about leaving a stable 9-5 to focus on virtual assistance?
I’m equal parts scared and excited. It’ll be a new phase in my life, but I’ll have the opportunity to do something I want to do. I’ll also have time to scale it even more when there’s no 9-5 dividing my attention. There’ll be more time for content creation and coaching people who also want to be virtual assistants.
There’s still the fear of the unknown because my 9-5 is my safety net. There won’t be that ease of knowing you’d always have a certain amount of money in your account by month end no matter what. I’ve put in my notice at work, and it’s real now. If I don’t work or get gigs, I won’t get paid. It’s scary, but I’m also excited about what the future holds.
That’s fair. Is there anything you want but can’t afford right now?
I’ve always wanted to take a trip to the Benin Republic or Ghana. But I can’t afford that just yet. Plus, my passport has expired, and that’s another expense.
What’s your financial happiness on a scale of 1-10?
8. I know there’s still room for improvement, and I have the capacity to do much more. There’s nothing stopping me from earning $5k or $10k/ month. I’m not there yet, but there’s room for that to happen.
If you’re interested in talking about your Naira Life story, this is a good place to start.
As the 2023-24 season approaches, football clubs around the world are collaborating with major sporting brands to create their team jerseys. Zikoko presents 10 of the hottest new jerseys released.
The simple white design is the trademark of all Real Madrid home jerseys, and the gold stripes on the collar, shoulder and sleeves give it an extra pop. You can wear this jersey on your wedding day.
Adidas went all out on this one. It’s clean, simple and easily identifiable. The three-stripe Adidas trademark makes an appearance on the v-neck, elevating the look even further.
You might ask, what can you do with just black and white? Juventus knows how to make these simple colours iconic every time. Now, they look like Zebra stripes. And the gold accent is everything.
The invincible team of 2004 jersey inspired this 20th anniversary version. It features vertical zigzag lines that make it stand out. But what’s with the gold stripes on everyone’s jersey this season? Anyway, Arsenal may have lost the league last season, but they can at least look good as they make another title charge.
Ajax’s Bob Marley-inspired jersey was a big online sensation in 2022, but this is the first time in over 30 years that they’ll have a white away jersey, and they made sure not to miss. The light pink and green pattern subtly plastered across the jersey is just too brilliant a touch.
This catchy design is the result of a contest organised to appreciate their fans across the world. The jersey features a silhouette of the home stadium across the front. Not many designs can make black and yellow look better than Lagos danfos, but Dortmund fans understood the assignment.
What makes this kit special is the absence of a sponsor name on the front, leaving the focus on the timeless design. It’s a nostalgic nod to the 90s, paying tribute to the club’s iconic 1997-98 season. The reflective gold logos add to that vintage feel.
This jersey draws inspiration from the Monte Rosa mountain in Turin, Italy. Departing from their traditional black away kits of recent years, Juventus’s new jersey looks fresh and vibrant in white and Barbie pastel.
The jersey pays homage to the vibrant energy of the city of Milan, and the enduring legacy of the club, with mesmerising tonal graphics. The real showstopper lies in the black and red stripes that ingeniously form an ‘M’ at the center of the jersey, seamlessly blending with the tonal stripes.
There isn’t much going on here, but that’s exactly what this jersey has going for it. The white collar and sleeve cuffs highlight the cherry-red body of the jersey perfectly.
Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) organisers just announced an All-Stars season set to start on Sunday, July 23, 2023. While this may be new to Gen Zs, millennials have been there, done that.
An All-Stars Big Brother Africa season went down 13 years ago, and it was pure chaotic TV that had viewers in a chokehold, with our own Uti Nwachuwku winning the season. Out of nostalgia, we took a deep dive to see what some of the ex-housemates from that season are up to these days.
Lerato Sengadi
Lerato made her debut on the Big Brother franchise in 2007, during the second season of Big Brother Africa. Three years later, she joined other participants to take another shot at the reality show in the All Stars season of 2010. These days, she’s a PR specialist and influencer marketer who’s worked with top South African media brands.
Code Sangala
Another BBA 2 alumni, Code left his city in Malawi with the hopes of winning the All-Stars edition’s grand prize of $200,000. The radio DJ and advertising executive is still active in the media space and has even kicked off a career in music.
Tatiana Durao
Think of Mercy Eke, Erica and Tacha, and you’ll have a clear idea of who Tatiana was in the 2010 season. The actress and model shook the All-Stars house with pure drama, and she’s still making waves as a media personality in Angola.
Uti Nwachukwu
With little or no introduction needed, our very own guy, Uti Nwachuwkwu didn’t just represent Nigeria in the BBA All-Stars season, he also brought the prize home. But this bro hasn’t stopped working, whether he’s acting, modelling or jumping on hosting gigs.
Kaone Ramontshonyana
13 years after walking out of Big Brother’s house as a radio producer and presenter, Kaone has had an interesting run in construction and social work, but it doesn’t look like he’s still a media guy.
Munya
Two years after his debut in BBA season 3 (2008), Munya made another run for the money in the All-Stars season of 2010. These days, he’s heavily involved in the Zimbabwean movie industry, and we love it for him. He also bagged a master’s degree a few months ago.
Paloma Manda
Paloma had a back-to-back run when she went from the BBA 4 (2009) house to the All-Stars house the next year. She’s hardly in the media today but has her own mining business in Zambia.
Mwisho Mwampamba
Mwisho joined the cast of the BBA All-Stars season in 2010, three years after his first appearance in Biggie’s house. 13 years later, he’s established himself as a farming consultant, environmental activist and fitness instructor in Tanzania.
Yacob Yehdego
Like Paloma, Yacob was in the fourth and fifth seasons of the BBA show. However, not much is available online about him. A Google search returns a string of articles published during his 2010 run in the house. A search on Twitter returns a similar result and no account in his name pops up on Instagram.
Samuel Bampoe
Samuel represented Ghana in the first edition of the BBA show in 2003. He made his way into Biggie’s house again in 2010. Nowadays, Samuel holds his own as a PR guru and communication specialist in Ghana.
Shiela Patricia Kwamboka
Shiela returned for the All-Stars season of 2010 after representing Kenya in BBA season 3. At the time, she was a writer, director and actor, and she stayed on this path 13 years later. Sheila is currently one of the leading women on radio in Nairobi.
Jennifer Mussanhane
Jennifer met her husband, Quinn, on the fourth season of the show before returning for the All-Stars season the following year. She’s kept a low profile since she left the house, but pictures on her husband’s IG page suggest she’s on a mission to explore the world.
Meryl Shikwambane
Meryl and Mwisho made history when they got engaged on live TV during their time in the All-Stars season. Meryl’s last post on her official IG was shared in July 2016. And while they continued their relationship outside the house at first, there’s no mention of Meryl on Mwisho’s active IG page today.
At 6.03 p.m. on July 3rd, 2023, the referee took one last look at his watch, and in three quick breaths, blew his whistle. Sporting Lagos, the team in the blue jersey, had won by 2 goals to nil against Abeokuta Stormers.
Sporting Lagos had gotten an important job done. Their win meant they’d successfully completed what they set out to do at the beginning of the season. In less than two years, they’d become a top-flight team with a social media following of over 35,000 and would play in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) the next season.
How did they do it?
Sporting Lagos players celebrate as their promotion is confirmed
Let’s Go Sporting: The Beginning
On February 3, 2022, Sporting Lagos was introduced to the world and started its race to play first-division Nigerian football.
When a new football club is created in Nigeria, they start in the lower tiers of club football and work their way up to the first division. Sporting Lagos started their journey in the Nigerian National League (NNL), and like any ambitious club, wanted promotion into the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in their first season. But such a feat doesn’t come easily. For context, Remo Stars FC, also a privately-owned club, played in the NNL for six years before their promotion into the first division in 2016.
On February 13, 2022, The Sporting Lagos team filed out at Teslim Balogun Stadium for their debut match against Go Round FC of Rivers State. That match ended in a 1-1 draw. Sporting Lagos would endure a tough first season, winning only eight out of 24 matches played, and finishing in the bottom half of the table.
Although Sporting Lagos didn’t gain promotion, they were building something they could be proud of — a community of supporters.
Let’s Go Sporting: A Community of Young Football Fans
Sporting Fans
Every football club is made of directors, players, coaching and non-coaching staff, but the supporters bring it all together. Any team that has a strong fan base plays with an extra sense of confidence. The supporters are the driving force, the engine.
The most successful football clubs and tournaments are well known because of the effort they put into fan engagement. The clubs regarded as the biggest aren’t always the richest, but those with the most fans. Even the World Cup is driven by building a community of fans. With a global audience of over 1.5 billion viewers, it’s one of the most commercially viable ventures in the world.
Sporting Lagos’ understanding of the fan community is clear in the way it engaged them.
Rector, an event management consultant, has worked with Sporting Lagos since 2022 and helped the club build a fan base of match-goers in Lagos State tertiary institutions, especially the Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH). He’s part of the club’s strategy to attract fans to match venues and provide the best match-day experience.
“Many people aren’t interested in watching local live matches. We have to find a way to convince them. After enjoying themselves at one Sporting Lagos match, it’s a lot easier to convince them to come for another one,” he said.
“Sporting Lagos targets the student community in higher institutions in Lagos — University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Federal College of Education, Yaba College of Technology and Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH).”
Rector, a LASUTECH alumnus himself, had been organising parties in and around Ikorodu since 2021, which made him the ideal candidate to preach the gospel of Sporting Lagos to young people in the area.
To build a true football-loving community, Sporting Lagos understood that universities are hotspots for young passionate people, so they invested in consultants like Rector with networks in Lagos-based higher institutions.
Sporting Lagos provided the students with transportation to and from the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the club’s current home stadium and this made the persuasion process easier. By their second season in the NNL, about 1,000 students attended Sporting Lagos games.
These days, a convincing indication of Sporting’s appeal to the public is the array of fans that come out to watch their games. A staggering number of Gen Zs and millennials troop in on every match day. The spectators are not short of older folks either, but a bulk of the fans are young people.
Sporting Fans
Matchdays at Sporting Lagos’ home stadium feature celebrity appearances and performances. There are also several halftime games. One that’s particularly attention-grabbing is a raffle draw to pick fans who are given a chance to play penalty kicks and win cash prizes of up to ₦100k if they score.
With ticket prices ranging from ₦50k for VIPs to as low as ₦1k, everyone is guaranteed their money’s worth.
Sporting Lagos’ commitment to creating the best matchday experience works so well that people who were passive football followers have been converted into passionate fans and now have an incentive to go to these matches.
“I don’t even like football like that, but I love going to these games. It’s like a party where you just come to have fun. You meet and vibe with other fans,” Aminat, a LASUTECH student and Sporting Lagos fan said.
Sporting Lagos’ Second Season and How Big Dreams Are Sponsored
While the Nigerian League isn’t on the same level as its European counterparts, there’s been a conscious effort to boost its reputation. A major problem the league faces is most of the clubs are government-owned, and most administrations see sports as a secondary venture, preferring to focus the budget on other sectors. Where medical doctors are often owed salaries, for example, the renovation of a football team’s training ground is an expense that can wait.
Private football clubs take the burden of sports administration off the government while giving the fans what they want — a strong, well-established team they can rally behind. Private clubs need money, and for Sporting Lagos, this meant they needed sponsors.
March 2023 was a turning point in Sporting Lagos’ NPFL ambitions, chronicled by two announcements. Sporting Lagos had bagged multiple partnerships with big brands, but none bigger than an e-commerce tech company, Klasha, its official sponsor. They also appointed a new coach, Paul Offor, to lead the team to first-division glory.
An animated Paul Offor on the touchline.
The NNL also had some news, announcing changes to the league structure. The league was divided into two conferences: Northern and Southern. There’d be four groups of six teams in each conference, and the teams that led their respective groups would qualify for the promotion round of games, called the playoffs.
NNL League Structure
Subsequently, the eight teams that made the playoffs would be split into two groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group would gain promotion to the top division — The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Playoffs Structure
And the race started again.
Perhaps due to the world-class equipment accessed through the Klasha deal or the appointment of the new team coach — Sporting Lagos ended the new season with a spot in the NPFL playoff. By their final game for the season, Sporting only needed to top Ijebu United’s result as they were tied on points to advance to the playoffs. Their 4-0 victory over Smart City FC at home on June 13, 2023, was enough to do this. Although Ijebu United beat Joy Cometh FC 3-1, it wasn’t enough to guarantee a playoff spot for them.
Sporting Lagos advanced to the playoffs on goal difference.
In the three-game-long group stage of the playoff round, they won their first game, earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC One Rocket, before storming past Abeokuta Stormers Sports Club in a 2-0 victory. They lost the last game of the group 2-1 against Heartland — the eventual NNL champions. But they finished second in the group, and it was all they needed to book their spot in the NPFL next season.
Winning the NNL would’ve been great. However, if you had told them at the start of the season that they would gain promotion into the NPFL, they probably would’ve missed a heartbeat.
Sporting Fans
Let’s Go Sporting, Let’s Go!
We’re witnessing the fastest organic growth a Nigerian football club has seen in decades. But regardless of how well Sporting Lagos does in the NPFL, the story of a club that prides itself in fan-focused entertainment is one that will interest people for a long time to come.
“Sporting’s mix of football and the Lagos fun culture is a glimpse into what is possible if grassroots football is taken seriously in Nigeria. Hopefully, many well-run football clubs in the NPFL will spring up from the Sporting example and make Nigerian football fun again,” Ayoola, a writer at Pulse Sports, told Zikoko.
Coach Paul Offor, barking orders at Ozaveshe Balogun.
