Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and you know what that means — sappy rom-coms, overpriced flowers, God whens, and your aunties asking when you’re getting married (as if your relationship status is their business).

Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, booed up and in love, or just looking for a good laugh, this list is for you. From Netflix to Showmax, Prime Video to YouTube, and even the cinema, here are 25 of the best Nollywood romance movies to watch this Valentine’s Day.

What to watch at the Cinema

Love Lockdown (2025)

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Lyndsey F. Efejuku

Yemi (Andrew Bunting) is about to get married when COVID-19 hits. With his fiancée (Yewande Osamein) out of town, he crosses paths with an old flame (Detola Jones) who he hasn’t fully gotten over yet. If you’re in a relationship, there are a few lessons to be learned about temptation, commitment, and trust in this movie.

Love Lockdown is showing in cinemas nationwide.

Reel Love (2025)

Runtime: TBD

Director: Kayode Kasum 

Tomide (Timini Egbuson), a social media influencer, and Rachael (TJ Omusuku), a small-scale entrepreneur, start off as enemies. However, business brings them together after Tomide’s fiancée suggests they pretend to be an item to boost Tomide’s online presence.

This is Timini’s first movie as an executive producer, and it will drop in cinemas on Valentine’s Day.

Reel Love is showing in all cinemas nationwide from February 14th.

Something About the Briggs (2025)

Runtime: 2h 5m

Director: Bukola Ogunsola

A lady (Ariyike Owolagba) turns down a proposal from a suitor (Daniel Etim-Effiong) because she believes that her family, the Briggs, is cursed. Veterans Bukky Wright and Zack Orji meet hotshots Stan Nze and Linda Ejiofor in this romantic family drama that tackles trust, compatibility and marital expectations. 

You can’t miss out on this if you love rich people drama.

Something About the Briggs is showing in cinemas nationwide.

Summer Rain (2025)

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Joyful Adenike

Two long-lost lovers, played by Daniel Etim-Effiong and Bolaji Ogunmola, reconnect. But one of them is already married with a family of her own. His sudden appearance brings tension to her marriage and family. Will she leave her husband for an old flame?

Summer Rain is showing in cinemas nationwide.

Tarella: Princess of the Nile (2025)

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Kayode Kasum & Lolo Eremie

Richard Mofe-Damijo and Nengi Hampson star in this Cinderella-esque drama set in a mythical West African kingdom called Akkaya. It’s a tale about a crown prince (Timini Egbuson) and an orphaned maiden (Okawa Shaznay) who must fight for their love. Imagine your favourite Nollywood romance, but instead of the typical ‘rich guy falls for poor girl’ story, it’s an Egyptian fairytale — complete with Nigerian actors bringing the drama to life.

Tarella is showing in cinemas nationwide.

What to watch on Netflix

Dinner at My Place (2022)

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Kevin Luther Apaa

A Nigerian-American man, Nonso (Timini Egbuson), plans to propose to his girlfriend (Sophie Alakija) over dinner. But his ex (Bisola Aiyeola) shows up uninvited. The couple is even further stunned when the ex swallows the ring and begins to eat their food. This is a hilarious comedy about boundaries and why, seriously, you need to block all your exes.

Watch Dinner at My Place on Netflix.

Here Love Lies (2023)

Runtime: 2h 11m

Director: Tope Oshin

This movie follows Amanda (Tope Oshin), a single mom and travel blogger, who finds love again with her American tour guide (Tim Shelburne). Their love story develops from him being a fan of her work to her travelling to New York to surprise him. Who says love is only for the young?

Watch Here Love Lies on Netflix.

Namaste Wahala (2020)

Runtime: 1h 46m

Director: Hamisha Daryani Ahuja

This film follows an interracial couple — a Nigerian woman (Ini Dima-Okojie) and an Indian man (Ruslaan Mumtaz) — who keep their relationship low-key due to cultural differences. But as these things typically happen, they need to move to the next level in their love story, so they find themselves fighting their family to be with each other.

Watch Namaste Wahala on Netflix.

The One for Sarah (2022)

Runtime: 1h 37m

Director: Lyndsey F. Efejuku

This is a story of friendship and love. After a series of relationships, Sarah (Beverly Naya) heals from emotional trauma with the help of her friend (Bimbo Ademoye). Sarah finds happiness, and Cupid smiles on her again.

Watch The One for Sarah on Netflix.

