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Red flags | Zikoko!
  • 7 Types of People You Shouldn’t Date

    December’s coming, and we’re about to be flooded by “Me and mine” pajama pictures. But if you’re searching for love and a follow-come photoshoot buddy, here’s a list of people you should avoid.

    The ones who eat blended beans

    Source: Keeshaskitchen

    It’s gbegiri. We’re talking about gbegiri. Anybody who eats it with amala, or as a spread for bread, doesn’t love themself and can never love you, so just don’t do it.

    The hunger strikers 

    Source: tenor

    These ones go on self-imposed hunger strikes for no reason. They won’t eat all day but will start complaining about a terrible headache between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. They’re stubborn and won’t hear anything you say, so just leave them to their fate and walk away.

    People who eat okpa 

    Source: Lyndisheskitchen

    Anybody who can sit down and eat this wannabe moimoi that plays around with the possibility of choking you clearly likes living on the edge and doesn’t care for their safety. Run for your life!

    Gym heads 

    Source: memes.zikoko

    We’re talking about the ones who go to the house of sweat and machines more than three times a week. They won’t let you rest because you’d either be sharing your partner with a building or they’d spend the five minutes a week they’ve carved out for you trying to talk you into working out like it’s a money-doubling pyramid scheme.

    Creatives

    Source: memes.zikoko

    Artistes, musicians, and we can’t believe we’re about to say this, but writers. Anywhere you see them, take off your shoes and run because they will use you as a muse. You will go through some serious character development; don’t say Zikoko did nothing for you.

    Lawyers

    Source: memes.zikoko

    You’d never win an argument with them, but that’s not even the important part. You and everyone else would have to see your partner in a dirty blonde ill-laid wig that won’t even be laid properly and a big- ass black nightgown, calling another human being “my lord”. We need you to take a step back and think about it. Can you take it?

    Your landlord, or anyone they know

    Source: memes.zikoko

    Unless you want to go through all the stress of finding a new place and paying all those new fees, you better take your eyes off your landlord and anyone they bring around.

    The ones who have more than 40 followers on  X 

    Source: memes.zikoko

    Do you really want to be with someone who shares their thoughts with more than 40 people whenever they post on X? You should be enough. They shouldn’t want so many other people to know what’s on their mind all the time.

  • These Countries Are Red Flags for Your Japa Plans

    The japa wave for Nigerians seems to be getting some pushback recently in the form of visa bans, visa restrictions and even deportations.

    While these actions won’t stop Nigerians from making their japa plans, it’s important to flag some countries you should probably cross off your destination lists. These countries are either historically hostile to Nigerians with inhumane treatments or have shown us shege in recent times.

    Consider this a travel advisory.

    United Arab Emirates (UAE)

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) used to be the go-to spot for premium enjoyment for Nigerians, but they appear to be sick of hosting Nigerians these days. On October 21, 2022, the UAE banned Nigerians from applying for visas and even canceled already submitted applications without refunding applicants.

    When a Nigerian raised alarm about the maltreatment of other Nigerians trying to enter the country in August 2022, the UAE jailed her for violating a cybercrime law

    No one really knows UAE’s reasons for the visa ban so it’s best for Nigerians to find another vacation hotspot.

    ALSO READ: Why Nigeria’s Relationship With the UAE Is Hitting the Rocks

    Libya

    In 2018, the United Nations (UN) released a report that detailed the horrors Nigerians face in Libya — ranging from unlawful killings to gang rape, arbitrary detention, torture, unpaid wages, slavery, human trafficking, racism, and xenophobia. 

    Between April 2017 and February 2022, 19,452 Nigerians voluntarily returned home from Libya. So if anyone ever suggests Libya as a japa option, run, please.

    Indonesia

    In March 2022, Nigeria’s House of Representatives moved to address the violation of the human rights of Nigerians in Indonesia after Arinze Igweike died in the custody of immigration officials. The officials arrested him with two other Nigerians and brutalized them until he died.

    In August 2021, Indonesian officials were filmed assaulting Abdulrahman Ibrahim, a Nigerian consular officer based in Jakarta. In the film, they held him down inside a vehicle while he begged for air as he couldn’t breathe. Indonesia apologised for the maltreatment but the incident put the spotlight on how the treatment of Nigerians in Indonesia could be better.

    South Africa

    In September 2020, thousands of South Africans marched on the streets with plaques and banners, demanding that Nigerians and other foreigners leave their country.

    The protesters claimed foreigners are taking away their jobs and committing crimes — the same narratives used to attack foreigners in the past.

    [Image source: Ewn]

    In August 2022, the Nigerian High Commission to South Africa warned Nigerians of imminent attacks on foreign nationals due to the recent utterances of a group, ‘’Operation Dudula”. As a Nigerian, to live in South Africa is to always dread the next wave of xenophobia.

