Finding your soulmate and deciding to do life with them is great, but sometimes, the happily ever after life of your dreams you once saw can begin to feel like life imprisonment. If you’re looking to add a little extra oomph to your relationship, look no further. Here’s how to spice up your relationship:

Find new ways to tell them you love them

Tattoo their face on your face, buy a billboard space and announce to the world that your baby is bad, good, and all the other things you may ever need. Don’t just tell your baby you love them; show it, too.

Find something to bond over 

Watching a new movie or shouting “ozeba” together might be great, but you know what will definitely get you and the love of your life bonding? Running from the police. Get a car, rob a bank, and become fugitives on the run. You will bond over your dislike for the police while enjoying your loot together. If Bonnie and Clyde could do it, you can too.

Get new experiences

We’re not telling you to open your relationship and give your partner and their genitals free reign. We’re just saying you should consider inviting someone else into your bed or tying your partner up and going all Christian Grey on them.

Meet your village people

We know they have a bad rep, but think about it this way: whatever they use to commit all manner of atrocities in your life can also be used to fix your relationship.

Activate your inner onigbese

You could owe your partner, your downstairs neighbour, or an elder in your church. Just make sure you take someone’s money and refuse to pay it back. Your relationship will have so much sparks in it that a live wire will be jealous.

READ: How To Be The Perfect Onigbese In Nigeria

Start an affair

Find someone you have intense sexual chemistry with and start an affair with them. Bonus points if they’re also in a relationship. All that sneaking around and back-breaking sex will light a fire in your relationship that will never be quenched.

Go on a break

Sometimes, the best way to keep the spark in your relationship alive is by throwing water on it and calling it quits. This way, when you come back together, you’ll remember how miserable life in the streets is, and your spark will never go low.

Do you know that the world’s most expensive women’s football player is an African? Her name is Rachel Kundananji, and she is a Zambian. 

Women’s football is on a meteoric rise, and the success of the last FIFA Women’s World Cup has shown us the possibilities and opportunities the game brings.

At the centre of this upward trend are Africans breaking and making global records, some noticed, some unnoticed, all impactful and mouthwatering.

To tell these unique stories and spotlight these trends, Fervora, a fast-rising sports media brand, launched their inaugural  African Women Football Report themed: Africa On The Rise.

With detailed analytics, lustrous images and rich written content, this comprehensive report sheds light on the achievements, challenges, and prospects of African women footballers who have significantly impacted leagues and tournaments worldwide.

Highlights

With in-depth research on more than 50 players across about 25 countries on the continent, this report is novel because it includes countries, names, and players you probably haven’t been paying attention to. 

The report highlights several key areas, such as:

Global Impact

African women footballers are increasingly becoming pivotal in major leagues across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Players like Uchenna Kanu, Barbara Banda and Temwa Chawinga are making great exploits in the NWSL, breaking barriers and setting new standards.

International Awards and Recognitions

Many African women footballers have made their mark in international leagues and garnered prestigious awards and championships, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. For instance, the fastest brace scored in the National Women’s Soccer League ( NWSL) was scored by a Nigerian, Uchenna Kanu, and the highest goal-scoring player in 2023 was an African, a Malawian, Temwa Chawinga, who scored 63 goals.

Revelations

Beyond the major names, the report also spotlights the burgeoning talents you should watch out for, like Jennifer Echegini, who became a European sensation with eight goals in her first eight matches for Italian Giant Juventus, and  Comfort Yeboah, the 17-year-old Ghanaian who scored Puskas-worthy goals. 

Predictions

It’s Olympics season, and two countries will be flying the continent’s flag in Paris regarding women’s football. Fervora made bold predictions about what to expect, including the possibility of a new African Player of the Year.

Whether you watch football or not, as long as you love women and support them, you will enjoy reading this report.

To download the report for free, please click here.

Founders

Fervora was founded by three women’s football enthusiasts: Cornelius Ashley-Osuzoka, a Development Experience Manager and football lover; Oyindamola Aje, a lawyer, sports lover and PhD candidate at Queen’s  University in Canada; and Emmanuel Faith, a DEI enthusiast, Human Resource Consultant and Global Sports Writer.

This report is their first major product, and you can connect with Fervora across different platforms to keep up with their exploits. 

Do follow Fervora on X via this link, on TikTok here and subscribe to Fervora on fervora.substack.com.

Love Life is a Zikoko weekly series about love, relationships, situationships, entanglements and everything in between.

What’s your earliest memory of each other?

Karena: We met in 2017 at a Nigerian cultural event in Toronto. We’d both lived in Canada for about a year by then. I was there with friends, feeling a bit homesick and looking to connect with fellow Nigerians. 

Tsola caught my eye because he seemed a bit out of place, fidgeting and avoiding eye contact. But there was something interesting about him.

Tsola: Yeah, that event was a tough one for me. Crowds and new social situations tend to trigger my OCD. 

When Karena approached me, I was initially apprehensive. But she had this warm, reassuring presence that made me feel at ease. We started talking about Nigeria, our favourite foods, and how we both missed home.

Tsola, did you tell her about your OCD right away?

Tsola: No. 

Opening up to her was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was about three months into our relationship before that happened. We were spending some time together at my apartment, and I was anxious that evening. 

Karena: I thought we’d gotten comfortable with each other. We really bonded over shared Nigerian experiences because, coincidentally, we both lived in Port Harcourt. That was an immediate green flag for me. We’d talk Trans Amadi gist for hours like we knew each other in Nigeria. He came across as very self-assured. I already liked him a lot. 

So I was concerned that he was suddenly behaving shifty. It was the first time I’d visited his place too; I was a little paranoid.

How did it come out?

Tsola: I saw how uncomfortable my discomfort was making her, and I hated it. So as we ate dinner, I randomly brought up how I have these intrusive thoughts that make me feel like something terrible will happen unless I perform certain rituals. The whole time, I was terrified she’d think I was crazy and leave.

Karena: I could see how scared he was to tell me. It broke my heart to see him so vulnerable. When he finished explaining, I took his hand and told him I loved him and his OCD didn’t change that. I didn’t know what I was saying.

We spent the rest of the night talking about his experiences. I didn’t fully understand what he was going through, but I was determined to learn and support him.

Was the relationship already official?

Karena: At least a month before then, it felt official already. But even if it wasn’t, that was the day we agreed to be exclusive. 

Tsola: Maybe before that was still the talking stage, but I think we knew we liked each other and wanted to date from early on.

What was the relationship like after this big reveal?

Karena: One of the biggest challenges has been understanding that OCD isn’t something that can be easily fixed or ignored. There have been times when I’ve felt frustrated and helpless, especially when his compulsions interfere with our daily life, which they do a lot. 

For instance, we’ve had to leave social gatherings early because Tsola felt overwhelmed. I’m an ambivert, so it hasn’t been all bad. But sometimes, I feel like I’m walking on eggshells to avoid triggering his anxiety.

Tsola: When I notice her overcompensating for my triggers without being able to do anything about it is when I feel the worst, TBH. 

I’ve been in therapy for years, and I’ve tried various medications with varying degrees of success. Some days are better than others, but there are times when it feels like I’m drowning in my compulsions. Those are the days when I struggle the most, and it takes a toll on our relationship.

If you want to share your own Love Life story, fill out this form.

Tell me about it

Karena: There was a particularly difficult period last year. He was constantly worried about contamination and would wash his hands until they were red and raw. It affected our intimacy, our routine, everything. I felt like I was losing him. 

We had some heated arguments because I didn’t know how to help him, and he felt guilty for putting me through it.

How have you guys been able to come this far together?

Tsola: She’s been my rock, but there have been times when I’ve pushed her away because I felt like a burden. 

I remember one time when I couldn’t touch anything in my apartment without feeling contaminated. She tried to comfort me, but I snapped at her. I felt horrible afterward, but at that moment, the anxiety was too overwhelming.