Perhaps the culture of Sporting Lagos — one that builds a fanbase from the ground up, makes tough decisions like hiring a new coach, and closes deals that propel dreams — is efficiency. According to Rector, the event consultant, one of the reasons why he enjoys working with Sporting is the efficiency of salary payment.
“If it was one government club now, they’d say the head of financial affairs or something hasn’t signed off on our payment yet,” he said, laughing at the idea of carrying out the same job for a government-owned club.
Apart from the money, he stressed how organised the whole setup is. “This team will gain promotion soon. I can feel it,” he said.
He was right.
Rector is not the only believer in the Sporting Lagos project. Jidechi, a journalist, told Zikoko that he’s been impressed by Sporting Lagos’ growth in the past year.
“I’ve been at most of their home matches, and they understand how to run a football club like real professionals. When you’re fan-centric as a football business, the results will show. Not many clubs in Nigeria understand this, but Sporting — despite being just barely over a year old — are hacking it already,” he said.
The 2022/2023 season was an unprecedented fairytale campaign for Sporting Lagos, but two years of work, growth and courage from everyone involved with the football club got them here. The good thing is that the story isn’t over, and as this chapter of Sporting Lagos in the NNL ends, the one that tells the story of their journey in the NPFL is set to begin.
I spoke with some Nigerian women about their experiences with Barbie dolls growing up, and one of them had questions like, “Is Barbie’s love for pink a curse from a witch? Who are her parents.” Basically, what is the Barbie origin story?
I also wanted answers to this, so when a chance to watch Greta Gerwig’s live-action film on premiere day — before it officially showed in Nigerian cinemas — dropped in my laps, I took it.
30 minutes into the delicious burst of colours that popped on the screen, I knew Greta didn’t mean for us to get carried away. My questions were replaced with new ones that made me ponder on gender equality and the world right now as it is for women and men.
Unlike Barbie Land where women can just BE, this is actually what the real world is like.
ALERT: Some spoilers ahead
Men are the star players
Barbie and Ken’s first real encounter with the real world shows a sharp contrast from Barbie World that leaves them puzzled. She’s particularly distraught that men had most of the physical jobs, and there were hardly any women in sight.
Does this sound all too familiar? Like a place you know that actually exists? Exactly.
Where are the female CEOs?
Even though Barbie’s creator is female, the production company that makes the dolls is headed by a male CEO and male-dominated board. Shocked, Barbie asks for the CFO, COO and other top executives, hoping to find at least one female in these positions. She soon realises that women aren’t given a fair chance in the real world, and it’s far different from the Barbie Land utopia where there’s even a President Barbie.
Welcome to the real world, Barbie.
The world wants to put women in a box
Writer-director, Greta, makes an interesting play on women being kept in a box and expected to do just as they’re told. Barbie had a mission she took a trip to the real world for: Find the doll version of herself and fix what’s broken. But there, Mattel’s CEO tells her to step back into an actual toy box that would send her back to Barbie World. In the box, she realises what’s at play, pleads for a bathroom break and escapes.
Does this remind you of a woman you know?
Women are held to unrealistic beauty standards
Sasha, the human who owns the doll version of Barbie in the real world, renders a moving monologue to get her out of a depressive state. She wonders why women should be thin but not call it thin. it should be called healthy. She points out how women are expected to stay pretty for men but not pretty enough to tempt other men and cause problems for the women in their lives. Sasha stresses how women are expected to stay selfless and give every ounce of themselves. She says the world expects women to bend backwards and beyond so that they can be liked. In fact, the expectation heaped on women is so bad that it’s also the case for a doll representing women.
No lies told Sasha. It’s hard being a woman in a world that just wants to take and take and take.
In summary, patriarchy rules
Barbie World Ken had one mission before his trip to the human world: Get noticed by Barbie. But sweet boy Ken discovered patriarchy in the real world and had the motivation to bring it to Barbie World. When he returns, he etches a hostile takeover, renames Barbie World Ken’s World and convinces other Kens to rise up with him. In Ken’s World, Barbies who were engineers, doctors and scientists take on submissive roles like waitresses, housewives and girlfriends.
Cue the unending arguments and think pieces we’re still having in the almighty 21st century on the topic of women submitting to men.
Men will go to war for control
With help from other Barbies, Stereotypical Barbie (AKA Margot Robbie) hatches a grand plan to take control of the Kens and restore Barbie World. They do this by turning the Kens against each other. Eventually, the Kens go to all-out war, bringing to mind some of humanity’s craziest wars, where men are at the bottom, top and centre of it all.
First of all, it’s hard to surprise a Nigerian woman because we know everything. But if you really want to plan something your Nigerian girlfriend would love and might actually catch her unaware, these tips will help.
Tell her you’re planning a surprise for someone else
Remember what I said about women knowing everything? She’ll definitely know something is up when you start making quiet phone calls and guarding your phone. You don’t want to wake the investigative journalist in her, so just tell her without telling her.
Avoid her
Of course, now, she might want all the details of the surprise you’re planning for someone else. You can’t keep that up, so the best bet is to avoid her. Just don’t do it for too long, or she might enter another relationship before you pull off the surprise.
Tell her friends at least a week before the party
Don’t worry, they won’t ruin the surprise. You need them to make sure she’s all dressed up and baddie-fied for the event. Trust me, no one wants to walk into a surprise with six-week-old braids.
Make sure she doesn’t eat that day
That’s where her friends come in. You want her to have space for all the food at the party. This one should be easy because many Nigerian women have a problem deciding what to eat anyway.
Say your ex will be present at the party
Just tell her your ex will be present at this random party, and watch your babe literally dress to kill. Or fight you and dump your ass. What’s life without a little risk?
Go all out on the decor
Because she’ll need to take pictures for the gram. I know they say it’s the little things that count, but this one doesn’t fall under the little things. The venue has to be lit.
Invite all her frienemies… then spray her money
You know what’s better than sending your Nigerian girlfriend money? It’s giving her money in the presence of all her enemies. They need to know her man is an odogwu. If this is the only thing you get right with the surprise, you’ve done more than enough.
Or propose
Only do this in front of a big-ass crowd when you’re sure she wants to marry you sha. Because why choose to embarrass her like that in front of everyone?
Dreadlock styles may seem super expensive and difficult to maintain, but that’s not the entire truth.
There are several loc styles, from low to high budget, that require little to no maintenance.
Dreadlock styles for men
If you’re a guy who’s thinking of upgrading your hair game, here’s a list of styles you should consider.
Long twisted locs
A cool option to try if you’ve grown out your locs for a while. You might also want to throw in some colour for extra pop.
Cornrow dreads with a side cut
For clean dreadlocks and fresh cut combo that always gets the baddies going.
Mohawk locs with a bun
The thing with mohawk locs is that you can go as wild as you want with the sides. A side cut and parting is always a winner.
Short twisted locs
Source: Instagram/@nigerianlocs
This is the shorter variation of long twisted locs. A cool choice for those who’re still training their locs.
Jumbo spiky locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadspalaceabuja
You might have some difficulty sleeping properly, but this is a top-tier style that’ll easily set you apart.
Side-swept short locs with fade
Source: Instagram/@dreads_and_naturals
Throw in some dye to the tips, and you just might cause trouble for people in relationships when you step out.
Macro locs
Source:Instagram/@dreads_and_naturals
Men can also rock macro locs and look fire in it.
Criss-cross locs
This can last for weeks or months depending on what suits you.
Bob Marley locs
Source: Instagram/@nigerianlocs
Trying to get into the Jamaican Rastafarian vibe? Here’s your stop, but it’s high maintenance.
Braided locs with ponytail
Source: Pinterest
One cool advantage of having long locs? You can style it into a ponytail.
Blonde spiky locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
It doesn’t even have to be blonde. You can try other interesting colours like honey brown, burgundy, or whatever suits your complexion.
Long blond locs
Just look at this and say it’s not a hot serve. The only downside is you’ll spend all your coins on keeping it clean.
Side-swept spiky locs with a fade
Source: Instagram/@elozonam
A bold look if you like to do many things with your hair and still keep it clean. Four things going on here: Blonde colour, spiky locs, hard-parting and a fade.
Jombo twisted locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
Unlike the spiky jombo locks that’ll disrupt your sleep, this is a much more convenient option. And you’ll still look like today’s Agege bread.
High-top locs with strands
Source: Instagram/Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
Another nice option if you want to enjoy a clean cut.
Dreadlock hairstyles for women
Locs are a perfect option if you’re a lady who doesn’t enjoy the weekly run to hair salons. You might spend money and extra hours on maintenance, but will you notice if you only go to the salon once a month? Whether you’ve made a decision or are still considering, here are dreadlock styles that should be on your radar.
Side-swept braided locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
This dreadlock hairstyle can take your look from zero to 100 real quick — in a good way. You might have trouble sleeping sha.
Dyed spiked locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
A real killer style for Gen Z baddies looking to experiment with locs.
Mini bantu locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
Might look painful, but this is one style to go for if you want to occasionally pour water on your head and have zero worries about sleeping positions.
Lenthy curly locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
Best for those who want interesting ways to style their long locs. You can either visit a loctician or DIY with bendable rollers for this look.
Starter locs
For when you’re just starting your dreadlocks journey.
Double-bun locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
A hard yes to this look because you can even do it yourself.
Mohawk with spiky locs
Source:Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
Only hot babes can combine spiky locs with a mohawk and make it look good.
Micro locs
Source: Instagram/@nigerianlocs
You’ll satisfy your craving for locs and still get to make other non-loc hairstyles if you want.
Jumbo bun
Source: Instagram/@dreadsbytms
You’ll need lengthy locs or lock extensions to pull this look off.
Dyed bantu locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadlocks_guru
A simple way to take your bantu locs from regular to baddie status? Throw in some colour.
Micro locs in cornrows
Source: Instagram/@dreads_and_naturals
The versatility of cornrows! Try this look if you already have macro locs and want a stylish way to retwist them.
Barrel roll locs
Source: Instagram/@dreadspalaceabuja
Not a fan of free falling or cornrow dreads? This is a nice and easy-to-maintain alternative.
Bob locs
For baddies with lenghty locs, looking for a fun way to style them. Add baby curls for that extra jazz, or not.
Short locs with dyed tips
Source: Instagram/@dreadspalaceabuja
One of the dreadlock styles that is a lifesaver when you don’t want to do too much with your locs but still stand out.
Twisted locs
Go with a colour that suits your complexion or try a combo mix. Either way, this style will pop.
LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, the unscripted African Original on Prime Video, is not just a hilarious comedy competition but also a platform for making a positive impact on society. In addition to the fierce battle for laughter supremacy, the show highlights the philanthropic endeavours of its talented cast. Each comedian participating in this six-part series has the opportunity to donate a staggering 40 million NGN to a local charity of their choice. Join us as we delve into the charitable causes supported by the comedians of LOL: Last One Laughing Naija and discover how they are spreading smiles and giving back.
Mr. Funny aka Sabinus – Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice
Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice aspires to provide a safe haven filled with love and attention for special children. Mr. Funny’s support for this organization aims to enhance the quality service delivery and care provided to these children in a relaxed and serene environment. By championing this cause, Mr. Funny showcases the importance of creating a nurturing space for children with special needs.
I Go Save – The Irede Foundation
The Irede Foundation focuses on empowering children who live with congenital and/or acquired limb loss. Through his participation in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, I Go Save aims to make every child amputee a champion who lives a life without the limitations of a missing limb. By supporting this foundation, I Go Save strives to end discrimination against amputees and provide equal opportunities for all.
Dat Warri Girl – The Royal Charity for Widows and Orphans
Dat Warri Girl’s involvement in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija extends beyond comedy as she sheds light on The Royal Charity for Widows and Orphans. Founded by Mrs. Elizabeth Ojuromu Dortie, this organisation collaborates with aligned NGOs, agencies, and the government to meet the needs of widows and their children. Dat Warri Girl’s support aims to uplift and provide for these vulnerable individuals and their families.
Senator – Child Love Advocacy and Protection Initiative
Senator’s comedic timing and satirical insights take on a deeper meaning as he supports the Child Love Advocacy and Protection Initiative (CLAPAI) orphanage. CLAPAI was created as an intervention tool to care for children orphaned by or infected with HIV/AIDS. Senator’s contribution helps provide quality education and care for vulnerable children affected by the scourge of poverty.
Buchi – Optimal Children’s Home
Buchi’s lively performances and witty punchlines extend beyond the stage as he supports Optimal Children’s Home. This establishment serves as a haven for abandoned children, orphans, and the homeless. Buchi’s involvement aims to provide these children with the benefits of a loving home, access to education, clothing, and a chance at a brighter future.
Kie Kie – The Purple Girl Foundation
The Purple Girl Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the education of underprivileged female children in Nigeria. Kie Kie’s support focuses on empowering girls at every level, from primary to tertiary education. By providing opportunities and support, Kie Kie aims to create a positive change in the lives of these girls and their communities.
McAcCapella – The Sickle Cell Foundation
The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria is dedicated to proper care and control of sickle cell disorder in the country. Through his participation in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, McAcCapella aims to evaluate the disorder and raise awareness, ultimately working towards finding possible cures. His support helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with sickle cell disorder.
Taaooma – Little Saints Orphanage
Taaooma’s involvement in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija aligns with her commitment to providing opportunities and support for orphans and abused children. Little Saints Orphanage offers rehabilitation, education, and activities to ensure a brighter future for these vulnerable children. Taaooma’s contribution emphasises the importance of investing in education and the holistic well-being of children.
Okey Bakassi – The Pacelli School for the Blind
Okey Bakassi’s support extends to The Pacelli School, Nigeria’s foremost institution for blind and partially sighted children. The school, established in 1962, provides education, facilities, and welfare support to visually impaired students. Okey Bakassi’s involvement helps create an inclusive environment and ensures that visually impaired individuals receive the necessary support to thrive.