    India 

    The reality of what’s happening to Nigerians in India isn’t always the song and dance you see in Bollywood movies. In 2021, a Nigerian activist in New Delhi shared how Nigerians were victims of inhuman treatment — ranging from illegal experimentation for COVID-19 vaccines to the death of a 43-year-old Nigerian, Leohand Lyeanyi after a police officer allegedly assaulted him.

    In October 2022, 60 Nigerian students fled Genoka University after Indian students beat and abused them on the football field and in their hostel.

    Northern Cyprus

    The Nigerian government has flagged Northern Cyprus many times as hostile to Nigerians. At least 100 Nigerian students studying there died under questionable circumstances between 2016 and 2020 but nothing has been done to address their cases.

    What’s worse about Northern Cyprus is it’s not a country recognized by anyone in the world other than Turkey. This means the Nigerian government can’t have direct diplomatic engagements with them to help Nigerians when they run into trouble there.

    The government’s message is clear: whatever happens in Northern Cyprus, you’re on your own.

    Do you know of any more countries we missed that should be red flags for Nigerians? Let us know.

    ALSO READ: Why You Should (Probably) Remove Northern Cyprus From Your Japa List

  • Your Fave Footwear as Your Relationship Red Flags

    Yes, everyone has a relationship red flag, but do you know you can tie yours to your favourite kind of shoes? You didn’t? Well, now, you know. 

    Slippers

    You’re ready to run away from any minor problem. People who wear slippers are the epitome of “I didn’t come to this world to kill myself”. They’d dust their slippers and run if you stress them too much. It’s a red flag because sometimes, a straightforward conversation would solve what you’re running away from. 

    Sneakers

    You think dating is too expensive because you spend all your money on shoes. Spending ₦20k on a date is too much, but you see that ₦75k shoe? Fair price. 

    Heels 

    A little cheating here and there, but that’s all there is. The problem is you like how your shoes sound as you’re moving from one partner to the other. The koin koin sound gets to your head a lot. 

    RELATED: QUIZ: How Many Relationship Red Flags Do You Have? 

    Slides 

    People who wear slides are the same as slippers wearers, but they’ll be annoyed if you call their slides slippers. If slides are your favourite type of shoes, you’re prone to gaslighting your partner. 

    Loafers 

    You’re the complete opposite of the sneakers people. You think money solves all the problems. A little toxicity here and there, but it can all be solved with dollars. You’re wrong sha because people just want communication, but that’s not your business. 

    Boots 

    Emotionally unavailable is your middle name, and it’s because the boots are stopping blood flow to your heart. Remove them, let your feet touch grass and allow yourself to feel love. Abi, ki lo feel? 

    RELATED: QUIZ: How Red Is Your Flag? 

    Crocs

    You don’t take anything seriously. Everything about your relationship is a big joke to you, and your partners are not happy about that. Relationships are work, but that’s not your vibe. 

    Sandals

    You put people’s needs above your own and get hurt. Just because you’re wearing Jesus’ sandals doesn’t mean you have to act like him. Your “selflessness” is why you can’t hear certain songs without breaking down in Ebeano. 

    Barefoot

    If you hate any form of footwear so much you’d rather go barefoot, then you don’t just have a red flag, you have a red blanket. You write a script for how relationships should go without factoring in what the person you’re dating is like. Your way or nobody else’s  and it’s giving very much delusional. 

    RELATED: 9 Green Flags to Look Out For in a Partner

  • 6 Nigerian Men Talk About the Red Flags They Ignored in Their Relationships

    Red flags are everywhere when it comes to relationships and dating. Some people spot it on time and run away, but others either don’t see them or ignore the red flags until it’s too late. These Nigerian men are the latter: they spotted red flags early in their relationships and still stayed. 

    Now, they’re sharing their experiences. 

    “My girl flirting with other guys keeps me on my toes” 

    — Aliyu, 30 

    When I met my girlfriend, she was with another man. The way she kept flirting with me and laughing, I thought she was single. Long story short, I “stole” her from the other guy. Now that we’re together, she’s constantly flirting with every bearded guy she meets but honestly, it’s not a problem for me. 

    I thrive well in the face of competition. Knowing I’m dating a girl who can leave me anytime has put me on my toes. From the sex to the dates and how I treat her, I’m always looking to impress my girlfriend. We’ve been together for three years, so I guess it’s working. 

    “I’m learning to live with my girl’s shitty music taste” 

    — Daniel, 25

    My girlfriend’s favourite song is Harlem Shake. I don’t think I’ve met anyone with a worse taste in music than her. Bad music might not look like a red flag to other people, but music is an important part of my life — it’s how I try to figure out the world. 

    I’ve tried to put her on to good music, but she’s set in her ways, and now I have to spend the rest of my life listening to Pitbull and Paris Hilton. 