Karena: We’ve had many conversations about how to handle his OCD. We’ve learnt to set boundaries. For example, we have designated areas in both his and my apartment where I can go to calm down when I feel overwhelmed. 

It’s not perfect, but it helps.

Were there times when you considered breaking up?

Karena: Before I met Tsola, my relationships were more straightforward, but also less deep and less meaningful. Maybe it’s the trap we women fall for where we see saving a flawed man as a challenge. That’s what my sister keeps telling me anyway. 

I don’t know, but this relationship feels more high stakes because I feel the most emotional attached I’ve ever felt before. 

Tsola: I hid my OCD from most of my exes as best as I could because I was afraid they wouldn’t understand or would leave me. This secrecy created a lot of stress and prevented genuine intimacy. With Kar, I felt safe enough to be open about my struggles, which has been both challenging and incredibly freeing. 

Also, my past partners tried to be understanding, but they didn’t fully grasp the extent of things. Kar has gone out of her way to educate herself about OCD and to support me in ways I never experienced before. 

I’ve tried to talk her out of me, but I myself can’t imagine breaking up with her.

Talk her out of you?

Tsola: I always have this phase when I feel like a burden to everyone and just want to figure out my struggles on my own. Sometimes, I’d tell her that maybe she’s better off without me.

Karena: The first time we had that conversation was one of the hardest we’ve ever had. I was heartbroken that he felt that way, but I also understood where he was coming from. It was a wake-up call. We stayed apart for a week and some days. 

But then, we met up again and realised we needed to find better ways to support each other and take care of ourselves.

Did you find better ways?

Tsola: We decided to go to therapy together, and it made a huge difference. There are still tough days, but it’s helped us live through moments without feeling like we‘re losing ourselves to each other.

Karena: There was another tough period about three years into our relationship when Tsola’s compulsions were at their worst. I was lonely because OCD can be an invisible wall between us, making it hard to connect on a normal, everyday level.

Once, I tried to hug him to offer some comfort, but he flinched and stepped back, fearing that physical contact would spread contamination. That rejection, even though I knew it wasn’t personal, stung deeply. I thought about whether I could handle this for the rest of my life. I started questioning whether I was sacrificing too much of my own happiness and well-being, so I asked my close friends.

Did they know about his OCD? What did they say?

Karena: Just two of my friends that Tsola was comfortable with knowing about it. They actually suggested the couples therapy we’re currently taking. But not all my friends who know bits and pieces of the situation are so understanding. A few have expressed concern about the toll the relationship is taking on me.

Tsola: When Karena tells me about the conversations she’s had with her friends, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I hate the fact that I’m being talked about. I can’t help the sting of insecurity and guilt sometimes. It makes me confront my fears that I’m dragging her down and maybe she deserves someone who doesn’t come with so much baggage.

Right

Tsola: When one friend asked if she could see herself living like this for the rest of her life, it hit me like a punch to the gut. I didn’t want to be the reason she felt unhappy or overwhelmed.

But I’m also happy she has a tight support system. I have one too with three of my friends, and I know how sane and grounded it makes me feel after what I’ve gone through with my parents and sisters in the past. 

Karena: But it’s not just about dealing with the bad days; when the days are good, they’re really good. He’s one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. His OCD has good sides too because he’s incredibly attentive to details and remembers the little things that matter to me, like my favourite snacks or the way I like my coffee. He has it down to a science.

That sounds nice

Karena: Yes. His ability to be present and attentive has brought a lot of joy and comfort to my life.

Tsola: She’s funny, and she knows how to make me laugh even on my worst days — which is hard. It’s also been great having someone I know I can trust with important decisions when my brain cripples me with overthinking.

What’s next for your relationship?

Karena: We’ve definitely talked about moving in together, getting married and even having kids. It’s something we both want, but we’re also very aware of the challenges.

Tsola: We actually plan to move in together next year. It’s a big step, and we know it would bring a new set of challenges. 

We’ve discussed setting up routines and boundaries to help manage this. Specific areas designated for certain activities, like a clean area where I can feel safe, and working together to keep those spaces organised.

Neat

Karena: We’ll have a professional cleaner come in regularly to help maintain the place without it all falling on either of us. This could reduce the stress and potential conflict around household chores.

Tsola: Having kids is something we both dream about, but it’s also the area where my OCD might present the biggest challenge. We had a pregnancy scare in 2021 when we forced ourselves to discuss it extensively.

Karena: It’ll probably be individual and couples therapy for the rest of our lives, but I think that’s a great thing for us, OCD or no. We need to keep working on our communication skills and coping mechanisms. As we move forward, we’ll make sure we’re as prepared as possible for the ups and downs.

What did that extensive conversation about kids entail?

Karena: Educating ourselves on parenting with OCD, seeking advice from professionals, and possibly joining support groups. We want to be proactive in finding ways to ensure that our children grow up in a loving and stable environment.

It’s scary, but I think we’ll be fine.

Tsola: The most important thing to me is that we’re both happy and healthy, as husband and wife, as parents, whatever. I’m willing to put in the work. 

Karena: We’re also realistic about the fact that we might need to adjust our plans based on how things progress. I’m keeping an open mind.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your Love Life?

Karena: 8. Overall, I feel incredibly loved and supported, and I know we both put in the work to keep our connection.

Tsola: Yeah, 8. I feel incredibly loved and supported. I feel very lucky to have her.

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.

ANOTHER LOVE STORY ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH: Love Life: We Broke Up 5 Times Because of His Depression

On Sunday, we’ll watch the new Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemates get on stage and tell the show’s host, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, their only strategy for winning ₦100m is to “Be themselves.” We all know that’s a big fat lie, and that’s where we come in.

With help from AI, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide that’ll help anyone win the show or at least make it to the final week.

Avoid clumsy names

Trikky Tee, Ka3na, Allysn, Giddyfia, ThinTallTony — what do these names have in common? They’re a mouthful. Chances are, they got fewer votes because fans misspelt their names while trying to vote. Keep your name simple, please.

Enter a ship

Whether it’s a bromance or romance, ensure you’re not sailing alone in the house. Think of Nengi and Laycon, Ozo and Neo, Mercy and Diane, and you’ll understand why you need a close ally in the house.

Organise house games

The house will get boring, but there’s an opportunity to shine if you establish yourself as the game master as soon as the first week. This worked for Neo in both the Lockdown and All Stars seasons.

Have a signature style

Anyone who followed the Pepper Dem season knows this strategy worked for Mercy Eke and contributed to her success. A signature style doesn’t necessarily mean colouring your hair or having a particular look. In Mercy’s case, her signature style was “Never to be caught unfresh.”

Go wild during diary sessions

This strategy might not get you into the finals or make you win, but you won’t be among the first to leave the house. Take away their iconic diary sessions, and Diana and Uriel wouldn’t have lasted as long as they did in the house.

Avoid conflicts

AI doesn’t quite hit the mark with this strategy. Conflicts might be a great way to get viewers’ attention and show them you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself. Make sure you carefully pick your fights to avoid being nominated for early eviction.

Create memorable catchphrases

From Omashola’s “Warri” to Tacha’s “No leave, no transfer,” catchphrases can make you memorable to viewers and increase your popularity.

Be the life of the party

Your main goal is to entertain viewers but make sure you also entertain housemates. Do the most during parties and gatherings in the house. Be the one who dances the most, sings along, and encourages others to have fun.

Create a feud

Make it a mission to find an opponent in the house. If there isn’t one, make one. A friendly rivalry with another housemate can make you entertaining to viewers and prolong your stay in the house.

Play the role of a mediator

This was Doyin’s strategy during the Level Up season, and whether people agree or not, it kept her in the house longer than expected.