Gandoki – The Centre for Destitute Empowerment
Gandoki’s participation in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija aligns with his commitment to empowering disabled children. The Centre for Destitute Empowerment uses education and support to unlock the abilities within every disabled child. Gandoki’s support helps create an inclusive space where disabled individuals can thrive and showcase their unique talents.
LOL: Last One Laughing Naija is not only a laughter-filled entertainment extravaganza but also a platform that highlights the charitable endeavours of its talented comedians. From Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice to The Centre for Destitute Empowerment, each comedian has chosen a cause close to their heart. Through their participation in this show, they are using their humour and popularity to make a positive impact on society. The smiles they bring on the show are not just for laughs, but also for the lives they touch and the charitable organisations they support. Together, they are spreading smiles, giving back, and creating a brighter future for those in need.
Talk True is a Zikoko limited series for medical myth-busting. For this special episode, we’re considering the safety of the newest invention in Nigeria since the fuel subsidy removal: cooking-gas-powered generators
In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu bluntly announced plans to remove fuel subsidy which would inevitably result in the increase of fuel pump prices.
As if we didn’t have enough problems
What followed was acute fuel scarcity nationwide, panic-buying and an eventual increase to over ₦500 per litre in June. Fuel prices have risen AGAIN in July to over ₦600 per litre. One way Nigerians are dealing with the new cost is by reducing dependence on fuel, a situation which birthed the conversion of fuel-powered generators to gas-powered ones.
Nigerians have converted their petrol generator to now run on gas. 2kg gas running for 8 hours??? Omo. pic.twitter.com/aZD4JMy4Wa
Some users claim these generators are more economical, but is it really safe for use? Kay Oyewole, a safety professional, provides answers.
How is the conversion from fuel to gas possible?
“Petrol generators may be the right term for what we commonly use in Nigeria. Generators generally have a system that allows them to burn fuel to generate usable electricity. ‘Fuel’ in this situation can be petroleum, natural gas (methane), or the one typically used for cooking: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)”, Kay says.
It’s not a complicated process to convert a petrol generator to one that runs on cooking gas. In fact, the only change required is the generator’s carburettor.
“Using a gas carburettor does the trick. Some may decide to change it entirely to gas, while others use a converter that allows you to switch from fuel to gas.”
Is it safe to use?
Kay confirms that gas-powered generators are safe to use but emphasises the need to observe all safety precautions.
“Make sure that any alterations are made by qualified technicians, rather than just anyone claiming to know how to do it. Users also need to properly maintain the gas cylinder just as they would the ones used for cooking.
It’s important to test the gas cylinders every five years for usability, replace the accessories (like valves, hose, regulators and clips) every 2-3 years and watch for leaks. If there are no gas leaks, the converted gas generators are absolutely safe.”
Feel free to carry go
But is it actually economical?
Even though the price of cooking gas dropped recently, the difference may not be significant. Kay doesn’t feel optimistic about whether the use of gas for fueling generators will be cheaper than fuel in the long run.
“It may turn out to be cheaper, considering the recent fuel prices, but it might not be a significant amount. I’ve seen people claim gas-powered generators last longer for fewer kilograms of LPG, but it also depends on individual use. More research needs to be done on that. But of course, if there’s even a small chance of saving money, especially with how inflation is these days, it’s a welcome option.
Anything to save the coins
In terms of environmental friendliness, though, LPG is a better fossil fuel than petrol because of its reduced emissions and lower levels of nitrogen oxides.” Kay notes.
The takeaway
Cooking-gas-powered generators are safe to use as long as a qualified technician has modified them properly and ensured that there are no gas leaks. As to whether they’re cheaper than using petrol, the jury’s still out.
Love Life is a Zikoko weekly series about love, relationships, situationships, entanglements and everything in between.
What’s your earliest memory of each other?
Kunle: In January 2022, we met on a danfo going from CMS to Eko Hotel roundabout. It was around 6:30 a.m., we sat together, and there was bumper-to-bumper traffic for most of the way because of all the closed roads and bridges. We were both sweaty but trying to maintain beauty for the office.
Temi: It was hard for us public transport users that year. I always got to the office exhausted. Well, not much has changed now.
But that day, we got to talking when he got a glance at my music playlist on my phone. He saw I liked a lot of sad music and commented on it. That’s how we started talking about music and our work.
Kunle: When we finally got to our destination, it was some minutes past eight, and we were both late for work, so we didn’t even bother to rush. We’d found out we worked not too far from each other, so we got into a keke together and that’s where we exchanged phone numbers.
When did you realise you liked each other?
Temi: We started meeting up in the evenings to catch the bus going to Barracks together, and we really got along on these bus trips. After some days, he told me he normally carpooled with a man who uses his private car as a taxi when he was coming to work in the morning and leaving at night. The only reason he’d been using the danfo that week was because the man had travelled.
He invited me to carpool with him, and I agreed. It was a great decision because the man’s car was so comfortable; it was air conditioned, and he lived closer to my house, so I could just walk home from where he dropped me off.
Kunle: There were usually four of us from different offices in this man’s car. And on rare occasions, five. Instead of having to jump danfos at up to four stops between work and home, we could just sit back and relax for a long stretch of time. It didn’t even cost that much more. We got to talk and get to know each other without the stress and noise of danfo buses. I think that’s how we started liking each other.
What interesting things did you find out about each other?
Kunle: That she catered for small events on the side. I immediately loved that she was that enterprising.
Temi: For me, I found out he was gay, first of all.
Kunle: I like to have that out of the way when I’m getting to know people, so they can decide if they want to move the friendship forward from early on.
I once had a friend who was so angry when she found out I was gay about a year into our friendship. She said I’d betrayed her trust and blocked me.
I think on the second day of going home in the private car, I told her.
Temi: It was refreshing to meet a gay person in person and have him be so open about it without it necessarily showing in his behaviour. I was a bit disappointed though, because I thought he was cute.
Kunle: She asked to see a picture of my boyfriend at the time, and I showed her.
Temi: He was cute too. It really wasn’t fair.
When did you both know you’d fallen in love?
Kunle: The next month, that “cute” guy broke up with me. I’d never experienced as much heartbreak as I did after it happened, probably because we dated for two and a half years. I really thought we’d be committed for life, but apparently, we weren’t on the same page.
That’s what made it even more upsetting. Was he pretending about liking me as much as I thought he did? I suddenly didn’t know.
Temi: He was so withdrawn one day. And he was like that for some weeks, but I didn’t know why. He’d miss the car on some days, and I started feeling somehow about entering without him because I didn’t know anyone else in the car.
So I went back to danfos. When I tried to chat him up to check up on him, he’d just say he was fine. I was worried but I left him. But then, I started missing him.
Kunle: When I started getting over my ex, I felt bad for leaving her hanging like that. I’d noticed she was no longer going with the car. I felt bad that I’d pushed her to go for a much more uncomfortable transport option. I called her up one day and apologised for my sudden withdrawal.
When I finally told her about the break up one Saturday, she told me to meet up with her somewhere she was going to deliver packs of jollof rice she’d made to a birthday celebrant.
Temi: He came to where we’d agreed to meet up, which was not too far from his place, and I gave him a pack of my Jollof as a “feel better” gift.
Kunle: I was so touched. We sat down at the venue. I opened and started eating the food right there. I hadn’t eaten all day, it was around 5 p.m., and the food smelt so good.
It tasted good too. I looked at her midway into the meal with this big smile on my face. She had a big smile on hers too.
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Was that love though?
Kunle: Yes. A version of it.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her once I got home. But I couldn’t understand why because I’d never dated a woman, ever. I actually got into my first relationship at 25 as a virgin. I believed it was because I’d only been considering women up until that point, and I never met one I was attracted to.
Temi: Before I met him, my last relationship was in 2018. It was one of those lukewarm ones where, at the end, you don’t even know why you were together. So I was single and very ready for a relationship. By the time we were getting to know each other in that car, I was very attracted to him and so upset he was gay. But at the same time, I didn’t want to keep away.
Kunle: After the jollof rice meet-up, we went back to going to and from work in the car. So we saw each other every day of the week. When we started hanging out on weekends too, I knew that was it. We’d invite each other for family events or to see a movie together and started meeting each other’s friends. This went on till around June 2022, when I decided to try my luck and ask her out.
Temi: On our way to work, one early Monday morning, he asked me randomly. I was in shock. I was like, “I thought you were gay.” He looked a little confused when I said that, so I knew it was something he himself was still trying to figure out.
How did you handle rediscovering your sexuality and entering a new relationship at the same time?
Kunle: It was conflicting for a while, not going to lie. But in the end, I decided to just follow my instincts. For some reason, I really liked this one girl after a lifetime of liking boys. Maybe that doesn’t require an explanation.
Temi: I tried to keep an open mind too, and enjoy the process. I didn’t say yes to him right away because I wanted him to be really sure. I also wanted to process whether actually wanted to date him. It took me up to three weeks to agree. In the meantime, our budding friendship grew. I realised that beyond being attracted to him, we got along well. He was a serious person; he took the important things in life — money, work, family — seriously.
Kunle: We also like food — the one thing we both like.
Temi: That’s not true. We like swimming. But yeah, that’s all we have in common.
Are either of you ever worried he’ll get attracted to a man again?
Temi: I won’t say “worried”, but the thought enters my head sometimes. On one hand, I feel special that I’m the one woman who made him realise he’s actually bisexual not gay. But on the other hand, I have a lot of learning to do about what bisexuality entails in practice.
Kunle: I still get attracted to men actually. Doesn’t mean I’ll ever act on it. I’m fully committed to this relationship for the foreseeable future. Being gay or bisexual doesn’t mean I can’t be disciplined and stay loyal and respectful to her.
Fair enough. Do you remember what your first major fight was about?
Kunle: Oh, it was so stupid.
Temi: We fought, or rather, had an argument over last year’s Sallah meat.
Kunle: This was even before we’d fully agreed to date.
Temi: He’s Muslim. So he’d sworn to bring me a full polythene bag of ram meat. I told him to bring it raw so I could cook it very tender and make a nice sauce with it.
What did he do? He brought the one that they’d fried hard as rock. And it wasn’t even plenty. After he had promised heaven and earth. I was already dreaming of how I was going to savour it and use it with four different meals. Oh God.
Kunle: I overhyped myself as a joke. I didn’t know she was actually taking me seriously and making plans. I just put some leftover meat together without thinking, and took it to her the next day. When she brought the meat out of the bag, she lambasted me. I’ll never forget. I felt so bad.
Temi: I didn’t speak to him for like two days. One day, he ordered ram suya to my house. That was so sweet.
What’s the best thing about being together so far?
Temi: Everything. What I love most is how I don’t feel any pressure at all. I can be myself, talk about things that interest me and be open and vulnerable, without feeling judged or disrespected.
Kunle: The best thing is how compatible we are in almost everything: mentally, sexually, even career-wise. We’re growing together. And we’re so comfortable together. I didn’t realise how uptight I was — constantly seeking validation and trying to be and look perfect — in almost all my past relationships until we got together. Thank you for that.
How would you rate your Love Life on a scale of 1 to 10?
Temi: 8. I love you so much.
Kunle: Maybe 9.
Check back every Thursday by 9 AM for new Love Life stories here. The stories will also be a part of the Ships newsletter, so sign up here.
A new season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) is coming soon and stans are already raving hard. God, abeg.
The organisers are taking a different spin with what’s set to be the first BBNaija All-Stars season. Since there are rumours that some of our faves will be making a comeback, it’s only right to take a trip down memory lane and see the kind of drama we can anticipate in an all-star house. Let’s get into the chaos.
This is arguably one of the top ten moments in BBNaija history and it’s not number two to ten. Tobi, Miracle, Alex and Nina were celebrating their finalist status when Ceec pulled an epic entrance on them. They never saw it coming.
Bisola’s April fool prank (BBNaija See Gobbe, 2017)
Ex-housemates have pulled off pranks in Biggie’s house before, but they’d have to take an acting class from Bisola Aiyeola to do anything that comes remotely close to hers. She connived with Biggie to fake an eviction and boy, she ate up that announcement scene and fellow housemates were shaking.
Tacha and Mercy’s fight (BBNaija Pepper Dem, 2019)
Tacha and Mercy gave prime Eucharia Anunobi and Clarion Chukwura Abuja Connection energy in the house. Things reached a tipping point when they had a nasty faceoff that had Tacha getting physical and eventually disqualified from the season. Tacha started the fight after verbally attacking Mercy for keeping the house waiting during a task briefing.
“Bye, it was a pleasure”. Show me a more iconic exit in the history of the Big Brother franchise, I’ll wait. Lucy wasn’t having any of the backbiting and scheming that was going on in the house. She knew other housemates didn’t like her. There was no point sharing fake hugs and kisses with the same people who put her up for eviction.
Pere’s military-styled address (BBNaija: Shine Ya Eyes, 2021)
Shortly after emerging Head of House (HOH), Pere rounded up the housemates and gave them a military-style dressing down. His message: “Disrespect me as a person but the emblem on my neck signifies authority. So there will be no disrespect as long as I’m Head of House.” No HOH in the history of BBNaija has touched this level of audacity.
Erica and Laycon’s fight (BBNaija Lockdown, 2020)
You know some serious shit went down if a fight in Biggie’s house ends up with one party getting disqualified. Erica, under the influence of alcohol, verbally attacked Laycon for peddling a narrative that she liked him. “I will beat Laycon if I was not on two strikes. I don’t care if I am disqualified.”