    “I think my girlfriend has a spiritual problem”

    — Fidelis, 28 

    There’s a popular trope about women never knowing what they want to eat, but my girlfriend is the worst. On our first date, this babe spent about 30 minutes with the waiter trying to figure out what she wanted to order. After all the serenre, she still ate from my plate. Ma’am, you’re just getting to know me!

    I ignored that red flag, and since we started dating, I don’t think this babe has confidently opened her mouth to order food. These days I order for both of us. If she doesn’t like it, she can soak garri or make Indomie

    RECOMMENDED: 9 Red Flags Women Absolutely Hate

    “I’m dating someone obsessed with Instagram likes”

    — Tobi, 39 

    I should’ve figured out my girlfriend was obsessed with social media when she deleted a picture we took together because of “lack of engagement”. As someone who generally doesn’t care for social media, I’ve always wondered why she went through so much trouble to win people’s approval, especially when she hasn’t met most of them. 

    We had a big fight about it and broke up about a year ago, but I realised my life without her was like eating plain white rice without any sauce. We’re back together, and I’m slowly learning to adapt to my life with her. 

    “My girlfriend is a thief, but I’m a thief too, so it’s fair” 

    — Hakeem, 24

    The first time I invited my girlfriend over to spend the night, she stole my hoodie and sweatpants. I didn’t take it seriously at the time because I know stealing men’s clothes is what women do. But every time this babe comes, she always takes one shirts — even my trousers! The annoying thing is, she doesn’t allow me to wear my own clothes after she’s worn them. 

    Because I refuse to be cheated, I’ve started using her skincare products too. If you can steal my Fear of God hoodie, I will use your Skinceutical Vitamin C face serum as a hand cream. The bible says an eye for an eye. 

    “My girlfriend is passive-aggressive” 

    — Ikenna, 33  

    The biggest problem in my relationship is that my girlfriend and I never fight. We don’t even argue. Whenever something goes wrong, she gives me the silent treatment. It has been like that since we started dating, but I thought it was because she didn’t know me then. Eight months into our relationship now and nothing has changed. 

    I love her so much, and I’ve spoken to her about seeing a therapist. Hopefully, she agrees. I don’t know how long I can use my love for her as a blanket over this huge character flaw. 

    ALSO READ: 4 People Tell Us About the Red Flag That Made Them End Their Relationships

  • 23 Of The Funniest Tweets About Red Flags

    Last night, the men and women of Twitter decided to bare their minds and call out the red flags they look out for in people they were going to date. Some of the tweets were downright hilarious. Here are a few of them.

    1. This guy that assigns red flags according to their geographical location

    https://twitter.com/JIMI4_/status/1433194704326299649?s=20

    2. Where is the lie?

    3. This follows logic

    4. Where is the lie?.

    https://twitter.com/FuuckBenny/status/1433201112694263808?s=20

    5. In fact, if she’s a tech sis

    6. This person has been hurt before because this is too specific

    7. Somebody cannot appreciate you privately again?

    8. This guy has somebody in mind, I’m sure.

    9. Hmmm.

    https://twitter.com/madebycharles/status/1433185364060123145?s=20

    10. This guy has obviously been tasting too much fuel.

    11. Clear road for my king.

    12. These women don’t have fear of God.

    https://twitter.com/Ronke_kuss/status/1433180172224716802?s=20

    13. Abuja men were found in the mud.

    14. Our hand is not in this one oh

    15. If you know, you know.

    16. Many people are on this table

    https://twitter.com/OjaySanya/status/1433192484008513537?s=20

    17. One drag, several fall

    18. No matter the event, Arsenal fans must collect drag

    19. Then we have Pop Breeze over here

    20. We’re not saying it’s true but…

    21. If you want to steal, just say so.

    22. Honourable mention

    23. Again, run from tech sis.

  • If you are dating a woman and you do any of the following things, you are a walking red flag. 

    1. When he doesn’t buy you food when you say you’ve not eaten 

    Do we need to tell you first? Which brings us to the next point. 

    2. Not knowing what we want before we say it

    If you are not ready to be a mind reader, why are you here? 

    3. Not saying thank you after sex

    In fact, you should also serve us breakfast in bed. 

    maraji meme

    4. Not calling you mummy during sex

    It’s see-finish that causes things like this sha. It’s because we smile with you too much. 


    5. Using your skincare products

    Sacrilege! 

    6. Not letting you steal his hoodie 

    This one is also unforgivable and if you are dating anyone like this, please run. 

    7. Sleeping before you 

    If you sleep, what do you expect me to do with my time? Why do you think you are here? 

    8. Sleeping with his back turned to you 

    I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. 

    Mercy okojie meme

    9. Not letting you eat his food even though you people ordered the same thing 

    Just tell me you hate me, okay?