Small tears here and there

As long as you don’t overdo it and make it seem like you’re playing the pity card, getting vulnerable on live TV shows the audience you have warm blood pumping through your heart. It’ll secure you extra weeks in the house.

Win tasks and challenges

Remember, you didn’t uproot your life to come and count ceilings inside Big Brother’s house. Your strategy can be to win cash prizes, brand ambassadorships, and fully sponsored trips from the house tasks and challenges.

Read this next: We Ranked BBNaija Bedrooms From “Good for Sex” to “Abort Mission”

GrowthCon 2.0 is set to host Africa’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, operators, investors, business leaders and enthusiasts at Harbor Point, Victoria Island, Lagos on the 26th and 27th of July, 2024. Following the tremendous success of its premiere edition in 2023, GrowthCon has come to be known for igniting stimulating conversations and connections that will catalyze growth and innovation, equipping attendees with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today’s business landscape.

With the theme ‘Art of Growth: Increasing Innovation Competency’, GrowthCon 2.0 promises to deliver an immersive experience, second to none, that will leave attendees equipped with practical strategies as well as implementable solutions to drive growth for the businesses they run or work at. The conference features a lineup of renowned speakers such as Ziad Maalouf, MD Seven Up Bottling Co., Adia Sowho, Ex-CMO MTN Nigeria, Oluyemi Oloyede, MD & CEO UAC Foods, Ayodele Faboya, Partner Banwo & Ighodalo, Godwin Tom, MD Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, Lola Esan, Partner EY, Henry Obiekea, MD Fairmoney, Abimbola Adebakin, CEO Advantage Health Africa, Babájídé Duroshola, GM MKOPA Nigeria, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor) among many others across various sectors who will share their expertise on salient topics.

GrowthCon 2.0 comprises a variety of exciting components including the pre-event & post-event mixers, masterclasses, workshops, fireside chats, panel discussions and deal rooms. These engaging components will deliver opportunities for curated networking, collaboration, case study analysis, learning, design thinking and problem solving.

This year’s conference also includes the Executive Track, a new component curated exclusively for business leaders and senior leaders focused on driving growth and innovation within their organizations.

“We are super excited to host a bigger and better GrowthCon that will supercharge growth for African businesses this year, and are thrilled to announce Zoho as our headline sponsor for this year’s conference,” said Bola Lawal, the event convener and founder of Premia Business Network (PBN)—a community of entrepreneurs, investors and professionals building a business network in Africa and its diaspora. “Our goal is to create an environment where attendees can learn from industry experts, connect with like-minded professionals, and leave with actionable insights to drive their organizations forward.”

Other Sponsors for GrowthCon include: IHS Towers, Vesti, Scrella, The Macallan, Elev8 Media, Nimbus, Tramango, TechCabal, Adlantique, Loatsad Promomedia, Gazmadu Studios, Sweet Sensation, So Fresh, Emergency Response Africa, Purple Gate Technologies, WorkflowHR and Seven Up Bottling Company.

GrowthCon 2.0 is open to professionals at all levels, from entrepreneurs and startup founders, to industry operators, venture capitalists, mid-level managers and executives. Attendees will be able to interact with industry leaders, and connect with potential partners and investors in the deal rooms.

Programme agenda and Tickets to GrowthCon 2.0 are available on the official website at www.growthcon.africa. and peruse the program agenda.

For media inquiries, please contact Abdulsamod Balogun, Marketing and Communications Team Lead, GrowthCon 2.0 (growthcon@premiabn.com)

About GrowthCon 2.0: GrowthCon 2.0 is a two-day conference, convened by Premia Business Network, where Africa’s entrepreneurs, operators, investors, policymakers and ecosystem players come together to explore proven strategies and success stories from Africa, collaborate on deals and foster innovation.

About Premia Business Network (PBN): PBN is a referral-based community of doers coming together to collaborate to increase their net worth and impact their communities through business and innovation.

Every year, Biggie opens his doors and takes people into his home. Sometimes, they are well-behaved and just want to find love. Other times, they walk into the house with one plan and one plan only: to cause commotion.

Cee-C

Cee-C ran so that all the other troublemakers on this list could crawl. From snapping the elastic rope on her partner to cussing Tobi for hours on end, Cee-C ruled Big Brother’s house with an iron fist, and we’re quite surprised she was never sent packing.

Chaos level: 20. Cee-C had everyone quaking at the thought of an altercation with her.

Brighto

There’s nothing worse than a behind-the-scenes troublemaker. You would never find Big Brother’s Lord Baelish at the forefront of the commotion, but if you ask the involved parties, they’ll point him and his bad advice out as the genesis of their problems.

Chaos level: 19.5. Not only did he go around starting the trouble, he did it without remorse.

Seyi

He was annoying the first time and wouldn’t let Tacha rest, but the second time? He walked into Biggie’s house with the audacity of 1,000 men and the misogyny of 10,000. None of the girls were safe from his foolishness, not even Venita, who went about defending his actions.

Chaos level: 10. Seyi walked into the house and created a special type of chaos that we’ve never seen before, one that should have led to Biggie’s ninjas pushing him and his bad behaviour out the door.

Tacha

A one-man army, Tacha started the season on her own and ended the same way. Everyone was trying to get her and her confidence out of the house, putting her up for eviction every chance they got. In turn, Tacha swore to show them all pepper, and she did. She won every fight she got into, except the very last one with Mercy.

Chaos level: 10. Only because she had no ally in that house and had to start her chaos from scratch, hold her on with other people, and beat them all at their game.

Pere

We already knew Pere was a problem when he almost finished us with his US army status, then he became Head of House and decided to cosplay as a dictator. His HOH tenures aside, it’s a miracle Pere didn’t pull Biggie’s house down with his anger because his go-to move was to cause chaos, get upset that people were upset by the chaos, and hulk out on everyone. Like the time he punched a hole in the wall to scare Doyin.

Chaos level: 9. We think the spirit of chaos resident in Biggie’s house entered him once he walked through the doors because his behaviour was beyond wild.

Erica

All Erica wanted to do in Biggie’s house was participate in tasks, kiss her baby, and sleep. Obviously, Biggie’s children hate peace, and everyone who tried to look for her trouble got surplus trouble.

Chaos level: 9. Erica was sweet and calm in the house, but the moment someone activated her chaos, shit went down.

RECOMMENDED: We Ranked the Big Brother Naija Seasons From Chaotic AF to Snooze Fest

Ike 

We’re still of the opinion that Big Brother should have locked Ikechukwu up. Every time he stepped into Biggie’s house, all he did was steal, annoy everyone, and cause commotion. During his season, Ike went around stealing and causing chaos. Big Brother opened his doors to him again, and guess what this man did again?

Chaos level:  8.5. His chaos was just his bad behaviour and intrusive thoughts coming out to play.

Mercy

She came into the house for two reasons, to get the money and look like a bad bitch, but woe betide anybody that looked for Mercy’s trouble, especially after the Saturday night parties. She would cuss you out and then tag her man in to continue the job.

Chaos level: 8. It took little for Mercy to drop her accent and show everyone how we roll in Lagos.

Tolani Baj

Her first time in Biggie’s house, Tolani Baj only fought when people tried to play her for a fool or come for her man. Her second time, though? 

All you had to do was breathe wrongly in her direction, and she would show you pepper.

Chaos level: 7. Do you know how we know TBaj is a chaotic queen? Half of her fights could’ve been avoided. 

Taking the blanket off Ilebaye and Neoenergy and then cussing Ilebaye out was uncalled for and didn’t need to happen.

Angel

In her defense, the only times she threatened to turn Biggie’s house upside down (and delivered on that threat) were when the “adults” Biggie put in his house tried to use their age to intimidate her. Other than that, Angel spent both her seasons minding her business and finding love.