Khloe and Anto’s return (BBNaija Pepper Dem, 2018)
Second chances are rare in Biggie’s house but during the 2018 season, fans were given the chance to send two ex-housemates back in the house. Khloe and Anto snuck into the house some minutes past 3am while housemates were asleep and some viewers were wide awake.
Saga’s emotional meltdown (BBNaija Shine Ya Eyes, 2021)
Saga the lover boy had an epic emotional meltdown after his love interest, Nini, mysteriously disappeared from the house. He was even ready to take his exit from the show meanwhile Nini was watching him lose his shit from a secret room the entire time.
Bisola and Tboss’ fight over food(BBNaija See Gobbe, 2017)
Some of the most chaotic fights in the BBNaija house started from the kitchen, and honestly, we get it—food is a serious matter. Bisola was making French Toast for breakfast and Tboss who had had enough of it prodded her with many questions. Things went downhill from there with that moment driving an “aggressive person” narrative about Bisola.
Nengi and Ozoh’s eviction kiss (BBNaija Lockdown, 2020)
COVID had us in a fix in 2020 but it doesn’t come close to the chokehold the Lockdown season had on viewers. Ozo, who had spent his entire stay fawning over Nengi, thought he was going to at least get a goodbye kiss after he got evicted. She, respectfully, swerved and dodged the kiss.
There’s no bad bitch energy in BBNaija’s history that matches this iconic squabble between Tolani Baj and Kae3na. The ladies had a nasty fight after Kae3na refused to serve Tbaj when she asked for food.
Bambam and Teddy’s toilet scene (BBNaija, Double Wahala, 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHVG9Rs82HU
Hot sex goes down in the Big Brother house even though the housemates double down when Ebuka asks his famous probing questions. BamBam and Teddy A couldn’t escape the cameras when they went at it in the toilet. This scene caused chaos on Twitter NG but had the same people swooning when they tied the knot a few months after the show ended.
The hair game is forever changing, so if you want to stay on top of the latest hairstyles for Nigerian ladies in 2024, you need to pay extra attention.
Whether you’re going for low-maintenance or simple and easy-to-wear styles, you’ll find something that fits your style in this list.
Hairstyles with attachment for ladies
Notin the mood to rock your wigs or handle the stress of sew-ins?? Don’t worry, the game has changed in 2024 and these attachment styles are some of the latest hairstyles for ladies. There’s no way you’re stepping out without causing good commotion.
Jumbo Senegalese twists
Source: Instagram/@ tricedabraider
This is a great option if you’re looking to breeze in and out of the salon and still look hot.
Criss-cross Ghana weaving
Source: Instagram/@iamcreation_of_beauty
Think of this as an elevated and playful version of the regular all-back braids.
Stitch braid
Source: Instagram/@neyhairs
Are you even a hot girl if you haven’t jumped on the stitch braid hairstyle in 2024?
Ziz-Zag stitch braid
Source: Instagram/@neyhairs
Go for this if you want to add extra pizzazz to the regular stitch-braid hairstyle.
Goddess braids
Source: Pinterest
What’s not to love about goddess braids? You’ll feel like a goddess with this hairstyle, though you also have to spend a lot of hours at the salon.
Ponytail with bangs
Source: Pinterest
Because regular ponytails are so 2010. Try this ponytail hairstyle for an extra edge.
Knotless braids with curly ends
Source: Pinterest
This hairstyle had the girlies in a chokehold in 2022 and still does, especially the version with curly ends.
Boho stitch braids
Source: Source: Instagram/@neyhairs
This hairstyle is a combination of boho and stitch braids. Think of it as an extra way of rocking stitch braids.
Simple hairstyles for ladies in 2024
Nothing beats the feeling of knowing you can still look good on a budget. If what you’re going for is a simple, laid-back style that still fits with the latest hairstyles for Nigerian ladies in 2024, we got you covered.
Cornrows
Source: CuteAfrik Afro
Cornrows are a lifesaver, especially when you don’t want to do too much with your hair. You can even do it yourself if you have the time.
Bantu knots with curls
Source: Black beauty bombshells
Bantu knots has been around for a while and is always a hit.
Two-row cornrows
Source: Pinterest
Before you roll your eyes and ask, “Cornrows again?” Listen, cornrows are simple, affordable, classy and versatile. They also don’t look like your regular cornrows.
Ponytail
Source: Pinterest
Nothing screams “I can’t kill myself” like a ponytail. It’s a lifesaver when you don’t want to do too much with your hair.
Jumbo braids
Source: Pinterest
You’ll satisfy your craving for braids and still be out of the salon between 30 minutes to an hour.
Jumbo Box braids
This is another great option if you want braids but your bank account and patience level are saying something else.
Braided ponytail
Perfect for when you want to do something different with the regular ponytail style. It ranks high as one of the latest hairstyles for Nigerian Ladies in 2024. But the girlies are now using ombre sha.
Zigzag braids with beads
Source: Instagram/ @mk.lillle
The curls give a fresh breath of life to hairstyles that would have been better left in 2000 and this ZigZag braid is proof.
Chic loc hairstyles for ladies
Maintenance might be a handful but locs are great if you don’t like making weekly trips to the salon. Thanks to the locticians committed to making their customers look good, there’re many options to choose from these days.
Starter locs
Source: Instagram/ @dreads_and_natural
For when you’re just starting on your loc journey.
Bantu locs
Instagram/ @dreads_and_natural
Who says you can’t rock your bantu knots because your hair is locked?
Bob locs
Source: Pinterest
A fun way to style your locs especially if they’re lengthy.
Jumbo bun locs
Source: Intagram/@dreadsbytms
To rock this style, you need at least 5 years old locs or get loc extensions.
Macrolocs in cornrows
If you already have macrolocs, this is a fun way to retwist them. We already agreed that cornrows is bae right?
Side swept locs
Source: Hair Adviser
Another fun styling option for anyone with lengthy locs.
Blonde dreads
Source:locs_guru
Dyeing your locs blonde for Barbie season is nothing but a hot serve.
Dyed locs
If going completely blonde is too much for you, consider an ombre style. Black and honey brown is a mad combo that bangs in 2024.
Microlocs
Source: Instagram/@nigerianlocs
A versatile option that still lets you make your regular braids.
Low cut hairstyles for ladies
You want to pour water on your head? Escape the headaches that come with new hairstyles? Sleep in any position you want? Then a low-cut’s probably your best option, and the game has changed in 2024. What are the latest low-cut hairstyles you can try ? Let’s go.
Blonde low cut
Source: Instagram/@nancyisimeofficial
No one rocks a blonde low cut better than Nancy Isime…until you try sha.
Low-cut with double side parting
Source: Instagram/@hayub_haircut
The side-parting is the steal here. Just the barber’s hand is straight
Blue waves cut with etched sides
Source: Instagram/mastercut_lekki
The question’s not why blue, it should be why not? Those etched sides are to die for by the way.
Pink curls with side shave
Source: Instagram/@mastercut_lekki
Hop on this style if you’re not on a complete low cut. You can also change the color to suit what you want, but we recommend Barbie pink.
Complete clean shave
Source: Instagram/the_oddity
You might need some courage to rock this look but it’s a stunner for real.
Reality star, Vee Iye, recently had the police arrest a plumber who’d been scamming her. Apparently, he’d turn off the control of her water supply then collect money and pretend to offer solutions for a “faulty pump”.
Some Twitter NG users are saying involving the police is extreme, but if you’ve been played before by Nigerian artisans, you’ll know that it can cost a lot to be taken for a fool. You might learn a thing or two from the experiences of these scammed victims.
Never pay before the service
“My DSTV dish was faulty, and I found an installer to help fix it. The guy seemed cool-headed, so I felt I was in good hands. He needed about ₦8k to buy some materials, and his workmanship fee was ₦2000. I don’t know why, but I just gave him the whole ₦10k because ‘cool-headed guy’. He came back with the materials, tried to fix the dish but couldn’t. This guy left and didn’t show up for another four days. He wasn’t picking up my calls and even when he did, it was lies. I knew I messed up by paying in full beforehand. Never again.”
Don’t leave them at the workstation
“Generator repairmen have really shown me pepper in this Lagos. But it wasn’t until I secretly watched one while he was working that I knew I’d been getting played for a while. This man threw a part inside his bag, and I even saw him pour from my petrol keg into a plastic container he came with. I went back up, and as expected, he said he had to buy something that was faulty. I asked him to drop what he stole from the gen. He tried denying, but when I mentioned the petrol bit, he knew he had been caught. The next guy that came, I stayed with him the entire time he was fixing the gen. Nigerian artisans are a mess.”
Ask multiple sources if it involves buying faulty parts
“I always seek a second opinion once I start hearing, ‘We have to buy this,’ or ‘That part is faulty’. I’ve learnt that it’s a ploy for them to get extra money for a part they probably have lying around in their workshops. Sometimes, they also cut deals with the traders at the market. Bring customer for me, and get x amount. Just some weeks ago, this generator guy said I had to buy a ₦75k engine for my gen, and that it was the only solution. I called someone else to check, and he fixed it for ₦25k. We didn’t buy any engine.”
Insist on seeing their previous work
“Sometime in 2022, I had an urgent owambe and my tailor was too busy to fit me into her schedule. I went with another tailor recommended by a friend and purposely picked a simple style to avoid stories, but this lady still messed it up. I typically spend a lot of time checking out a tailor’s social media page before patronising, but in this case, I skipped that part because it was urgent.”
Avoid if they don’t have a permanent address or workspace
“I’ve always had an electrician who helps with fixing stuff in the house. I only need to call him and he’d show up. This one time, my bedside fridge was faulty, and he said he couldn’t fix it in the house. He carried it to his workshop and was supposed to be back in two days. By the third day, I didn’t hear from him, but I waited another day before calling. His number wasn’t going through and even when it rang, he didn’t pick up. That was when I realised I didn’t even know his shop. I went to a street where I’d seen him a couple of times, but when I described him, they said he didn’t have a shop around. Apparently, he only comes to hang out in the area and leaves when he has jobs. He showed up with the fridge after a week and explained that he was sick.”
Watch and learn what you can when they’re working
“My gen wasn’t supplying electricity, and I called my ‘reliable’ gen guy to come check it out. After running his diagnostics, he said it’ll cost ₦35k to repair. I didn’t have enough cash and had to borrow to pay him. When he returned, he just coupled the gen and turned it back on. I allowed it to work for a while before switching it off, but this gen didn’t come on when I tried using it the next day. Called the guy again, and he fixed it, but it stopped working after two days. At this point, I checked the gen myself and went to the market in search of the faulty part. I got there and realized it was just ₦1k. This gen guy came back and was shocked to see the gen working. He had the audacity to tell me he had to change something worth ₦22k in the gen else the problem will persist.”
Twitter NG has struck again, and this time around, ice cream date is on the chopping board. The girlies are saying it is cheap, lacking in effort and just a reminder that you’re poor.
But is that really the case? Especially when you and the potential LOYL can feel like kids again and catch up on sweet childhood memories that these ice cream options remind you of.
FanIce (120ml)
When you look at the size, you might not think it’ll satisfy your ice cream craving. But it’s about ₦300, so you can get more than one tub.
SuperYogo (sachet)
Source: Fanmilk
This one always gives 90s babies nostalgia for two reasons: Closing hours at school and Eid prayers. It now sells at ₦100 – 150 for a sachet.
Supreme Ice cream (220ml)
This ice cream still comes through for Nigerians in the current harsh economy. With ₦450 – 500, you’ll get a 220ml bowl that serves two.
FanIce (250ml)
A step-up from the 120ml bowl, you can share this one with the LOYL.
Ice cream on a cone
Source: Nairaland
Not the ones they serve in fancy ice cream stores. We mean the ones that move around on bicycles and mini-vans. A serving goes for ₦100 – ₦200.
Frosty bite (150ml)
Forget the small size, this ice cream can raise shoulders with Hans & Rene and Coldstone. The 150ml pack goes for ₦250 – ₦350.
Frosty bite popsicles
At ₦400 – ₦500 per sachet, this is an expensive spend in the rank of sachet ice cream, but it’s worth it for an ice cream date.
President Bola Tinubu has made moves to ease the effects of the recent fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, especially those from low-income households.
Since the announcement, many Nigerians have had questions and opinions, but here’s all we know about the president’s latest initiative.
Why is Tinubu introducing this?
The fuel subsidy removal saw a jump in the price of petrol to around ₦500 per litre and this has affected the cost of living of citizens. President Tinubu is introducing the payment of ₦8000 to ease the financial burden on these families.
Who will benefit from the payment?
President Tinubu’s ₦8k palliative is specifically targeted at 12 million poor and low-income households in Nigeria.
Where will the money come from?
President Tinubu wrote the Nigerian Senate, seeking the approval of an $800 million borrowing request from the World Bank.
“Please note that the federal executive council led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme,” the president’s letter read in part.
How will the money be disbursed?
The ₦8000 monthly palliative will be disbursed through the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), a government agency that oversees the “delivery of targeted transfers & livelihood supports to extreme poor & vulnerable households in Nigeria.”
The money will be transferred to beneficiary bank accounts and mobile wallets.
How long will it be paid?
According to President Bola Tinubu’s request letter to the Nigerian Senate, the proposed ₦8000 palliative will be paid monthly for six months.
What are Nigerians saying?
Though targeted at poor and low-income earning families, Tinubu’s ₦8k palliative plan has already stirred mixed reactions from Nigerians with some people tagging it as an attempt to “divert public funds.”
The palliative measure is devoid of reality on ground. They ought to have matched the global absolute minimum poverty threshold of $1.90 per day (in PPP) or even go higher if they’ care about poor’s welfare. The N8000 gives 267(<50 cents) per day. So after 6 months what next?