The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)

Runtime: 1h 30m

Director: Ishaya Bako

A struggling chef named Ope (Zainab Balogun) returns to Nigeria to restore her family’s hotel business. Her father (Jide Kosoko) already plans to sell the hotel to a young businessman (Kenneth Okoli), threatening her plans. But everything changes the moment they meet.

Watch The Royal Hibiscus Hotel on Netflix.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Films to Watch on Netflix (Feb. 2025)

What to watch on Prime Video

All’s Fair In Love (2024)

Runtime: 1h 54m

Director: Kayode Kasum

A South African woman (Buhle Samuels) catches the fancy of two Nigerian men (Deyemi Okanlawon and Timini Egbuson), who are also friends. She leads both men on as they fight for her love and attention. If you’re looking for something romantic yet funny, this is your pick.

Watch All’s Fair In Love on Prime Video.

Cake (2022)

Runtime: 1h 54m

Director: Prosper Edesiri

After taking a long time to decide, a baker named Tomiwa (Tope Tedela) finally sets a date to ask his crush (Sophia Alakija) out. But unluckily for him, she’s already engaged to someone else (a douchebag, by the way). Tomiwa, refusing to quit, tries to win her heart. (Fellas, seriously, if you love a girl, tell her.)

Watch Cake on Prime Video.

Hey You! (2022)

Runtime: 1h 30m

Director: Uyoyou Adia

Timini Egbuson and Efe Irele star in this romantic film about a tech bro who’s shy about meeting women and becomes obsessed with an adult content creator he meets on FANSALONE, a kind of OnlyFans site. He is later shocked to discover that she is his next-door neighbour.

Watch Hey You! on Prime Video.

Love In A Pandemic (2023)

Runtime: 1h 28m

Director: Akay Mason

Bolanle (Nancy Isime) accidentally finds love when she misdialled a stranger’s (Deyemi Okanlawon) number during the COVID-19 lockdown. The call develops into a friendship between her and the stranger named Alex. It didn’t take long before they caught feelings for each other. But they have an obstacle: Alex’s ex-girlfriend (Teniola Aladese). She stands in the way of their love.

Watch Love In Pandemic on Prime Video.

The Wedding Party (2016)

Runtime: 1h 50m

Director: Kemi Adetiba

A former playboy, Dozie (Banky W), falls in love with Dunni (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and plans their marriage. But their love is tested, from the rivalry between their mothers to Dozie’s ex showing up uninvited. If you live for rich people’s problems and romance, cheers.

Watch The Wedding Party on Prime Video.

What to watch on Showmax

Dead Serious (2024)

Runtime: 2h

Director: Moses Inwang

Sharon Ooja-Nwoke and Sabinus are lovers in this drama. However, due to his financial status, Nkem Owoh, her father, refuses to let Sabinus marry his daughter. For him, his rich, young boss, who’s also interested in her, will make a better husband. Who said “he makes me laugh” can’t win over “he’s rich”? 

Watch Dead Serious on Showmax.

For the One (2023)

Runtime: 1h 37m

Director: Chinneylove Eze

Maurice Sam plays an area playboy who meets his waterloo. After he is unexpectedly dumped by one of his flings, Sunshine Rosman, he embarks on a rampage to find her and get her to fall in love with him. But it turns out water does not pass garri for his Playboy era. 

Watch For the One on Showmax.

Leg Over (2022)

Runtime: 1h 23m

Director: Perekeme Odom

An unhappy wife (Mary Lazarus) is stuck between her selfish husband (Kachi Nnochiri) and her old-time lover (IK Ogbona). She struggles between loyalty to her marriage and desire for happiness with her ex. But the ex has fallen out of love with her and seizes the opportunity to act out his ulterior motives. This drama is a must-see for those in relationships and aspiring lovers.

Watch Leg Over on Showmax.

Special Assistant (2024)

Runtime: 1h 33m

Director: Great Valentine Edochie

A female boss (Lilian) falls in love with her assistant (Jide Kene Achufusi) and uses her power to compel him to reciprocate that love. It turns out he is in a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend and now has to choose between his job and his happiness. 

Watch Special Assistant on Showmax.

The Counsellor (2024)

Runtime: 1h 55m

Director: Muyiwa Aluko

This is the story of Aisha (Teniola Aladese) and Gbenro (David Omoo Eyo), who unexpectedly meet just before Valentine’s Day. They’re still dealing with the heartbreaks they suffered from their exes, but they are forced to question if it was love to begin with.

Watch The Counsellor on Showmax.