Chaos level: 6.5. She tried her best never to start trouble, but if they brought it her way, she always helped them finish it

Venita

 We don’t remember her being such a troublesome Trina in her season, but everyone felt her wrath when she returned for BBNaija All-Stars. From her cousin to her extra close friends to her baby boy, we’re surprised she didn’t share some to Biggie himself.

Chaos level: 6. The chaos was mostly just her screaming the house down and cussing people out. We believe she could’ve added a little more oomph.

Doyin

Like Brighto, Doyin used word of mouth to shake the foundations of her Big Brother’s house. But, unlike him, she never caused the chaos and left. She made sure to remain at the scene of the commotion so everyone knew she was the mastermind.

Chaos level: 6. She did her best, but your best is never good enough in Big Brother’s house of madness and commotion.

Ilebaye

We know older Nigerians can be a lot and everyone likes to form seniority, but Ilebaye almost never waited for them to start before she cried wolf. With the way she kept fighting real and imaginary battles with the housemates, we won’t be surprised if that was all a part of her plan.

Chaos level: 5. Ilebaye put in little effort for maximum results because every time she played the same game, all the housemates fell for it and started displaying their chaotic selves.

Tboss and Bisola

They went around causing trouble, mostly for each other and anybody who tried to interfere in their fights.

Chaos level: 4. Two focused queens. They knew they had a problem with each other and tried to limit their outbursts to just themselves and those who tried to put their mouth in their business.

Omashola 

He wasn’t a troublemaker as much as he was annoying and loud. He would make comments and jokes about you and your situation, and sometimes, if you didn’t find it funny, he’d escalate the situation and make it a whole thing.

Chaos level: 3. It was good but could’ve been better.

TW: Emotional abuse.

Deborah* (22) talks about her parents’ troubled long-term marriage, encouraging her mum to leave and why she wishes their separation had happened earlier. 

As told to Boluwatife

Image by Freepik

I like to tell people I ended my parent’s marriage just to see the shocked looks on their faces and the silent questions they desperately want to ask. Sometimes, I provide context. Other times, I don’t. 

If you ask me, I think their marriage shouldn’t have happened in the first place. My parents got married in 1997 as literal strangers. According to the story I heard, they met because my dad returned to his village to pick a wife after years of hustling in the city. His mother spoke to my mum’s aunt, and their marriage was arranged. 

My parents met a week before the wedding and moved to my dad’s place in the city immediately after the bride’s price was exchanged. My mum had to start married life in a new place with no friends or family around. With nothing else to do, she began popping babies out. My mum was either pregnant or delivering a child every year in the first five years of marriage and finally stopped with me in 2002.

To this day, I wonder how that happened — the pregnancy every year bit — because I don’t think there was ever any love lost between them. My mum said they lived like roommates who shared a bed for the first few months of marriage. My dad made it clear he didn’t like unnecessary talk or “women’s gossip,” so apart from normal greetings, they hardly talked. 

Becoming parents didn’t change much. Since my sisters and I could crawl, we knew daddy was a no-go area. He was this fearsome creature no one neared or talked to without being asked a question. It wasn’t just that he beat us — that happened often —it was also what he said.

My dad can make stupid money by holding a masterclass in emotional abuse because he’s honestly a professional. He was so quick with the insults and humiliation whenever anyone did something he didn’t like. If he saw us watching TV, he’d lash out and complain about lazy children who only watched TV and didn’t know how to do anything well. If we were in our bedroom, the complaint would be, “Why are you all sleeping like pregnant women? Don’t you have anything better to do?”

One time, when I was 12, my dad asked me to bring him a cup of water. When I did, he dumped the water on my head because, “If not that your head is empty, don’t you know I don’t like this cup?”

My mum got the worst of his verbal attacks. My dad is mean on a typical day but gets downright evil when he wants to. His favourite pastime is telling my mum she’s a disappointment because she couldn’t give him a male child. They’d be talking about something as random as the children’s school fees, and a switch would flip in his head, and he’d just start berating her. 

My dad was the one who insisted my mum didn’t work, but whenever he was angry, he’d complain about how she and “her children” were finishing his money and not adding anything to his life. If it wasn’t name-calling, it was asking if she couldn’t see that she was getting fat.

He was also fond of breaking or seizing things whenever he was angry. He once threw a screwdriver at our TV because my big sister accidentally burnt a pot of soup while watching a telenovela. Then he turned his anger on my mum and blamed her for giving him wasteful children. 

My dad’s antics aside, I was angrier that my mum didn’t see anything wrong in his behaviour. I was the only one of my siblings who didn’t go to boarding school, so I had a front-row seat to everything. Whenever I asked my mum why she never stood up to his insults, she’d say he had a lot on his mind, and it was just the pressure getting to him.

The first time I suggested my mum leave my dad was in 2018. She’d visited me for my university matriculation, and we decided to return home together. Only, we met a locked gate. My dad was inside, and when we knocked, he came outside and asked us to return to where we came from because my mum didn’t seek his permission before leaving. 

We stood at the gate for almost two hours, begging this man, but he didn’t budge. When it became a scene and neighbours started gathering, I dragged my mum away, and we went to sleep at her friend’s house. 

It hurt me to see how accepting my mum had become of abuse. She was shaking, fearing what my dad would say if he realised she hadn’t stayed outside all night waiting for him to let her in. It was like I saw her clearly for the first time that night. The woman was literally wasting away. Growing up, my mum was robust. I didn’t recognise the lean woman sitting across from me. I asked her that night why she hadn’t left him. Her response was, “At least he doesn’t beat me.” 

But that didn’t discourage me. Over the years, I kept applying pressure and making my mum see why she had to leave. I even sought the help of my sisters also to convince her, but she always refused.

When my mum finally left in 2022, she did it without drama. I’d graduated from uni three months prior and hadn’t been home since. The plan was never to return, actually. I couldn’t bring myself to remain in that environment.

My mum called me one day to complain and try to convince me to visit. I jokingly told her I didn’t think we’d see again if she remained in my dad’s house. Then, she responded, “I’m moving to your sister’s house next week.”

I thought she was joking, but my mum actually did it. When I asked what changed her mind, she said she just decided to accept what I’d been saying all these years. An elder in our church had used my parents’ marriage as an example of a long-standing marriage during one of his sermons, and my mum realised that external validation was the main reason she’d endured for so long. People were looking up to her for staying married for 25 years, but she was literally dying inside the marriage.

My dad didn’t take it so well. For the first time in a very long time, he called me and my sisters on the phone and asked us to speak sense to our mother. Of course, we didn’t tell him we were solidly behind her.

It’s been about two years since they separated, and I honestly think it’s the best thing that happened to them. My mum isn’t lean anymore, and she has peace of mind. I heard my dad has brought one young girl into the house. I guess she’s bringing him the peace we apparently didn’t give him.

To be clear, I don’t hate my dad. If not for anything, I appreciate that he sent us to school and provided — even though he regularly complained about doing it. My parents are the typical example of people who had no business staying together. I wish they’d separated earlier. Maybe I wouldn’t have the anxiety I struggle with now.

*Name has been changed for anonymity. 

NEXT READ: My Husband Doesn’t Understand My Mental Health Struggles

AICAR peptide (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), an analog of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), has garnered considerable interest within the scientific community for its potential in various biochemical and physiological processes. Studies suggest that AICAR might influence metabolic pathways, cellular energy homeostasis, and mitochondrial functions. This article speculates on the diverse properties of AICAR peptide, possible mechanisms of action, and its hypothesized implications in scientific research, particularly concerning cellular metabolism, energy regulation, and molecular signaling.

Introduction

Research indicates that the AICAR peptide, known scientifically as 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, is an AMP analog that might profoundly affect an organism’s metabolic and cellular mechanisms. Its primary mode of action is suggested to involve the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a considered a crucial enzyme in cellular energy regulation. This activation process might potentially initiate a cascade of metabolic and cellular events that promote energy efficiency and balance within cells.