This N8000 monthly palliative looks harsh. More like a Greek gift. That will be N2000 per week and N281.75k per day for each family. Let me run to experts for family planning or planning for the family. Whichever way, it's about family and planning pic.twitter.com/QSHNzUNRZD
Tinubu is seeking supplementary budget spending of N819 billion from NASS.
While your overfed Reps will receive N70 billion as their own palliative, N8000 ONLY will go to hungry Ronu Families for 6 months. That’s a meager N48,000 to beggars.
If you’ve experienced Nigerian lecturers and universities teach stuff you’ll never use in real life, you might agree with the widely popular “school na scam” slang.
However, as a Nigerian, you simply can’t do without school. Here’s why.
You’ll be poor
This is Nigeria, where degree holders still earn ₦80k. What kind of chance do you think a secondary school certificate holder has?
Not everyone will blow as an entrepreneur or musician
If you don’t succeed at being the next WizKid or Dangote, at least you can still dust your certificate and enter the labour market. If not, refer back to my first point. Like the Yorubas say, “There’s more than one road to the bank market”.
Two words: Nigerian parents
Think about it. Which mouth do you want to use to tell your parents you want to drop out? Even if you think school is a scam, they don’t. And they’re always right. Better carry your book.
You can delay adulting for a bit
If you deep it, ASUU strikes are merely protecting you from the inevitable. At least, you can say you’re a student and attract helpers much longer. Once you drop “student” from your name, it’s over.
And even make money
Lie that you haven’t used school as a front to get more money from your parents before. It’s giving, “We need to pay Photosynthesis fee”.
You might actually learn something
Your luck can shine and you might actually use your education and degree to blow in the future. How will you know if you don’t try?
It could help you achieve the Nigerian dream
And by “Nigerian dream”, I mean japa. Now that countries everywhere are banning Nigerians from getting vacation visas, efiko scholarship visas may be your only hope.
Family, friends, and Manchester United fans are relieved on Mendy’s behalf as a jury found him not guilty of both charges. It’s unclear what his next move will be.
Twitter NG (Naija and UK branches) stayed on Ajibola Odusanya’s neck until he paid every last penny owed to his ex-lover, Olamide. The UK-based lady confirmed receipt of £17,100 and that’s that on that the Ajibola Odusanya episode.
This is music to the ears of Nigerians who especially faced tough times during Emefiele’s harsh financial policies. Weirdly, he’s being charged with the illegal possession of firearm.
The Seychelles government finally answers Nigerian passport holders wondering why they’ve been banned from visiting: an increase in drug trafficking and fraudulent activities.
Jagaban needs to be for real because what is ₦8k going to do for an average family in today’s Nigeria? Coming from the man that wants the poor to breathe, LOL.
Isn’t it every university’s dream to have blown alumni come back and perform? LASU students clearly can’t relate because they turned Poco Lee’s concert upside down. Bella Shmurda and OdumoduBlvck couldn’t perform due to alleged disruption from cultists. The school management, however, dismissed the claims and said that excited students caused the uproar.
Losing your hard-earned money is always a bitter pill to swallow. I had a chat with some Nigerians who’d either been scammed outrightly or had relationships breakdown because of money.
“She said I was disturbing her because of ₦5k” — I.I., 27
A friend reached out to me in 2019 that she needed ₦5k, talking about how urgent it was. That was the only money I had at the time. I was just waiting for my salary to save me. But I decided to take her word for it and give it to her. She said she needed it in cash, so she sent someone to get it from me. I had to leave my house and trek to give the person she sent.
After a few days, I didn’t hear from her; a week after, still nothing. Almost a month after, I called her and was like, “Babe, you promised you were going to send this money back the next day. I’m still waiting o.” This girl switched up on me and started shouting that I was disturbing her because of ₦5k.
I was shocked. I just told her not to worry about it. It was a learning curve for me. Since that time, if it’s not money I can part with without suffering, I’m not lending.
“He had the audacity to tell us we’d been scammed” — Dipo, 18
When I was about 16, me and my guys were testing the waters of sports betting. Somehow, I linked up with this dude who said he sold fixed games. I can’t remember how much my classmates and I contributed to give him, but it must have been about ₦15k. We even begged him to pity us since we were secondary school students. We paid him, and he sent us the so-called fixed game scores. He promised a refund if the games didn’t end as he’d predicted. We placed our bets, and of course, we lost. This man had the audacity to tell us straight up that we’d been scammed. I’d never felt so stupid in my life.
“I may have been hypnotised” — Elizabeth, 24
After WAEC in 2015, my parents thought staying at home wouldn’t help me, so they enrolled me in a vocational training school to learn bead-making. On my way home one day, I met this brother who started speaking French to me. He showed me an address on a piece of paper, and it looked familiar. Then in broken English, he said that he came from Cameroon looking for his uncle, but people had been scamming him. Then some guy who claimed to be a police officer sprang out from nowhere and promised we would take him to the address. We got into a bus, and I paid for the three of us. The Cameroonian dude kept thanking me. He bragged about how rich his brother was and how he was sure he would repay me for my kindness. All I could think about was how much I was going to be compensated.
In the bus, aman who claimed to be a pastor said he’d seen a vision that we’d all made a covenant. He asked us to go home and bring whatever money we could find. He asked the policeman if he was living with his brother, and the officer confirmed it. I thought, “There’s no way he could’ve known that if he wasn’t a seer of some sort.” I didn’t know it was a ploy to get me to believe the whole thing.
I don’t know if I was under the influence of something or just scared, but I went home and sneaked into my mum’s room to take her cooperative money.
I went back to these men to give them the money. It was on my way home that I realised what had just happened. I nearly cried my eyes out. Thankfully, my parents were just happy I was safe.
“I thought I was paying for delivery” — Deborah, 31
It happened on Facebook in 2016. I was following this Funke Akindele account because I’m a big fan. And because of the large number of followers, I assumed it was an authentic account. One day, I participated in their giveaway, and they announced me as the winner. The prize was a laptop, phone and more, but they said I’d have to pay ₦10k for delivery from Abuja to Lagos. I was overjoyed, so I didn’t care. They sent me the delivery person’s number, I sent the delivery fee, but he called me to send an extra ₦1k for credit. After I sent that, I never heard from him again. It was then I realised the account wasn’t Funke Akindele’s real account. I was disappointed in myself. I didn’t know who to report to, or how to even go about it, so I decided to forget it and count my losses.
“I lost all the money in my account” — Ada 38
In 2019, I wanted to start a POS business, so I reached out to a person who claimed to be an Opay agent online. He said I’d have to credit my Opay account with at least ₦20k. I did that. He then said an OTP would be sent to me, and I had to send it to him so he can activate the POS for me. I did that, and he wiped all the money from my account. My baby sister’s school fees was in that account.
“I transferred ₦170k. This man said he didn’t see it” — Obinna, 30
I’m a travel agent who does visas for people. One day, one of my clients asked me to help pay visa fee for one of his customers. I’d normally make these payments with my dollar card, but it was down on that day, so I hopped on a Nairaland thread where you can meet vendors to assist with visa fee payments. I’d been using Nairaland for over six years, so I was confident in my ability to identify scammers. I found a cheap vendor, and in my haste and excitement, I didn’t run the necessary background checks on him.
I sent him ₦170k. This man said he didn’t see it. I called my sister who works at my bank, and she confirmed that he’d recieved it. Then, this dude blocked me. I decided to check the guy’s history on Nairaland and saw that many people had called him out for scamming them. Terrible experience.
“They spent far more than what they owed me” — Tobi, 21
In 2023, I was broke and unemployed. I had a friend who was working and living an expensive life. But when they asked me to lend them some money, I didn’t find it strange because they’d done that before. I gave it to them, and they promised to return it the next day.
The next day, I went to visit them, and they suggested we go to the salon. This person spent far more than what they owed me, right there, in front of me. When we got home, I asked for my money, and they claimed not to have it. I was stunned. I got the money a few days later, but seeing them do those things while still owing me, lives rent-free in my head.
This has nothing to do with religion — one of the most common reasons for not celebrating birthdays. I’ve just never been gingered to celebrate a day that marks my birth. I see people celebrate theirs — my friends plan whole hangouts and parties just to — and I absolutely support the dedication. It’s amazing to see, but I’m far too lazy for all that.
I don’t do birthday cakes either. Although I’ll finally buy myself one on my next birthday just to know what it’s like, I’ll still hole up in bed, wondering what I’ve made of my life. At least, I’ll be able to literally have my cake and eat it.
But this article isn’t about why I don’t celebrate birthdays, it’s about why you do, or shouldn’t.
The first issue is how can you celebrate the day when you have no way of knowing you were born on that specific day. You just have to take everyone’s word for it. You could’ve been born three months earlier for all you know. How do you know you’re not celebrating it on the wrong day?
You’re managing your back and still spend weeks planning a birthday. You’ll turn event decorator, MC — and in some cases, chef — and still be the birthday celebrant. It’s too much stress, in my not-so-humble opinion.
You’re simply one year closer to death. Why are you celebrating that?
To take a leaf out of my dead great-grandma’s playbook, witches and wizards abound, and celebrating your birthday simply reminds them you’re alive. The best way to avoid your village people is to go under the radar, yet you want to organise a concert for them to convene?
I’m not trying to be a party pooper. I just want to open your eyes to all possibilities. I still believe everyone should celebrate their birthdays anyway. If not for anything but because it’s another full year you’ve survived Nigeria.
Jagaban has hit the ground running just like he promised during his campaign, but it’s still too early to say if we rate him or not.
He recently announced a monthly ₦8k palliative measure to ease the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. This money, if approved by the senate, will be paid to poor households across the country.
But with a budget of ₦8k in today’s Nigeria, how many items can you afford on this list?
Rice
We don’t know if President Tinubu is aware, but a paint bucket of rice is selling for as high as ₦3500 to ₦3700 these days, and it can barely last a month.
Garri
Source: GoMarket
Garri stays being the ultimate saviour in times of hardship. It’s now about ₦1500 for a paint bucket sha.
Beans
Source: GidiMarket
Beans used to be cheap, but not anymore. A derica of drum (olotu) sells for as high as ₦600 and a paint bucket now goes for about ₦3500.
Instant noodles
Source: ShopOnClick
Depending on the type and size you want to buy, you’ll have to shell out about ₦3500-₦5000 from your ₦8k palliative for a carton of instant noodles. The smallest size of common brands sells at ₦100-₦150.
Egg
Source: Bulk price store
This is the protein option for many people who can’t afford chicken, turkey, beef or fish. But even these days, one egg sells for ₦100-₦150 and a crate at almost ₦2500.
Vegetable oil
Source: MSME
A 50cl bottle of local vegetable oil sells for ₦1000-₦1500 depending on where you’re buying from. Prices are relatively cheaper in the local markets.
Semolina
The brand determines the price but, on average, a 1kg bag of semolina costs ₦800-₦1000.
Palm oil
You’ll get a 50cl bottle of palm oil at your local market for about ₦900-₦1000.
Podcasts are a dime a dozen these days, so making a popular one isn’t an easy job. Have these things if you want to succeed in this particular hustle.
Social media influencers
First of all, who wants to listen to you if you’re not popular for doing something? Either go and get some clout, or invite people who have it.
Fine aesthetics
How you appear is how you’ll be addressed. It’s no different with Nigerian podcasts, so come correct with your studio setting, props and outfit.
Great audio quality
Good microphones are non-negotiable. No one wants to strain to hear what you’re saying or endure constant static, please.
Five hosts
You need to get a few of your liviest goons to host it with you. What if your guest tries to beat you? Who’ll help you fight back?
Gossip
If you don’t know how to do amebo, better bring out your talkative friends and start gisting with them. Gossip is the lifeline of any podcast.
Or chaos
Nigerians live for chaotic conversations and won’t waste time jumping on your wagon. Just bring chaos and Nigerians won’t be able to stop talking about it for a week.
Partner with popular rich brands
There’s no popular Nigerian podcast without a brand partnership — the HonestBunch Podcast and Orijin beer, Tea With Tay Podcast and Lipton. See why you need brands’ money to go far with your pod? There will be ads here and there, but Nigerians will understand when they see the expensive set.
I’ve been plus-size all my life. My mum has shared my birth story so many times that I can almost recite it now. I was 4.8kg at birth, and she had to get an episiotomy to deliver me. I was the baby that people loved to admire but never volunteered to carry because of my weight.
Of course, I was bullied in primary school. I attended a public school, and the kids were mean. The teachers, too. Once in primary three, a teacher called me “orobo olojukokoro” because I grabbed a classmate’s sweets as a joke, and the girl screamed in protest. My classmates, on the other hand, would call me “Junior Layole” in comparison to our plus-size headmistress, Mrs Layole*.
In secondary school, I became the bully. I figured if I were always in attack mode, I wouldn’t get attacked. I’m ashamed of it now, but I often picked on smaller kids. The stubborn ones insulted me back sometimes, mainly targeting my weight, but I never let them know it got to me. I’m not sure if it was my weight or my mean-girl status, but I never had a boyfriend until I got into university.
I started dating Bade* in 2016 while I was in my second year at the university. I was going through a body-confident streak at the time. I’d just discovered the keto diet, which seemed to be working because I went from 135kg to 123kg within about four months of starting it. Before then, I’d tried different options like avoiding meals and eating only when I was about to faint, which just contributed to me developing an ulcer. I’d also tried to exercise a couple of times, but never progressed past 30 minutes on any activity. I always found jumping up and down painfully awkward with my big body. All my failed exercise attempts were from home because who would endure the crazy looks from people at the gym?
So, when I found a diet that actually seemed to be working, I was ecstatic. Most of my weight is spread across my boobs, arms, stomach, hips and butt. Losing more than 10kg meant my stomach looked flatter, making my curves look more accentuated, so I started wearing clothes that showed off a bit more skin. And that’s when Bade came into the picture.