What to watch on  YouTube

Fiance For A Day (2024)

Runtime: 1h 28m

Director: Stanley Obi

Emen (Omoni Oboli) is pressured by her mother to get married, but she isn’t ready. Her ex, Tobi (Eso Dike), is in the same situation. By fate or coincidence, they meet again after a long time at a bar and get drunk together. It leads to a one-night stand that rekindles their old love.

Watch Fiance For A Day on YouTube.

Odd of Love (2024)

Runtime: 2h 37m

Director: Ben Cassie

Prince Nwafor (Ejike) and Bimbo Ademoye (Becca) star in this film about a rich babe and broke guy in love. To get her attention, he fakes his lifestyle. After their relationship starts, it becomes harder to keep up the act. He loses focus on his game plan and begins to develop feelings for her.

Watch Odd Love on YouTube.

Open Marriage (2024)

Runtime: 1h 59m

Director: Uche Alexmoore

After Remy (Maurice Sam) cheats on his wife (Sunshine Rosman), she cheats back to give him a taste of his own medicine. Over time, the man she cheats with begins to treat her better than her husband. This causes tension and cracks in her home.

Watch Open Marriage on YouTube.

Price of Love (2024)

Runtime: 1h 42m

Director: Obi Stanley

This is a messy web of love and deceit. A mother, played by Harriet Akinola, takes her matchmaking game to the next level by marrying a new wife (Ekama Etim-Inyang) for her son (Eddie Watson) — despite him already being in a long-term relationship. Instead of fighting against his mother’s wishes, he breaks up with his babe (Cynthia Clarke) and settles for the new wife. But his girlfriend is ready to fight for her love.

Watch Price of Love on YouTube.

The Big Fat Lie (2019)

Runtime: 1h 27m

Director: Darasen Richards

James (Blossom Chukwujekwu), a hotel worker, pretends to be a Navy captain to impress his celebrity crush, Eni (Tana Adelana). He manages to take her on a date, but after that, it’s lies on top of lies. His lies end up getting him into trouble with the force.

Watch The Big Fat Lie on YouTube.

ALSO READ: The 10 Best Nollywood Films to Watch On YouTube (Feb. 2025)

Every estate WhatsApp group in Nigeria is a social experiment gone wrong — a chaotic mix of serious discussions, unnecessary arguments, and random people who never actually contribute but somehow always type “Noted.”

Here are 10 people you’ll definitely meet in any estate WhatsApp group chat.

1. The Chairman

The chairman who takes their admin role a little too seriously — acting like they were elected to run a small country. They believe every decision, no matter how small, must go through them, but God forbid you ask them to account for the donation you dropped last month. 

2. The Warrior

The warrior is always in the mood to fight. No issue is too small or irrelevant to warrant a long, unnecessary paragraph that’s filled with receipts and dripping with condescension. They don’t even argue to win, they do it for the chance to call a neighbour an “Ode.”

Typical message:

3. The Creeper

The creeper is always online but never speaks. They read every single message, sometimes within seconds of it dropping, but the only proof of their existence is the occasional ‘thumbs up’ they give an announcement every quarter.

Typical message:

4. The Broadcaster

The broadcaster always starts their day with a generic “Good morning” message, followed by an image of a dove with glitter effects. Then by noon, they’re forwarding insane ‘news’ like “Scientists confirm eating fufu causes cancer.” 

Typical message:

“My deeply spiritual sister sent a voice note to our family WhatsApp group, saying someone was working to bring us down. For context, the group includes our parents and all six siblings.“

These Nigerians open up on the drama in their family WhatsApp groups, and the stories are hilarious.

5. The Complainer

The complainer has more hate in their heart for the estate than everyone in the group combined. In fact, if they haven’t complained about NEPA, the way a visitor parked or someone’s dog in the last 24 hours, you should probably break down their door to make sure they’re still alive. 

Typical message:

6.  The Peacemaker

The peacemaker is the self-appointed referee of the group, always trying to settle arguments before they turn into a full-blown war. But their attempts at diplomacy never work, and they usually just end up frustrated.

Typical message:

7. The Rebel

The rebel, who is most likely Gen Z, has no respect for the sham of a system. If the chairman announces a new rule or a random levy, they are the first to question it. They will argue with every elder in the group, skillfully using sarcasm as their superpower.

Typical message:

8. The Corporate Beggar

The corporate beggar has a lot in common with the creepy observer, except their silence is not to be mistaken for disinterest in the group’s activities. They have a simple job of profiling everyone and planning when to attack best. So, you won’t find their messages in the group, but it sure as well will be in your DM.