Mechanisms of Action

The peptide’s interaction with AMPK is theorized to be pivotal. AMPK, a key regulatory enzyme, is activated in response to increases in the AMP/ATP ratio, often indicative of cellular energy stress. Investigations purport that AICAR peptide may mimic this impact by being converted intracellularly to ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl 5’-monophosphate), which can activate AMPK. Once activated, AMPK might promote catabolic pathways that generate ATP while inhibiting anabolic pathways that consume ATP.

AICAR Peptide: Speculative Metabolic Implications

AICAR peptide’s possible role in metabolism is of significant interest. It has been hypothesized that through AMPK activation, AICAR peptide might support glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells, augmenting glucose transporters on the cell surface. This mechanism suggests a potential utility in modulating glucose levels within the organism.

AICAR Peptide: Cellular Energy Homeostasis

The peptide’s impact on cellular energy homeostasis is another area of interest. It is believed that by activating AMPK, AICAR might promote mitochondrial biogenesis and function. This is theorized to occur via the upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Increased mitochondrial function might improve cellular energy production and efficiency, suggesting a potential implication of AICAR peptide in conditions characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction.

AICAR Peptide: Molecular Signaling and Cellular Processes

Investigations purport that AICAR peptide might also influence various molecular signaling pathways. AMPK activation is believed to interact with multiple cellular signaling networks, including those involved in cell growth and autophagy. It has been proposed that the AICAR peptide, through AMPK, might inhibit the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a central regulator of cell growth and proliferation. This inhibition might reduce cellular growth signals and support autophagic activity, promoting cellular maintenance and turnover.

AICAR Peptide: General Research

It is thought that AICAR peptide might find utility in various research contexts, given its diverse properties. One speculative implication is in the study of metabolic disorders. The peptide’s possible influence on glucose and lipid metabolism suggests it might be a valuable tool for investigating the underlying mechanisms of conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Furthermore, findings imply that the AICAR peptide might be utilized in research exploring mitochondrial diseases and disorders of energy metabolism. The peptide might serve as a model compound for studying mitochondrial biogenesis and function by promoting mitochondrial function.

AICAR Peptide: Muscle Physiology

The implications of the AICAR peptide on muscle physiology are particularly intriguing. In the context of skeletal muscle, the peptide might support oxidative metabolism. Through AMPK activation, the AICAR peptide seems to increase the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function, potentially leading to improved muscle oxidative capacity. This property suggests a theoretical implication in muscle wasting and fatigue conditions, where enhancing muscle endurance and metabolic efficiency might be valuable.

AICAR Peptide: Hypothesized Neuroprotective Properties

Scientists speculate that beyond metabolic impacts, AICAR peptide might also exhibit neuroprotective properties. AMPK activation has been associated with neuroprotection in various models of neurodegenerative diseases. It is theorized that the AICAR peptide, through its action on AMPK, might support neuronal survival and function by promoting autophagy and reducing oxidative stress. Autophagy, a process of cellular cleanup and recycling, is considered crucial for maintaining neuronal function, and its potential support by AICAR peptide might mitigate the progression of neurodegenerative conditions.

AICAR Peptide: Speculative Anti-Inflammatory Properties

It has been theorized that the AICAR peptide might also possess anti-inflammatory properties mediated through its influences on AMPK. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of many metabolic and degenerative diseases, and AMPK activation has been suggested to inhibit inflammatory pathways. It is hypothesized that the AICAR peptide, by activating AMPK, might reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and support anti-inflammatory responses.

Conclusion

The speculative properties of AICAR peptide suggest a multifaceted role in metabolic and cellular processes. Through activating AMPK and its downstream impacts, AICAR peptide might influence glucose and lipid metabolism, cellular energy homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and various molecular signaling pathways. While further research is needed to fully elucidate these potential mechanisms and implications, the peptide represents a promising tool for investigating a wide range of biological phenomena. Its hypothesized impacts are believed to offer a rich area of exploration for future scientific investigations, particularly in metabolism, cellular energy regulation, and molecular signaling. By continuing to explore these speculative properties, researchers may uncover new insights into the complex interplay of metabolic and cellular processes, potentially leading to novel strategies for various diseases and conditions. Buy AICAR if you are a licensed scientist interested in further studying the potential of this peptide.

References

[i] Hinkle JS, Rivera CN, Vaughan RA. AICAR stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and BCAA catabolic enzyme expression in C2C12 myotubes. Biochimie. 2022 Apr;195:77-85. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.11.004. Epub 2021 Nov 16. PMID: 34798200.

[ii] Torres RJ, Puig JG. Aicar effect in early neuronal development. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids. 2018;37(5):261-272. doi: 10.1080/15257770.2018.1453073. Epub 2018 Apr 10. PMID: 29634397.

[iii] Pyla R, Hartney TJ, Segar L. AICAR promotes endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by activating AMP-activated protein kinase via increased ZMP and decreased ATP/ADP ratio in aortic smooth muscle. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2022 May 4;33(6):759-768. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0308. PMID: 35503763; PMCID: PMC9664587.

[iv] Višnjić D, Lalić H, Dembitz V, Tomić B, Smoljo T. AICAr, a Widely Used AMPK Activator with Important AMPK-Independent Effects: A Systematic Review. Cells. 2021 May 4;10(5):1095. doi: 10.3390/cells10051095. PMID: 34064363; PMCID: PMC8147799.

[v] Wu Y, Duan X, Gao Z, Yang N, Xue F. AICAR attenuates postoperative abdominal adhesion formation by inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting mesothelial cell repair. PLoS One. 2022 Sep 1;17(9):e0272928. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272928. PMID: 36048820; PMCID: PMC9436141.

I wanted to speak with people who have had friendship breakups due to living with their friends, and I found Habib*.

His 10-year friendship with Ibukun* is about to end after just six months of living together as flatmates.

As told to Adeyinka

I’ve only lived with Ibukun for six months, and it’s the worst decision I’ve made in a long time.

I’ve always been against having a roommate or living in a shared apartment. Even when I lived with my parents, I was the only sibling with a room to myself. I used to share the room with my immediate brother, but we were always fighting. He never arranged his bed, preferred the lights on and windows open, and left the doors open. All of these things unsettled my peace of mind, so it was hard to overlook. After our eldest sibling married, I didn’t say a word before he moved and left the room for me.

When I got into university, my parents didn’t argue when I insisted on a self-contained off-campus apartment instead of the school’s shared hostel arrangement. They knew their child well, and putting me up with a stranger would have unsettled them as much as it did me.

I met Ibukun at university in 2014. He was my super cool coursemate, whom I convinced to move into my hostel. When we met, he was looking for new accommodation, and there was a spare self-con in my hostel. Since we’d gotten along as coursemates, I was thrilled by the idea of having him in the hostel.

Living in the same hostel moved us from coursemates to actual friends. We attended lectures together, came home together, planned meals together, studied together, and made more mutual friends together. On some days, we crashed in each other’s rooms.

At some point, people who didn’t know the history of our friendship thought we were related, and we went with that narrative. To some people, we were friends, and to others, cousins. During short holidays when I couldn’t make it to Lagos, my parents gave me permission to spend it at Ibukun’s in Osogbo.

We saw less of each other after we graduated from university in 2018. I came to Lagos, where I did my NYSC. Ibukun was back in Osogbo and served in Ibadan. But the long distance had nothing on us; we were still guys. We texted, called and occasionally attended owambes of family and mutual friends.

In November last year, Ibukun told me his job was transferring him to Lagos, and he needed help finding a place. Coincidentally, I was house hunting because I wanted to move out of my parents’ place.