While we’d always been coursemates, we didn’t really talk. I wasn’t an introvert but hardly made friends because I didn’t want snide remarks or “helpful” weight loss suggestions. But one day, he got my contact from our class WhatsApp group and started moving to me anonymously.
I say anonymous because I didn’t have his number, and he didn’t even use the number that was on the WhatsApp group to chat me up, or I’d have traced it. He just told me he was a secret admirer from class. I didn’t take him seriously at first and would ignore his attempts to start conversation because it just seemed weird. But he’d send me cute good morning messages daily, and I started looking forward to it.
We started chatting regularly, and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get him to reveal his identity. This lasted for about two weeks until he finally agreed to show his face. We met up alone at one of the secluded lecture halls in the evening, and it turned out to be Bade. I already liked him at that point, and I felt like there was an unspoken agreement that we were together, so things got quite heavy that night. We made out for hours.
The next day in class, we didn’t act like anything happened. He kept stealing glances at me, and naively, I thought we were in our own world and had our own little secret. When evening approached, he texted me to meet him at another secluded spot, and we made out again. We “dated” like that for about seven months.
It’s not like I didn’t try to make our relationship public, but he somehow made me believe we didn’t need external validation to be together. I believed him because he was my first, and I was in love. Our situationship eventually ended when someone else from our class shared loved-up pictures of herself and Bade on her WhatsApp status on his birthday. She took them down almost immediately after. I’m sure he also fed her with his “we don’t need external validation” crap. I confronted him, but there was no evidence, so he tried to gaslight me. I just stopped texting him after that, and he didn’t reach out again.
I’ve had two other boyfriends since then, and while they didn’t outrightly try to hide me, they weren’t too pleased to be seen with me. I met the first one right out of uni in 2019, and he was always “helping” me watch my weight. I’d stopped the diets — even the keto because it only worked for a while — and I was at a point where I was just trying to live my life. If I made the mistake of telling him I was craving something, he’d drop remarks about I needed to be craving “gym”.
For the entire year we were together, we probably only took pictures together twice. But he always asked me for nudes because, according to him, he was “obsessed” with my body. The same body he wanted me to get rid of. One time I suggested a restaurant date, and he said a better idea would be to go on the date to celebrate if I lost some kilograms. I still don’t know how we survived a year together, but I left when it got too much for me.
The next one was in 2021. To be honest, I only got with him because I was feeling lonely and sex-starved. And boy, did he change that. We had sex a crazy amount of times. But go on actual dates? Nope. Bro claimed he was a homebody. We were at it for about eight months before I decided I was better than that.
I’ve been single since then, but I think I’m in a better place mentally. I exercise a bit more regularly now — still from home because I’m still scared of getting stares at the gym. I’m currently around 125kg, and even though I still want to lose weight, I try not to think about it. I dress well, if I say so myself, and look even better. If I show you my Instagram DM, you’ll find several men who want to “meet up”, but I’ve experienced enough to know it’s more of a fat fetish. They want sex, but it’s these same men who’ll drop foolish comments under my pictures. It’s tiring being seen only as an object for their fetish, but I’m over them. They’ll be alright.
*Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity.
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, a UK-based Nigerian lady Olamide (@olly_ade) in a Twitter post, cried out about £20,400 allegedly owed to her by an ex-lover, Ajibola Odusanya. It turns out Odusanya has had prior run-ins with other people over the past few years.
Who is Ajibola Odusanya?
Ajibola’s Twitter bio says little about him but a search of his full name on Google returns a string of articles showing that he was arraigned in court for fraud-related cases in March 2021. A similar search on Twitter returns with several call-outs from individuals he scammed.
According to information shared by one of his victims, @sirjarus, Ajibola schooled in the United Kingdom and once landed a job in an investment management firm. “His profile and brilliance could get him a decent finance career in corporate Lagos.”
Very brilliant young guy. Schooled in the UK. Solid profile that got him a job in a nice investment management firm in Lagos (before he was sacked).
His profile & brilliance could get him a decent Finance career in corporate Lagos. I don’t know why he chose this path of…
On July 12, 2023, Olamide, a UK-based Nigerian lady who was dating Ajibola before things turned sour shared a tweet, in which she asks “How can such a young guy be so cold, callous, vindictive, arrogant and lack empathy so much?”. This was followed by a staggering revelation that Ajibola owes her £20,400.
In a different tweet, Olamide claims Ajibola had been evading payment and coming up with several excuses to buy time. She, however, soon realised he was “taking her for a fool.”
Shortly after pouring out her mind on her TL, Olamide’s post made it into public discourse, with many Twitter users trying to understand the rationale behind lending so much money to a lover in such a short while.
Why will you borrow anyone £20,000 talk more of a man you just met. 💀💀💀
— Alhaja Ego Oyinbo💷💶💵 (@zexzy_intrepid) July 13, 2023
She, however, had WhatsApp chat evidence to back up her claims.
According to her, she and Ajibola entered into a relationship when she was just 23 and willing to give her all. In her words, “She trusted him beyond human comprehension.”
Four years before she met Ajibola, Olamide had been saving heavily with the hopes of one day making a down payment for a house, but she trusted him enough to lend him all she’d saved.
In April 2019, a Twitter user, @osekita, shared pictures of Ajibola on the platform, while accusing him of fraud. @osekita said Ajibola’s attempt was unsuccessful but accused him of scamming other victims and “changing identity frequently”.
Ds is ajibola odusanya a very terrible heartless scammer extremely nice & kindly disposed initially will turn very very deadly & dangerous when u do not fall for his scam he has scammed quite a number of people on Twitter He came after me but failed! Changes identity frequently! pic.twitter.com/Sl0Ex08lzN
— #DERANGED HOPELESSNESS #NOTRENEWED #PRAYFORNIGERIA (@Osekita) April 21, 2019
In August of the same year, Twitter user, @despatraa shared a tweet hinting at her experience with Ajibola and how a “borrowing man” is a red flag.
Any man I’m involved with that’s borrowing any amount of money from me , I’m running . Ajibola Odusanya taught me well already
These accusations were followed by Ajibola’s arraignment in court in March 2021, where he faced a two-count charge of fraud and theft. He landed in court after allegedly defrauding two friends of ₦880,000. Ajibola pleaded not guilty to both offences. A Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Oshin, granted him bail in the sum of ₦250,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case.
@despatraa returned in January 2022. Her message was simple: “Please, run hard from Ajibola Odusanya. He’s a scammer.”
This bastard is still playing these foolish games.
Another victim, @teinm, took to Twitter in November 2022, tagging the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Lagos State Police command, Ben Hundeyin. @teinm claimed Ajibola duped her of over ₦400k.
@BenHundeyin one Ajibola Omoyosola Odusanya duped me of over 400k. How and where can I report this?
A video currently making the rounds on the internet captures a young man, who identifies himself as Ajibola Odusanya, confessing to carting away ₦420k.
@detoke on Twitter claims the last time Ajibola was locked up for scamming people, his mum said, “They should leave him to die there and feed his body to the dogs.”
The last time he scammed people and they locked him up, his mum said they should leave him to die there and feed his body to the dogs. You know how frustrated a Nigerian mother must be to say that to her son? That’s how much this wereh boy has frustrated the poor woman.
In light of Olamide’s callout, more allegations have sprung up from Twitter users who have had run-ins with Ajibola in the past.
Sir Jarus, a real estate business mogul, details three encounters with Ajibola and how he didn’t fall for the third which would have had him lose thousands of pounds.
This thing is real. Jibola sabi talk sha.
The only one I didn’t fall for was the day he called me during Covid (when there used to be all manner of screening protocols at the airports) and said his brother just arrived at Lagos Airport and he needed to send money to him. But he… https://t.co/Q5XvYMxPLF
In a WhatsApp chat with Jarus, Ajibola begs for forgiveness, admits his greed and offered to refund the money.
We met on Twitter 3 years ago. I saw from your engagements of my tweets that you were a brilliant young man working in a decent firm and you had almost everything needed to do well (schooled in the UK, young, brilliant etc)
Jarus claims there’s a WhatsApp group of Ajibola’s victims.
Welcome to the Association of Victims of Ajibola Odusanya 😀
There is actually a Whatsapp group of his victims, I just didn’t join
Boy used mentee kinikan to enter me and I took him under my arms here – from brilliant comments on TL, to my DM to phone talk. He used “egbon” to… https://t.co/sW8pMcWrRD
Another lady, @zeechy, claims Ajibola has also scammed her friend. She shares screenshots of an alleged conversation with him, where he asks for an item to be paid for with a promise to refund the money spent. In a different portion of the conversation, Ajibola says, “He’s sorry for everything.”
nigga has scammed my friend as well, just know this man is playing with you all on that space pic.twitter.com/HgK5KGOL5m
In a Twitter Space that was held on July 13, Ajibola admitted to Olamide’s allegations but accuses her of being unable to “keep track of her own stories.”
He categorically states that he took money from Olamide but didn’t scam her, and plans to pay her what she is owed. It was also agreed upon that the total amount owed was £17,100. Ajibola called for another Space to be held on Monday, July 17, by which time he would have repaid Olamide’s money.
Ajibola met up with a Nigerian man, Mr Swish, who held him at his shop with the cash he planned to use in offsetting part of the debt.
A few minutes after 9pm WAT on Thursday, July 13, Blanco, who had earlier promised to help Olamide recover her money, met up with Ajibola and Mr Swish to collect the cash.
Of the agreed upon £17,100 owed, Ajibola was able to refund £11,500 in cash on that day. Blanco shared a video where she was seen confirming the amount received with a money-counter. She also went with Olamide to deposit £5000 in her bank account.
The recently concluded Ojude Oba festival opened the eyes of young Nigerians to the country’s rich cultural tapestry, but what if I told you there are more cultural festivals in Nigeria that slap just as hard?
If you don’t want to end up in a coulda, shoulda, woulda situation, you should take notes and mark the dates on your calendar because there’s more where Ojude Oba came from. Here are 10 culture-heavy festivals that should be on your radar
Eyo Festival
Source: Nigeria stories
Forget the recent portrayal in Jade Osiberu’s Gangs of Lagos, the Eyo festival, also known as “Adamu Orisha” is a traditional play that highlights the rich cultural history of the Yoruba people in Lagos. It’s a mix of dance and flamboyant display held as the last funeral rites in honour of a departed Lagos monarch, chief or prominent individual.
The first Eyo Festival history can be traced back to February 1854 to mark honour the demise of then Oba of Lagos, Oba Akitoye. Eyo performers don white robes, colourful hats, and parade through the streets, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The last edition was held in 2017 as part of the activities of the Lagos At 50 celebration. It was dedicated to the late Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi Kusenla II (1940-2009).
Osun-Osogbo Festival
Source: Stefan Heunis/ AFP
If you dig everything about art, spirituality, and nature, you want to start packing your bags for the iconic Osun-Osogbo festival in Osun state. The festival held in August of every year pays homage to the river goddess Osun. It features elaborate processions from the Ataoja’s palace (the town’s king) to the breathtaking Osun-Osogbo sacred Grove; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Priest and priestesses don white attires while other festival attendees can dress as they please.
Calabar festival
If you’re looking for colour, pure vibes and a culturally immersive experience, this is one of the cultural festivals in Nigeria that should be top on your radar. It was commissioned as an official festival in 2004 by former Cross River governor, Donald Duke, who had a vision to make the state a tourism hub in Nigeria and Africa. Think of the festival as Nigeria’s biggest street party for diverse ethnic groups. The music is loud, the costumes are grand and elaborate and the vibes are pure flame. It goes down in December of every year.
Argungu Fishing Festival:
Source: Guardian Nigeria
With a history that dates back to 1934, this Nigerian cultural festival goes down in Kebbi state in north-west Nigeria. It is an annual four-day festival that happens at the beginning of March, marking the end of centuries-old hostility between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. Since the region is blessed with fertile rivers, fishing became an ideal way to celebrate peace. Thousands of fishermen cast their traditional handmade nets into the river hoping to catch the largest fish. The last edition was held in 2020, with President Tinubu promising to bring the festival back in his tenure.
New Yam Festival
Source: Skabash
Also known as Iri Ji, anyone from the Eastern part of Nigeria rides heavily with this festival. It marks the beginning of the yam harvest season, and is held at the end of the rainy season from early August to October every year. It is celebrated by individual Igbo communities and households so you can participate in more than one. The evening before the new Yam Festival, every piece of old yam must be consumed or discarded and on the day of the festival, only dishes made out of yam are served. Without performing this festival as individuals or in groups, no full-fledged or mature man eats new yam in Igbo land.
Durbar Festival
Think of the northern version of Ojude Oba with ties to culture and religion, and you have Kano’s annual Durbar festival. It’s a massive larger-than-life equestrian festival that captures the cultural heritage of the Hausa-Fulani people. The festival marks the Islamic holidays Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha and is celebrated around these periods. Participants and festival attendees don colourful traditional attire, with some wearing matching outfits with their horses.
Olojo festival
Source: The Nigerian Voice
Once described by Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (51st Ooni of Ife) as a celebration of the black race all over the world, Olojo festival is yet another valid reason to take a trip to Ile-Ife, Osun state. The festival goes down every October and is the Yoruba people’s way of showing gratitude to God for his creations. It is also used to celebrate the remembrance of the god of iron ‘Ogun’ in Yoruba. Olojo festival spans three days, with the Ooni stepping out on the first day after seven days of exclusion. It’s believed that the time in seclusion is spent communing with ancestors and praying for his people. It’s one of the cultural festivals in Nigeria that attracts thousands of people. Olojo festival features rich sacred and cultural displays.