Typical message:

9. The Exiter

This one has a bloated sense of self-importance and makes it a point for other neighbours to bear witness to their pride. They’re quick to exit the group and only return after the chairman and other self-appointed excos have begged them. 

Typical message:

10. The Vendor

They barely know what’s happening in the estate because, to them, home is just where they sleep, their real home is their store. They rarely engage in estate discussions unless it involves a market run or something that needs to be bought (which they always volunteer for). And no matter how heated an argument gets, trust them to slide in an advert for their business.

Typical message:

READ THIS NEXT: I Slept Under the Bridge for A Night and Discovered a New World in Lagos

I hate to be the bearer of this bad news, but the dreaded day is here— MTN Nigeria has increased the prices of its internet data plans, and the new prices are not funny.

Where’s this increase coming from?

This increase is happening because the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff hike on January 20, but it also goes way back.

In 2024, telecom operators asked the NCC to allow it to increase the tariff as it had not done so in 11 years, but the government denied this request. The discussion only became serious in January 2025, when telcos threatened to suspend their services in some parts of the country, explaining that a tariff increase was the only way forward as the telecommunication industry was at risk of collapsing without it. After an initial 100% increase in demand, the NCC met them halfway and approved a 50% increase. 

What are MTN’s new data prices?

• 1.8GB monthly plan formerly ₦1,000 now costs ₦1,500
• 15GB plan formerly ₦4,500 now costs ₦6,500 
• 90-day 1.5TB plan formerly ₦150,000   now costs ₦240,000
• 600GB 90-day plan formerly ₦75,000 now costs  ₦120,000 
•  20GB plan formerly ₦5,500 now costs ₦7,500

Does the 50% hike affect all MTN services?

No, it doesn’t. Some prices have remained the same while others have changed. An MTN executive who spoke to Tech Cabal on anonymity said the telecom company is not effecting a “50% increase on every plan, but rather an across-the-board adjustment,” in order to ensure they keep the grassroots connected.

How about other network providers?

Except for SWIFT Networks, which have also increased its prices by 50%, other network providers like Globacom, Airtel, and Etisalat are yet to effect the increase on their end. However, they have all begun charging ₦6 for text messages, as against the former price of ₦4.

The old prices of telecommunication services include calls at ₦11 per minute, SMS at ₦4, and 1GB data bundle at ₦287.50.

This is a developing story…

If you want to follow the tariff hike story way back to when it began, you should read this article read this next: Here’s Why the NLC Wants You to Reject the New 50% Hike on Calls and Data Subscriptions

Ah, Harmattan. That time of the year when the air is so dry, your skin starts plotting against you, and every breeze feels like a personal attack. But hey, it’s not all cracked lips and dusty car windows—Harmattan has its own unique charm. If you’re going to survive (and maybe even thrive) this season, you’ll need the ultimate Harmattan Starter Pack. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

1. Your Trusty Lip Balm

Your lips are about to go through it. One minute they’re fine, the next they look like they’ve been through a desert storm. The NIVEA Lip Care is your best friend this season. It will keep your lips moisturised for 24 hours. Pro tip: If you lose it, you’re basically signing up for lip cracks that’ll make you regret every life choice. Get yours here.

2. A Bottle of Lotion (Or Three)

Harmattan is the season your skin decides to act like it’s never seen moisture in its life. You’ll need lotion—lots of it. From your elbows to your knees, every part of your body will be begging for hydration. And don’t even think about skipping your hands unless you want them to look ashy. The best bet? A powerhouse lotion like NIVEA Nourishing Cocoa 5in1 Complete Care. With 48 hours of deep moisture and dry-out protection, it’s the ultimate harmattan lifesaver. Keep a bottle in your bag, another in your room, and maybe even one at the office—you’ll need them all. Get yours here.

ALSO READ: 7 Things That Go Missing During Harmattan (and How to Get Them Back)

3. A Scarf or Face Mask

The Harmattan haze is real, and breathing in dust is not the vibe. A scarf or face mask is essential for surviving the dusty winds. Plus, it doubles as a fashion statement. Who knew looking chic could also save your lungs?

4. A Water Bottle

Hydration is key, people! Your body is about to lose more water than a leaking tap, so keep a water bottle handy. If you’re not drinking at least 3 litres a day, are you even Harmattan-ing, right?