My search had been fruitless. Lagos agents were asking ridiculous sums for horrible houses with poor ventilation. They also kept insisting that I couldn’t get a decent mini-flat on the mainland with my ₦700k budget except I was open to houses in Ikorodu, Iyana Ipaja and the likes.

When Ibukun asked, I told him I couldn’t be of much help because I’d also been house hunting and hadn’t found anything. Immediately after I mentioned I was house hunting, Ibukun suggested getting a place together. He said we could get a two-bedroom and both have our rooms to ourselves.

It didn’t sound like a bad idea, but I wasn’t exactly thrilled by it. The first thing that struck my mind was my reservation against living with someone. But in that moment, I also realised Ibukun’s suggestion was probably worth considering if I wanted to move out and get a decent house. Besides, just like he said, we’d have our rooms to ourselves, and if he became overbearing, I could always retire to my room.

In the first week of January, we concluded payment for a two-bedroom and started setting up the space. Moving into the house made me realise rent was just the first of several steps. We had to pay for much more — furniture, light and curtain fittings, bed, etc. I was super thankful that I could split the bill with someone. We finally moved in the last week of January, and my parents and Ibukun’s dad came to pray for us in the house.

Living with Ibukun was cool. We agreed on everything, and splitting bills wasn’t a problem. But things started to fall apart in April.

I should mention one habit I found disturbing about Ibukun during our undergrad days. My guy was never one to keep his dick in his pants. Ibukun had different babes who spent the night with him in the hostel. Six girls could visit him in a week, and at least four of those would spend the night. I thought it was excessive, but I never mentioned it since it wasn’t making him any less serious with school. 

The problem is, Ibukun’s hoe-phase followed him into adulthood. At first, I didn’t suspect anything. Actually, there was nothing to suspect. He’d just moved to Lagos, didn’t know many people, and was trying to find his balance at work. So, there wasn’t a lot of time for leisurely activities.

But by April, when he was fully settled, the Ibukun from uni reared his head. It started with him coming home from work with a female colleague. The babe would come with a change of clothes, and they’d leave for work together in the morning. She seemed like a nice babe, so I didn’t have issues. Also, I assumed they were serious since she was spending days at a stretch. After about two weeks, I stopped seeing the girl. Another one had replaced her, and since then, I’ve lost count of all the girls that have been to our house.

The annoying thing is that the people he brings over have no respect for our house. They invade everywhere. I entered the kitchen one morning, and there was this strange babe in a crop top and pants making noodles. I had to dash out of the kitchen, apologising—which is crazy because WTF? It’s my house; I should be able to show up anywhere I want.

As if that’s not bad enough, they cook our food, eat our cereals, use gadgets that drain power units, leave stuff in the living room, and mess up the bathroom and toilets. I can’t count the number of times I’ve cleaned lather off the bathroom walls, washed off pubic hair, and opened the toilet to see clumps of tissue.

Let’s not even talk about the sex noises. The ladies are always unnecessarily loud. I don’t know if he makes them do it intentionally or if they’re uncouth. I could be up observing midnight prayers, and the moaning sounds wouldn’t let me focus.

One day, a guy spent the night, and I could have sworn I heard moaning sounds. To this day, I’ve convinced myself a girl was probably in the room with them for a threesome, or they were watching porn. I’ve never known Ibukun to be bisexual.

I’ve complained, begged, and given the coldest shoulders to his guests, but nothing seems to work. The last time we talked, we raised voices at each other, and he kept saying that no one ever comes inside my room, which means I still have my privacy. I’ve considered telling his parents, but how do I even go about telling on an adult who chooses to be sexually irresponsible?

At this point, I just feel deep resentment and hatred toward him. We stopped joint contributions for foodstuffs last month. I now put my provisions and foodstuff in a separate cupboard in the kitchen. He can continue feeding his guests from his pocket.

I’m definitely not renewing the rent when it expires. Maybe I’ll move back in with my parents and save up until I can afford a place in a nice area.

Read this next: An Old and Forgotten Friend Made My Japa Dreams Come True

Big Brother finally opened the doors to his house on Sunday night for the ninth season of Big Brother Naija, tagged “No Loose Guard.”

Ebuka Obi Uchendu returned as the host of the season, welcoming 14 pairs and 28 housemates.

From two sets of twins, a married couple, besties, gym bros, and even a niece and aunt, here’s a full list of all the participants gunning for the ₦100m prize money:

Shatoria

Shaun, 25, and Victoria, 28, have been friends for over a year.

Zinwe

Chinwe, a 30-year-old skincare entrepreneur, and Zion, a 26-year-old fashion designer.

Floruish

DJ Flow, a 27-year-old disc jockey, and Rhuthee, a 32-year-old event planner, are friends of 10 years.

Wanni x Handi 

One of two sets of identical twins in the run for Big Brother’s money. Both sisters are disc jockeys.

DoubleKay

33-year-old professional singer KellyRae and 30-year-old entrepreneur Kayextra are the only married couple of the season.

Streeze

The duo comprises 24-year-old content creator Mayor and his 27-year-old friend Toby, who is also a content creator.

Chekas

Chizoba, a 31-year-old software developer, is in the house with her younger sister, Onyeka, a 28-year-old lawyer.

Beta

Club influencer Ben (29) and medical doctor Tjay (33) have been friends for over six years.

Radicals

29-year-old content creator Fairme and 24-year-old gym instructor Michky are gym buddies.

Tami

Damilola, a 28-year-old PR manager, and Toyosi, a 26-year-old beautician, have been best friends for eight years.

Mbadiwe Twins

The 37-year-old lawyer and entertainer are the second pair of identical twins in the run for Biggie’s money.

Aces 

23-year-old comms specialist, Sooj and 24-year-old PR specialist Topher have been friends for a year.

Ndi Nne

Mary, 22, is an entrepreneur, and her aunt, Chinne, 31, is also an entrepreneur.

Nelita

Specialist practitioner Anita (28) is in the house with her friend of nine years, Queen Nelly, who’s a chef and entertainer.

Enjoyed this piece about the BBNaija 2024 housemates? Read this next: We Ranked BBNaija Bedrooms From “Good for Sex” to “Abort Mission”

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.

Let’s start from the beginning. When did the hustle start for you?

1998. I was 15 and was in JSS 2 when I started working on my uncle’s farm every morning before school. Sometimes, I’d return to the farm after school to continue working. He grew yam, and his wife processed palm oil, so there was always plenty work. 

I made money by setting traps on the farm for bush meat and selling my catch to market women, making between ₦200 and ₦500 on each sale. It was big money in 1998.

How “big” was ₦200? What could you buy with it?

I mostly spent my money on meat. During break time, I’d go to a mama-put to buy pounded yam and plenty pieces of bushmeat for ₦200 and collect change. 

The old men in the canteen always looked at me like, “Who is this small school boy eating pounded yam in the middle of the day?” Some even questioned me, but I was stubborn. I once asked an old man to mind his business and tripped him when he wanted to beat me. Then, I started seeing him in my dreams. I thought he had cursed me.

Haha. You mentioned your uncle. Were you living with him?

Yes. My mum sent me to live with him after my father disappeared. I was three years old.

Disappeared? 

I don’t even know how to describe it. My mother got pregnant for him in SS 2, and they started living together. He was an inter-state driver, so he only came home during the weekends. One day, he stopped coming home. My mother didn’t have any work, so her brother offered to raise me. 

Can you paint me a picture of what things were like at your uncle’s?

My uncle and aunty didn’t have children of their own, but they always had five or six children in their house at any time. They did this to support the children, who were either orphans or came from poor families. I was one of those children.

It’s not like there was money; they were just good Christians. Things were tough most of the time. I only had one pair of trousers, which I wore to church every Sunday until they started reaching my knees, and aunty bought me another one.