In a world that thrives on diversity, it is unfortunate that society has imposed standards that marginalize certain individuals. Women, in particular, often bear the brunt of these societal expectations, being judged for their body size or appearance. However, TECNO CAMON 20 Premier’s thought-provoking short film, Hidden Figure, tackles these issues head-on, delivering a timely message that resonates in our polarized times.
This short film, directed by Kayode Kasum, beautifully captures the essence of individuality and the need for acceptance. The film revolves around the character of Iffy, a talented plus-sized fashion design student who faces prejudice, bullying, and self-doubt due to her body size. With determination and resilience, Iffy enters a prestigious fashion competition at House of Lola, challenging conventional beauty standards and redefining what it means to be fashionable.
What sets Hidden Figure apart is the innovative approach taken by the director to shoot the entire film using the TECNO CAMON 20 Premier’s advanced camera capabilities, proving that high-quality content can be created with accessible technology. This groundbreaking collaboration between TECNO and the filmmakers pushes the boundaries of mobile filmmaking, demonstrating that art and creativity are not limited by equipment but rather fueled by passion and talent.
Visually captivating, Hidden Figure features Jessica Orishane, Damilola Adegbite, Victoria ‘Vee” Adeleye, and beyond its visual appeal, it delves into the importance of self-love and acceptance. Iffy’s journey from self-doubt to self-confidence is an inspiring narrative that encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal expectations. The film’s empowering message catalyses change, urging individuals to celebrate their bodies and reject the harmful notion that beauty should conform to narrow standards.
Hidden Figure is a remarkable collaboration between TECNO CAMON 20 Premier and visionary filmmakers. It sheds light on the marginalised, challenges societal norms, and celebrates the beauty of diversity. It is more than just a short film; it is a call to action. It encourages viewers to join the revolution and foster a more inclusive society. By watching and sharing this powerful short film, we can play a part in dismantling stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and embracing the beauty within ourselves and others. Watch it here.
Love Life is a Zikoko weekly series about love, relationships, situationships, entanglements and everything in between.
What’s your earliest memory of each other?
Tonye: I actually can’t remember. We were friends of friends for the longest time. He was a childhood friend of my closest male friend from secondary school. As we became adults, we found ourselves in the same friendship circle.
I think the only reason why we weren’t close at first was because his family relocated to Jordan when he was in secondary school, so he’d only come back to Naija with the IJGB crowd in December. Between 2013 and 2018, you could just tell he loved the whole Detty December Lagos vibe and never missed it.
We got to know each other better with each of his visits because we’d find ourselves at the same holiday events at least once or twice each year.
Peter: But I remember exactly when we met for the first time. It was at a mutual friend’s beach hangout in December 2011. We said hi to each other once, and that was it. The second time was when I came for summer the next year. We met briefly when your best friend came to pick up something from you on the way to a party you refused to attend.
Tonye: Oh yes. That day. I keep forgetting.
And I didn’t refuse to attend. You guys just threw the invitation at me last-minute and expected me to drop everything.
Peter: You need to embrace spontaneity more. That’s one of your weaknesses.
Deep. So when did you realise you liked each other?
Tonye: I always found him attractive, but just as a thought. By 2014, when I’d gotten used to hanging out with him. I noticed that I thought about him for a long time after we had any interaction.
In December 2015, I was seriously looking forward to seeing him even though we weren’t really friends. He has this carefree, “sure of himself”, clever attitude that just drew me in. Before he came, I found myself asking his friend about his relationship history. That one told me he hardly ever dates or doesn’t date for long, so I told myself to calm down.
Peter: But when I came that year, we only saw once. And it’s not like she tried to reach out or even give me a clue that she liked me.
On the other hand, I was a stupid boy back then. My head wasn’t really in the space for committed relationships.
I see
Peter: It wasn’t until around March 2016, when we had this long-ass, out-of-the-blue FaceTime call that we really connected.
We’d had a conversation on the TL about something that went viral on Twitter, and that’s when I found out she’s one of those fierce feminists. So I popped into her iMessage and asked if she wanted to FaceTime about it. I don’t even know why I asked. I found feminists curious back then, so I made it a point to have these obnoxious conversations with all my female friends who were feminists.
Tonye: Oh God.
Peter: Well, when we FaceTimed, I loved that she looked so good in her natural state. Her hair was messy, her face looked fresh, and even her bedroom voice was everything.
And I realised she wasn’t really hardcore with her feminism. She was so cool and chill, and we went on to talk about our other interests. That’s when I considered the idea of dating her for the first time.
Tonye: But first, he just wanted to sleep with me.
Ah
Tonye: Yes. He was pretty vocal about it. But one ocean kept us apart, so nothing happened. We just kept up a long-distance friendship and got to know each other more. It was around this time in 2016 that he confided in me that he had a temper he was working on.
He mentioned this while he was talking about an altercation he’d had at work in the US, where he’d moved to in 2010. He got so angry that his whole body hurt just from the anger. I didn’t understand it; he explained that his anger takes over his whole body sometimes, and he feels so helpless about it. I’d never heard about something like that before, so I just told him to try to see a therapist.
Peter: I was more excited than ever to come to Naij that December, and that’s when it really sank in that I might like her.
Tonye: I was nervous because I still believed he only wanted sex. At first, I told myself I didn’t mind that, but when I saw him the week before Christmas at someone’s get-together, I changed my mind. I knew I couldn’t handle just sex with him, and I told him there and then.
Peter: We both laughed and then went on to enjoy the event with our other friends. We didn’t see each other again. When it was time for me to leave in January 2017, I called her on a whim to ask if she wanted to come with me and a bunch of my friends to the airport. As usual, she claimed last-minute and refused.
As soon as I landed in Dallas, I started missing her. Although I got back into the flow of work, my friends and relationships there, at the most unexpected moments, I’d just remember her smile or smell. It was crazy.
Please, tell me you started dating soon after
Tonye: Nope.
Not until December 2018 when we met up at his friend’s lounge. That’s when he asked me out. I told him it wasn’t possible because we lived different lives in different continents and only saw each other once a year. He said he’d move to Nigeria to make it work. I thought he was crazy.
Peter: I wasn’t, as you can see. I honestly didn’t see it as a big deal at the time. I’d spent the first 14 years of my life in Nigeria. I still had some family and friends here, so it wasn’t that crazy of an idea to me.
Tonye: I told him to do it first. In my mind, that was it. I thought he’d never talk about it again.
We met up twice more on some outings with friends, then I invited him to my apartment warming just before he travelled back in January 2019. I’d just moved into my very first place after living with my parents all my life.
That was where and when we had our first kiss — a short and warm kiss that happened after he followed me into my bedroom without me noticing. We just kissed, laughed and left the room again.
If you want to share your own Love Life story, fill out this form.
How did things advance?
Peter: I started thinking hard about how to relocate to Nigeria without being broke and jobless.
The first thing I did was speak to my dad about it. He didn’t freak out like I thought he would. He just advised me not to do it all at once. Instead, I could get a job or start a business in Nigeria, or do both, then gradually move my things and only quit my job in the States when I have everything settled. I did that.
I offered to help a friend run operations at his start-up. I also used my life savings on an apartment and car I could lease for Uber if I didn’t end up making enough money to keep up a decent lifestyle. All of this took several months of me going back and forth between countries.
Tonye: I didn’t know any of this was going on at the time, mind you.
Peter: I didn’t want to tell her until I’d quit my job in Dallas and there was no going back. This was in September 2019, so when I called and said I was in Nigeria, she didn’t believe me because it wasn’t December yet. I offered to come to her not-so-new apartment to prove it.
When did you both know you’d fallen in love?
Tonye: I mean, when I found out he’d actually relocated to Nigeria. I know it wasn’t entirely for me, but still.
But you barely knew each other
Peter: And we probably never would’ve if we still lived continents apart. I just wanted to give us a chance. There was really nothing holding me back in Dallas. In fact, that city represents most of the trauma I’ve experienced in life — bullying, discrimination, addiction and more. I think I would’ve moved back sooner or later.
Tonye: I think also having a lot of mutual friends at that point helped make us feel super close. We’d been in the same circle for almost a decade at that point, so we were familiar. My mum already knew about him because he’d somehow come up in our conversations about my life.
Do you remember what your first major fight was about?
Tonye: Yes. Our first major fight was major indeed. It was when I realised what he meant by having a temper. It was scary.
Tonye: I won’t get into details, but like two months after we decided to start dating in September 2019, a friend of ours invited us to a thing. The friend sent the invite through me, and I didn’t know it was because he’d had a falling out with Peter sometime before.
The whole thing ended with us having a huge fight about it, where he went on a rampage and became another person for up to an hour. I locked myself up in his room and cried the whole evening.
Peter: I’m so sorry.
Tonye: We took a break for some weeks because the experience was so jarring.
How did you guys come back from that?
Tonye: He’s really good at begging for forgiveness, and I’ve come to realise he’s truly helpless to how he reacts to things that upset him. But before I agreed to continue dating, I made sure he committed to seeking therapy and anger management counselling.
Peter: I did it right away. It was bloody expensive but worth it. There’ve been way less episodes since then.
When you say less…
Tonye: I don’t think it’s something he can ever completely heal from because it’s triggered by some deep-set trauma we’d prefer not to get into. At many points in our relationship, I’ve questioned my decision to stay, but at the end of the day, our love and commitment to each other have grown stronger from these experiences.
For example, the lockdown of 2020 was a huge trial and defining period in our relationship.
Peter: She’d moved in by then. I fell off a few times during the lockdown, and each time, I was so terrified she’d leave, but she didn’t. I knew I had to ask her to marry me in December 2020 when the heat had blown over a bit. Plus, December was our season. For so many years, we only ever saw in December.
Tonye: We didn’t get married for almost another year though because he worked really hard to convince me I’d be making the right decision by sticking with him despite his emotional struggles. Navigating his tempers is still a work in progress for us.
What’s the best thing about being married to each other?
Tonye: We’re sensitive and considerate of each other. This might be controversial, but I’d say I have his temper to thank for that. We don’t give room for even the slightest of anger in our home because we know how destructive it can be, so we’re constantly checking on each other, trying to do right and apologising instead of taking offence.
Peter: And we’d rather leave the room to clear our heads, then come back and discuss touchy subjects. We don’t let it blow over just for the fun of it. My favourite thing about us is how attuned we are to each other’s pet peeves, and we have all these little things we do to calm each other down.
Tonye: Like I know you hate it when people tease or casually insult you or anyone you care about. So I try as much as possible not to.
Peter: But I also don’t like that you litter and casually stand and talk in open passageways.
Tonye: I don’t like when you just randomly shout in the house because of sports or gist, or dip your finger or cutlery in my food.
Peter: You also don’t like when I try to go on as normal after clearly offending you. It’s been my flawed attempt at keeping my temper in check for years, but I’m unlearning.
Tonye: I also don’t like when you skinny-shame me.
How would you rate your Love Life on a scale of 1 to 10?
Peter: 10. I’m so lucky you’ve decided time and time again to stick around.
Tonye: 10. It’s a blessing to watch you slowly grow and heal, and see how committed you are to doing better.
Check back every Thursday by 9 AM for new Love Life stories here. The stories will also be a part of the Ships newsletter, so sign up here.
It’s impossible to get into the old cat, new cat conversation surrounding Afrobeats without acknowledging Olamide’s protégée, Fireboy DML.
Since he popped up on our radar in 2019 with his debut single, Jealous, the YBNL artiste has seen an upward climb that confirmed early suspicions —this one is going to be here for a long time. His vocals, energy and personality have tied into his craft and the magic he brings to live performances. Here’s a list of our favourite performances by the star.
Headies Awards (2019)
Riding off the wave of his hugely successful debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, the singer graced the stage at the 14th Headies Award, and delivered a performance of his single, Champions. Even as stage fright and vocal gymnastics almost got in the way, it was an important moment that set the tone of what to expect whenever you see Fireboy live in action.
The Tonight Show (2021)
Our boy was on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show, where he performed a medley of Champion off Apollo (2020) and Vibration off Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019). While Fireboy DML holds his own at festivals and outdoor venues, his artistry in a more intimate setting is sweet like butter on hot agege bread, and this performance is proof.
Tiny Desk (2022)
You know you’re doing something right as an artiste when you score a spot to perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert. For his debut appearance, Fireboy performed a three-song set of Like I do, Tattoo and Pere—with a depth in delivery that opened up listeners and viewers to his unrelenting gospel of “Afro-life”.
Wembley OVO Arena show (2022)
Ed Sheeran wasn’t done with Fireboy after he featured on his hit single, Peru, and made a full appearance in the official music video. He had to complete the trifecta by joining the Afrobeats star on stage at his Wembley OVO Arena show. That singular moment captured what dreams are made of.
BET Awards (2022)
Nigerians were mad excited for the 2022 BET Awards but it wasn’t just because Afrobeat stars packed a punch in the nominations list. Fireboy DML also set that stage on fire. If there were doubts about his artistry before, he destroyed it, ate and left no crumbs. Our boy got the entire BET audience on their feet for Peru.
MOBO Awards (2022)
2022 was a year that put Fireboy’s stagecraft to the test but, boy, was he ready. Understandably, his music had crossed over to the global community and there was a need for a connection between Fireboy the singer and Fireboy the performer. We’re happy to report that he lit that stage with pure flames. Give him a Grammy already.
When this tweet asking people to share their experiences with ghosts, spirits and strange presences went viral, I made a mental note to only read people’s responses during the day — I didn’t want nightmares. But when I read Kayode’s* experience in a closed group, I knew I had to get details.
This is Kayode’s story, as told to Boluwatife
Image: Team Maestroo via Pexels
I’ve never seen a spirit or visual apparition in real life, but I’ve understood and felt strange presences and spirits since I was five or six years old.
Even at that age, I remember having nightmares where I’d fight my way through to the land of the living. I made the mistake of telling my very spiritual mother, who took me to countless religious leaders for prayers. To make matters worse, I used to sleep with my face down and legs up — which was easier for me — but my mum took it as a sign I was in some sort of spiritual gang and would always hit my legs with a broom whenever I did that.
The nightmares progressed to life-threatening illnesses. On one such occasion, I was half-dead, and admitted at the hospital, but there was no medical diagnosis. Somehow I survived, no doubt due to my mother’s prayers and determination not to lose her first child.
I also had regular premonitions of accidents and death which usually came as dreams or just feelings. I used to be afraid of the events that I dreamt about because they’d happen in real life. I once dreamt that my cousin died at work, and I prayed against it. Months later, I heard that the reason he had not been to our house for a while was because his hand was caught in some machine at work, and he was lucky to be alive.
Another time, I was travelling and suddenly saw an accident and the victims in my mind. A while later, I saw the accident happen in real life. I only started to understand the gravity of these premonitions when I was 12 years old and experienced another clairvoyance situation at my aunt’s house.
I was seated in front of her house that day when I suddenly had a feeling of dread. I felt like I’d been right there in that particular moment before, where someone had lost a body part due to an accident. A few seconds later, a motorcycle passed in front of the house and tripped on a stone I was staring at. I was there, unable to move and talk, as people gathered to support the women who had fallen from the motorcycle.
It was then I started to understand that I could feel things others couldn’t. Usually, it’s me feeling or hearing something and immediately associating it with something else. When my mother passed from cancer in 2020, I knew it would happen since the day before. When her sister called to inform me, I was already on my way home. Most times, I like to think of it as an undiagnosed mental illness. It’s easier than thinking I can see accidents or people’s death before it happens.
The thing about being aware of strange presences is that it gets to a point where you’re no longer scared of them. So, when I moved into a house in (February) 2021 that had a strange presence, I already had several years of “experience” with them, so I wasn’t particularly spooked.
The house was provided by a job I’d just started at the time, and though I was alone, I knew there was something else there. Sometimes, I’d hear whispers or notice moisture around a mirror. Several times, I randomly asked out loud if there was someone with me and told “it” we could be friends if it showed itself. I was really curious to see a spirit. It’d make a lot of things easier for me. At least I’d stop feeling like a crazy person when I feel things.
The presence didn’t show itself, or at least not to me. I got a cat soon after, in early 2022, and she was very aggressive. I’d had cats before, so I understand how they settle into a territory, but this was different. The cat was always growling. She’d hide — as cats often do — and not come out for food until she was really hungry. She would freak out if you tried touching her and just usually acted crazy.
One day in April (2022), I returned from work to meet at least twenty dead houseflies on the floor. There was nowhere they could’ve come from because it was a neat, serviced apartment, and my windows were locked. The cat had one swollen eye, as if she’d been hit, and she was no longer in a territorial aggressive mode, she was more subservient aggressive. I took her to the clinic and cared for her after, but it took about a week after the incident for her to get comfortable in the apartment.
The cat after the incident
I’m not sure what happened, but in Yoruba lore, it’s believed that cats see things and try to protect their owners. Based on that belief, it could be that the spirit and my cat had a “fight”. Maybe my cat won because though I still felt the strange presence from time to time, I never felt it as much while I was with the cat. I told someone parts of the story, and they hinted at a guardian angel situation. I eventually left the apartment in December 2022 when I changed jobs. The cat still lives with me.
I still want to physically see spirits, so I can confirm that it’s not just in my head, but I guess it’s also good I can’t. Based on how strong my hearing and feeling already are, seeing things might’ve killed me a long time ago.
*Subject’s name has been changed for the sake of anonymity.
Brigadier General Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is clamping down on the recreational use and sale of nitrous oxide (N20) AKA “Balloon Gas” across the country.
Source: RehabsUK
Here are seven key things to note about nitrous oxide according to a user, a seller and a medical expert.
Nitrous oxide is sold in canisters
Source: UbuyNigeria
“There are different sizes, but you’ll always find them in canisters that look just like the one for insecticide or spray polish for shoes.”
You need balloons
“The gas cannot be ingested directly from the canister, and that’s why you need balloons. The balloon is fitted around the valve of the canister and N20 is pumped inside. You can pump as much gas as you want depending on the size of the balloon. It’s the balloon you see people suck on at parties or clubs. ”
Ingesting from the canisters will hurt you
“You’ll get hurt if you attempt to ingest N20 directly from the canister. The gas is sealed under high pressure, so when it’s released for use, it’s extremely cold. You’ll get frostbite from direct contact.”
It’s expensive
“The first time I tried it was at a nightclub, and I remember we paid as much as ₦50k for a can similar to a large-size insecticide. That’s a lot compared to weed which is like ₦5k for a wrap of Canadian loud and ₦100-₦200 for the locally grown type. But I was with friends and it was easy to split the bill. Alone, I’ll put a lot of thought into spending that much.
It’s a different kind of high
“I knew I felt good and really calm after taking it, but I was really drowsy. I also felt this weakness in my bones, but I was still able to enjoy the party and have a great time. The feeling eventually wore off because I had just one balloon.”
It’s anaesthesia for surgical patients
“No one in their right mind should be ingesting nitrous oxide without a prescription from medical personnel or supervision at the very least. This is because it is an anaesthesia that’s mostly used on patients during surgical operations. Even then, it’s not administered alone because it can lead to loss of life. The patient is also given oxygen. The recommended dosage for surgery is 20 ppm (parts per million).”
There’s an abundance of health risks
“Prolonged and unsupervised use can cause serious damage to the brain, resulting in memory loss. Users can also experience side effects like heart attacks, a sharp drop in blood pressure and sudden loss of life.
Greta Gerwig’s highly-anticipated Barbie movie (which stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling) hits the cinemas in a couple of weeks and the promo has been on steroids.
You might be wondering why Nigerians should care, but Barbie dolls were quite the big deal for Nigerian millennials as kids, so we chatted with some Nigerian women about it, and here’s what they had to share.
“Is Barbie’s love for pink a curse from an old witch?” — Stella*, 30
I’ve been a Barbie fan-girl for as long as I can remember and my mum indulged me. Most of my birthdays growing up were Barbie-themed; everything I used, down to my school bag, lunch packs, plates and cutleries at home were all connected to Barbie. I started to outgrow it as I got older because I couldn’t get the real gist about the doll. With Disney princesses like Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, etc., the storybooks told you about them, but with Barbie, there wasn’t a solid origin story I could hold on to. As I got older, my love for Barbie was replaced with the Disney girls. I’m mad excited about the Barbie movie though. Hopefully, I’ll get answers to questions like who Barbie’s parents were, for example, or if the love for pink is a curse from an old witch or something.
“I moved on from my Barbie after getting a glass doll from London” — Lore* (late 20s)
I had a Barbie doll as a kid but I don’t remember her name again. I fed her, backed her, plaited and even washed her hair with shampoo. I eventually outgrew my love for the doll because my brothers would always bend and contort her arms and legs in odd positions. I also had this glass doll that my grandma bought for me from London that was more valuable in my eyes. It was made of glass and was very fragile, so I was only allowed to play with it during school holidays while supervised by an adult. The novelty of this other doll added to me outgrowing my love for the Barbie doll.
“Our househelp used to cook and buy snacks for my dolls” — Hadiza*, 28
I can’t remember if we had Barbie dolls as kids, but I know we had dolls. At least my younger sister did, and we the agbayas used to have naming ceremonies for them every weekend. Our house help then would cook rice and buy sweets, back when it was still five for ₦5 (good times!). Used to love it. I’m seeing the Barbie movie everywhere now and I’m indifferent. Could be fun to watch sha.
“I need to ask my mum what she did with all of my Barbie dolls” — Daniella*, 25
The details are fuzzy now but I know I used to have parties for all my birthdays as a kid, and this meant getting lots of presents. I used to get Barbie dolls every other year. I eventually had a collection of Barbie dolls with different outfits, hair and accessories. I remember it was something my friends and cousins used to look forward to whenever they came to visit. We would play parents, feed and bathe the dolls. My 10th birthday party was Barbie-themed. I remember the cake and how a lot of my friends turned up in cute, pink dresses. I don’t remember what happened to the dolls but this upcoming Barbie movie has gotten me thinking again. I’ll have to ask my mum what she did with them.
“Barbie dolls weren’t common in Ogun state” — Bimbo*, 29
Growing up, I had an obsession with dolls and it wasn’t just Barbie. I didn’t know about Barbie dolls for the longest time because you just wouldn’t find them at the toy stores we had in Ogun state where I grew up. What we had was what people call “baby Kingsway” which were regular locally-made dolls. I’d like to watch the Barbie movie sha, let me see what all the noise is about and see if I’m going to indulge my daughters.
“I don’t recall owning a Barbie doll even though I really wanted one” — Kemisola*, 30
I really wanted a Barbie doll when I was little although I don’t recall ever owning one. I just had the regular dolls and they came in different colours. My grandma and nannies would make clothes for the dolls, and some of them came with extra clothes in the pack. I remember having a family friend whose daughters had several Barbie dolls. They always looked sophisticated to me, so different from the colourful plastic dolls I used to have. But by then I was older and it didn’t make much sense to be pining over dolls.
“My parents were convinced dolls could easily be possessed”— Ada*, 28
Growing up, I didn’t like dolls and I think it stemmed from the fear I had for the Chucky horror-doll movies. It scarred me and I just couldn’t look at dolls the same way. My parents also made it worse because they were convinced that dolls had some sort of connection to the spiritual realm and could be easily possessed. Even as an adult, I still don’t know how I feel about dolls and don’t think I’ll be indulging my kids.
Nigerian passport holders seeking short-term holiday in the island country of Seychelles may have to hold back on that for a while, following an alleged visa ban imposed by the Seychelles government.
The alleged ban has caused concern and raised questions about the reasons behind this decision. Here’s some clarity on the situation.
How it started
The Seychelles visa ban conversation started on Saturday, July 8, after a travel content creator, @munachimsooo, tweeted about it after applying for travel authorization. @munachimsooo shared a screenshot from the immigration website which read in part:
“We regret to inform you that your application has been declined, as per immigration regulation, for now we are not accepting any NIGERIAN passport holder for holiday purposes.”
It seems Seychelles just placed a ban on Nigerian passport holders. The thing with having a Nigerian passport is you can be postponing travel plans until you become Bill Gates and immigration policies will be like “ Dey play” pic.twitter.com/UroivUEjGM
— MunafromTravelletters (@Munachimsoooo) July 8, 2023
Is Seychelles not visa-free?
According to information on the Seychelles immigration website, a visa is not required regardless of the nationality of intending visitors. Instead, a visitor’s permit is issued on arrival to anyone who comes for the purpose of holiday, business, or to visit family and friends.
Has the Seychelles government addressed the allegations?
There has been no official confirmation from the government of Seychelles regarding the alleged visa ban on Nigerian passport holders. However, a border security official who briefly spoke with the media corroborated @munachimsooo’s claim. The official, without giving any reasons for the ban, was quoted to have said: “Yes, but no further information is available at this time.”
Who is not affected by the Seychelles ban?
At the moment, the alleged visa ban specifies visitors seeking short-term visas or those visiting for holiday purposes and doesn’t say much about other travellers. A Nigerian filmmaker, Steven Ndukwu, is currently in Seychelles and hasn’t been asked to leave the country.
According to Ndukwu, the visa ban is still a rumour and hasn’t been made official yet.
Been getting so many messages about the Seychelles ban on Nigerian passport holders..
At the time of compiling this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian government addressing the alleged Seychelles visa ban. It would be recalled that in December, Nigeria signed a pact that would enable direct flights between the two countries.
Former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika, and Seychelles’ minister of transport, Anthony Derjacques, reached a mutual agreement that would further advance the African Union (AU)’s agenda 2063, drive business growth and boost tourism.
What visa arrangement did Nigeria have with Seychelles before?
Until the alleged visa ban, Nigeria had a long-standing visa-free agreement with Seychelles. Nigerian passport holders/citizens could enter the country visa-free for 30 days, after taking the necessary steps.
Which other visa-free countries can Nigerian passport holders visit?
There are still countries that admit Nigerians without a visa, you just need to research and get information on the documents you might need. Some of the visa-free countries include Rwanda, Barbados, Benin Republic, Ghana, Cape Verde, Senegal, etc.
If you’re familiar with the Nigerian nightlife scene, you’ll know that booze doesn’t come cheap and getting your high comes with having a fat purse.
But who says you can’t create your own happiness at home and get high on a ₦1k budget? If the level of high you’re going for is to walk with your head, here are the best options
Beer
Source: Ripples Nigeria
It’s what you should be gunning for if you have a slim budget. In fact, just two bottles will probably do the job.
Cream liqueur
If you’re trying to go extra bougie with your alcohol, cream liqueur comes in sachets these days. Even Baileys is not just for the rich anymore. It screams sapa but who sapa no hold?
Gin
Source: PenPushing
You can roll your eyes at bus conductors and MC Oluomo’s boys but they know ball. You’ll get more than a sufficient high with sachets of gin.
Rum
Source: Dbani Supermarket
They also come in sachets and midget containers these days. The most you’ll spend is ₦600 and you’ll be higher than a kite if that’s what you’re going for.
Bitters
A truly versatile king. You can afford it on your N1k budget whether you are at home or at a backyard club. Not the big leagues, abeg.
Whiskey
Source:
Is it the Nigerian economy or these guys will try anything to get their coins? Anyway, there’s whisky in sachets now and it’s not as expensive as what they sell in Quilox.