We ate pounded yam or amala for breakfast and dinner because that’s what we grew on the farm. I was in SS 3 when I ate cornflakes for the first time. A classmate brought a pack to school, and I thought it was too expensive for the size. Why would anyone use money to buy something that doesn’t even fill your stomach?

You know what? That’s a good question

After some delays because of school fees, I graduated from secondary school in 2004 and knew there was no university unless I wanted to sponsor myself. I didn’t even really want to go. I knew some people in our neighbourhood who had gone to university only to return to teach. I wanted to make big money.

How did you plan to do that?

I was ready to try anything. That same year, I met a man through my uncle. He often came to our town to buy yams from my uncle, and I noticed he came with different cars. He also stayed back in town for a few days before returning. I asked around and heard he was a smuggler in Lagos. 

He looked like he had money, so I approached him and told him I wanted to be like him. This man reported me to my uncle.

I’m screaming

My uncle couldn’t beat me because I was 21, but he scolded me. He kept saying, “Upon everything I’ve done for you, this is what you want to do?” I could see he was disappointed in me and that was more than any beating. 

So, I decided to get a teaching job instead. I got one at a local primary school in 2005, and my salary was ₦5k/month. I hated the job ehn. The children were always shouting. I’m sure they also hated me because I flogged them very well.

Uncle, why?

Haha. I worked at the school for three years. They didn’t increase my salary until I left because I only had an SSCE certificate. I also helped my uncle and aunty on the farm, and they started giving me money too — ₦2k per week. I occasionally caught bushmeat and sold it to market women. I was comfortable.

I don’t even know what I spent money on. I didn’t have a girlfriend or anything. I just know the money was always finishing. Maybe it was food because I like food a lot. Meat was a luxury at home — my aunty didn’t eat bushmeat, and we couldn’t afford to buy beef or chicken. So, I usually bought it at mama-puts outside. Sometimes, I also loaned my uncle money to buy foodstuff for the house. But I wasn’t spending on transportation, so the money should’ve lasted.

But why did you leave the school?

I was the class teacher for Primary 3, but the school owner wanted me to start teaching the Primary 5 students mathematics. My problem was that he didn’t want to pay me extra, so I left in 2008.

I didn’t want to return to another teaching job, so I told my uncle I wanted to learn handiwork.

Did you have any in mind?

I considered plumbing because I knew a plumber, but my uncle discouraged me. He was like, “Does that plumber look like he’s making money?” Me too, I considered it and gave myself brain. 

Shots fired at the innocent plumber

My uncle suggested tailoring, and that’s what I did. I found a tailor who charged me ₦30k to learn for six months. I paid ₦10k, and my uncle paid the rest.

After I finished learning in 2009, the tailor employed me to assist him in his shop. He paid me ₦15k/month, and I worked almost every day. I was mostly sewing clothes and uniforms for young boys. Older men only came to sew clothes during festive periods. 

I worked there for two years until the tailor died. I tried to get another tailoring job, but the places I saw wanted to pay ₦10k, and I wanted more money. 

I considered opening my own shop, but there was no money to buy a sewing machine. I’d spent all my money as soon as it entered my hand as usual. I tried to convince my uncle to loan me money, but he asked why I had no savings.

Why didn’t you have savings, though?

I don’t believe in saving money. It’s like not wearing your fine clothes because you’re waiting for a special occasion. I don’t even know if I’ll wake up tomorrow, so what happens to the money I’ve kept if I don’t? It’s better for me to take care of the body that works for the money.

One time, when I was younger, my uncle lost some money he hid on the roof in an old tin of milk. He thinks someone stole it, but I mistakenly threw the tin away when I saw it on the floor. It’s possible a snake pushed it to the floor, but I thought it was rubbish and was supposed to be in the pit we burned waste in. I never told my uncle because he’d have beaten me. 

I’m telling you this story because see how my uncle lost something he must’ve been saving for a long time. It’d have been better if he had eaten his money jeje. 

Hmmm. So, back to your tailoring dilemma 

I couldn’t open a shop, so I stayed home for a few months. Then, in 2012, a distant relative of my aunty came to visit, and somehow, we started talking about me following him. He was a mechanic in another state, and I was going to be his apprentice.

How long did the apprenticeship last?

Four years. I realised I was really good with cars, and it didn’t take long to learn about petrol and diesel engines, bodywork and a bit of car rewiring. 

There were other apprentices in the workshop, and our oga didn’t pay any of us. Sometimes, he’d give every apprentice ₦1k on Fridays to do weekend, but that was it.  

I made small small money by increasing the price of car parts — usually ₦500 – ₦1500 per week. This wasn’t regular because my oga also knew how much the parts cost. 

I squatted with another apprentice during those four years and bought food for both of us to appreciate him letting me stay in his room for free. Even after finishing my apprenticeship in 2016, I still stayed with him for one more year.

What did you do after the apprenticeship?

Many of my oga’s customers liked me because they could call me to come and pick up their cars and fix them at the workshop. When I was done, I drove it back to them. They didn’t have to stress at all. I think my oga was scared that if I left, I’d carry his customers, so he asked me to keep working from his workshop and pay him ₦15k/month for rent.

I didn’t have another option, so I did that. Like I said, people already knew me, so I got customers quickly. Sometimes, I met customers on the road when I was driving to drop off other people’s cars. 

Between 2016 and 2018, I made at least ₦30k monthly. But the money wasn’t really showing in my life because I was paying my oga. Sometimes, my oga would corner my customers once they came to the workshop, and I couldn’t talk because I was using his space. I just knew I had to leave.

Did you have a plan?

For the first time, I tried to save to get my own workshop, but something always came up. 

For example, I had to rent my own apartment at ₦80k/year in 2018 because my friend wanted to get married. My woman also moved in with me, and I had to be dropping money at home.

Fortunately, my friend set up his own workshop the following year and allowed me to work from there for free. That’s still our arrangement till now. 

But in 2021, I set up a small container by the roadside not far from his workshop where I sell engine oil and do minor work like repairing okada. When I need to do major work, I use his workshop. I do it like this so we don’t get into arguments about stealing customers or space.

What’s your monthly income like these days?

I make between ₦60k – ₦70k from mechanic work and about ₦10k extra from selling engine oil. I also help people advertise their cars for sale on my WhatsApp and do pre-sale inspections and servicing, and I make money from that too. 

If a buyer comes through me, I can make as much as ₦80k – ₦100k. If it’s just a pre-sale inspection I do, that’s like ₦30k. Money from cars used to be almost every month in 2022, but since Tinubu entered, everyone is looking for money to eat, not buy a car. I haven’t sold a car since January.

What do your typical monthly expenses look like?

I take my enjoyment very seriously. I can’t suffer to make money and still suffer myself. God forbid. Every weekend, I go out to drink and eat barbecued fish. 

I also like to buy something new every month, like a watch or new palm slippers. People think mechanics are supposed to be dirty and smelling. At least when I’m not at the workshop, I can look good, abi?

That’s right. So, would you say your income is enough for the lifestyle you want?

It’s not at all o. I’m just making myself happy with the small money I make. If I think too much about the things I can’t afford, I’ll just be sad, and that doesn’t solve anything. 

My woman gave birth to our child last year, and I know very soon she’ll start asking me for money for baby food and clothes. I’m even lucky because she’s a teacher and hardly bills me, but I know the time will soon come. She’s already complaining that our self-contained apartment is too small, so I’ll need to look for another place.

How much do you think would be great to earn right now?

Maybe ₦150k/month. That will be hard to get from just mechanic work, so I’m hoping car sales pick up again.

What’s something you want right now but can’t afford?

A korope minibus. The plan is to give someone to drive for me and pay me weekly. But the price is increasing every day. A used one is now between ₦3m – ₦4m. Something that was about ₦1.5m last year. Maybe I should even remove it from my mind because it can be ₦10m when I’m finally ready.

How would you rate your financial happiness on a scale of 1-10?

6. Things are hard, but I thank God for how far I’ve come. I just need to find a way to make more money soon to take care of my family.

Find all the past Naira Life stories here.

The ninth season of Big Brother Naija, tagged “BBNaija No Loose Guard,” has kicked off with a new set of housemates. As expected, the organisers are doing everything to thicken the plot, starting with introducing housemates as pairs.

It’s too early to tell if these twists and turns will save the season from being a snooze fest, but here’s all we know so far about how Biggie plans to run this season.

Housemates in pairs

The show started on Sunday night with 14 pairs, totalling 28 housemates. This might be the first time the house has had so many housemates at once, potentially leading to more double evictions.

Custodian challenge

The Custodian Challenge will happen every Sunday after the live eviction show. Winners get immunity from eviction and receive a mystery card that holds power in the game. Ndi Nne won the first Custodian Challenge of the season.

HoH ballot system

Apart from the custodians, the housemates will elect the next Head of the House using a ballot system every Monday at 10 a.m. Pairs cannot vote for themselves to be elected HOH.

Custodian lock-in

On Mondays, the week’s custodians will participate in the Custodian Lock-In challenge at 1:30 p.m. They must decide whether to accept the mystery card’s responsibility and embrace its consequences, good or bad. The custodians also have the option to transfer the title and card to another pair.

General immunity challenge

The Immunity Challenge is back this season, allowing more pairs to escape nominations and evictions for the week. It’s unclear if general immunity applies to both members of a pair or just individuals. This challenge will happen at 2 p.m. on Mondays.

Read this next: BBNaija 2024: Meet the 14 Pairs, 28 Housemates Competing for Biggie’s ₦100m

What happened?

Over the weekend, many MTN users took to social media to complain about their barred phone lines without prior notice. 

MTN disconnected the lines days ahead of the July 31 deadline set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for telecom companies to complete the NIN-SIM linkage.

Several MTN users insisted they had linked their NIN to their mobile phones but still got their lines barred.

Customers storm MTN offices

On Monday, July 29, photos and videos showed long queues of aggrieved customers at various MTN offices nationwide.

MTN experience centres in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Osun, Delta, and other states received a throng of customers demanding the unblocking of their lines, especially since they had completed the NIN linking process long ago.

In Lagos, the situation escalated at MTN’s Festac office when frustrated customers tore down the office’s iron fence. A video showing the situation surfaced on social media.

Reacting to the development, Lagos police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin condemned the attack and said normalcy had been restored.

“The DPO Festac and his men responded immediately. They succeeded in restoring normalcy and are still on the ground to maintain peace.”

Nigerians react on social media

Meanwhile, some Nigerians linked MTN’s move to the upcoming nationwide protest against bad governance, claiming it was a plot by the government to disrupt the protest.

Omoyele Sowore, one of the conveners of the #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protest, encouraged his followers to call out telecom companies if they experienced service disruption ahead of the protests.

NCC orders reactivation of barred lines

On Monday, July 29, the NCC issued a statement directing all telecom operators to reactivate the disconnected lines.

“Considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend, given the short time available for consumers to verify their NINs with their SIMs,” the statement read.

This is a developing story.

What’s happening?

Five months after Nigerians in Ibadan protested economic hardships under the Tinubu administration, youths in the country plan to embark on a nationwide protest starting on August 1. 

The protest, tagged “End Bad Governance in Nigeria,” aims to express frustration with the worsening cost-of-living crisis since President Tinubu took office.

Several groups, including Concerned Nigerians, Revolution Now, Human Rights Co Advocacy Group, Nigerians Against Corruption Initiative, Timely Intervention, Youths Against Tyranny, Students for Change, and Active Citizens Group, have announced peaceful demonstrations across the country, starting Thursday, August 1.

Former presidential candidate and Revolution Now convener Omoyele Sowore shared a list of participating states on X and encouraged others to attend the rallies.

How’s the government reacting?

Since the announcement, government officials and security forces have urged the public to avoid the protests, referencing the #ENDSARS protest of 2020. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a post shared on his personal account, said protest has never been a solution for nations to solve their challenges.

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu advised caution, while Kano Governor Uba Sani warned residents against participating, referencing a deadly protest in 2000. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun also discouraged protests, stating they often result in losses of lives and property.

Governors of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Imo, among others, have also condemned the protest. 

Meanwhile, the presidency disowned a fake statement attributed to President Tinubu, falsely claiming he pleaded with protesters and announced reforms, including a 50% salary cut for top officials. 

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ajuri Ngelale clarified that the statement did not come from the presidency.

What about Nigeria’s security forces?

The Department of State Services (DSS) warned that criminal elements might hijack the protest and cause unrest. According to the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the planned protest is politically motivated.

Police and military in Lagos, Abia, Borno, Enugu, and Kwara states have similarly cautioned residents, suggesting that miscreants might exploit the peaceful protests.

How are Nigerians reacting?

Reactions to the planned protest are mixed. Many young Nigerians on social media encourage peaceful participation in pressing their demands. 

However, on Sunday, July 28, photos and videos emerged of a counter-rally tagged “Say No to Protest” in Lagos, where participants expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration. The individuals called on other youths in the country to shun the protest.

Here’s how some Nigerians reacted to the counter-protest:

Planned sabotage ahead of protest?

There are allegations that the government is collaborating with telcos to restrict access following MTN’s unexpected barring of customer lines. 

However, on Monday, July 29, the Nigerian Communications Commission directed telcos to restore disconnected lines.

Protest begins early in Niger state

The protest against bad governance and the cost-of-living crisis began three days earlier than planned.

On Monday, July 29, youths in Niger State took to the streets to voice their frustration over the hardships Nigerians are currently facing.

The young protesters held placards with messages like “Enough is Enough,” “Hardship is Unbearable,” and “We Are Not Slaves in Our Country.”

However, the Niger State police spokesperson, Abiodun Wasiu, confirmed that law enforcement agents dispersed the protesters.

NYSC warns corps members ahead of planned protest

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned corps members against participating in the planned protest, stating that it goes against its policies.

In a circular sent to state coordinators, local government inspectors, and zonal inspectors, the NYSC also instructed corps members to refrain from wearing their uniforms for now. Additionally, all CDS and biometric capturing activities have been suspended until further notice.

This is a developing story.

If you think your partner is philandering but are unsure, we’ve asked AI for some clear signs to put your suspicions to rest. If any poof these things happen to you, your partner might be a cheat.

Gut feeling

We know you have a weak tummy, and everything makes it feel funny, but not this time. If your entire body is telling you that your partner is on the streets moving insane, believe it and start investigating.

Friends acting suspiciously

If friends start avoiding questions about your partner or even talking about them in general, there’s a big chance they know that the love of your life is up to no good.

Less time together

No one’s saying every couple should spend their entire time breathing the same air as their partner. However, if it begins to feel like your partner is avoiding you and choosing to spend more time with other people, they might be cheating.

Increased privacy

Everyone needs their privacy, but when your baby changes the password on all their devices from your birthday to a random ass number and starts deleting texts and answering calls in hushed tones, you’re allowed to be suspicious.

Unexplained absences

If your partner sneaks about like a thief and keeps you in the dark about their movements, chances are they’re sneaking into someone else’s bed or, worse, heart.

Increased criticism or arguments

Arguing with your partner is fine occasionally, but if your baby is always looking for some reason to wage war with you, the supposed love of their life, they might be trying to get you to leave them so they can move on to their real love.

Grooming changes

We’re all for upgrading your looks and changing your style, but if your partner has shown any of the signs above and starts taking extra care in how they look, they might be trying to impress their side piece.

RECOMMENDED: AI Breaks Down How to Stay in a Marriage With a Cheating Partner