5. A Good Moisturizing Soap

Your regular soap won’t cut it this season. You need something that’ll leave your skin feeling like it’s been hugged by a cloud. Look for moisturizing soaps with shea butter, oatmeal, or honey. Your skin will thank you.

6. A Hoodie or Cardigan

Harmattan mornings and nights are cold enough to make you question your existence. A cosy hoodie or cardigan is a must-have. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to stay in bed a little longer.

7. Sunglasses

The sun might not be as harsh as in the dry season, but the dusty winds can be brutal on your eyes. Sunglasses will protect your eyes and make you look cool while doing it. Win-win.

8. A Humidifier (If You’re Extra)

If you’re the type that takes self-care seriously, a humidifier is your secret weapon. It’ll keep the air in your room moist and save you from waking up feeling like a dried fish.

9. A Positive Attitude

Let’s face it—Harmattan can be a struggle. But hey, it’s also the season of Christmas, fireworks, and roasted corn. Embrace the dryness, laugh at the dust, and remember: this too shall pass.

10. A Sense of Humor

Because if you can’t laugh at the fact that your skin is peeling like a snake’s, what can you laugh at? Harmattan is a season, not a lifetime. You’ll get through it.

So there you have it—your ultimate Harmattan Starter Pack. With these essentials, you’ll not only survive the season but might even enjoy it. Now go forth, moisturize, and conquer the dryness like the champion you are.

The harmattan season is here again, which means your skin is flaking, your lips are cracking, and your entire body is questioning its existence. But that’s not all—harmattan is a known thief, and it will surely steal from you this year.

Enter…me to tell you what to do at this time of the year.

Here are seven things it will steal from you and how you can get them back:

1. Your Voice

One minute, you’re belting out your favourite song in the shower, and the next, you sound like an I-better-pass-my-neighbour generator struggling to start. Harmattan will dry out your throat so badly you’ll be whispering through life like a lost spirit.
How to get it back: Drink water like it’s your side hustle. Now is not the time to raise your nose at people carrying stainless steel cups up and down. You don’t want to sound like a broken radio, especially since Valentine’s Day is coming.

ALSO READ: Your Harmattan Starter Pack: Because Dry Skin and Dusty Nostrils Are the Vibes This Season

2. Your Moisture

Harmattan is a sworn enemy of hydration. Your skin, lips, and even your soul will be drier than a gist partner who says, “I’ll call you back” and never does.
How to get it back: Slather on moisturiser like rent is due. With NIVEA Nourishing Cocoa 5in1 Complete Care, you can upgrade your self-care routine and enjoy 48 hours of deep moisture, dry-out protection, smooth skin feel, deep nourishment, and a healthy-looking skin throughout the Harmattan season and beyond.

3. Your Nose’s Functionality

Wake up one day, and your nose will either be leaking like a faulty pipe or blocked like Lagos traffic. Harmattan doesn’t care about your comfort.
How to get it back: Steaming is your best bet. Or just accept your fate and walk around with tissue like it’s a fashion accessory.

4. Your Ability to Breathe Properly

The dust in the air? It’s not here to play. By the time it’s done with you, your lungs will be questioning their job description.
How to get it back: If you have a face mask from the pandemic era, it’s time to bring it out of retirement.

5. Your Sense of Fashion

Harmattan doesn’t care about aesthetics. It will have you wearing mismatched sweaters and socks in the name of warmth.
How to get it back: Layer smartly. A fine jacket over a sweater can still have you looking like a fashionista instead of a walking pile of laundry.

6. Your Laundry’s Freshness

You wash your clothes, spread them out, and six hours later, they still smell like damp regret. Harmattan doesn’t believe in easy drying.
How to get it back: Spread your clothes under direct sunlight or just stick to wearing darker colours till the weather behaves.

7. Your Will to Leave the House

When the weather outside feels like an icebox, staying indoors under your blanket seems like the best decision ever.
How to get it back: Bribe yourself with hot tea, warm snacks, and the reminder that the outside world exists. Or just give in and hibernate till further notice.

You wake up one morning with sweaty palms and your stomach rumbling, but is that love or hunger?

We caught up with twelve young Nigerians and asked them to describe their exes with a Nigerian food or snack and tell us why. Their responses will make you laugh and will definitely leave you hungry for a satisfying meal by the end.

“My ex is like Nigerian jollof rice, perfect in every way, but I had commitment issues, so we couldn’t make it work.” — Dare (26)

“Exactly like unripe agbalumo. It looked ripe on the outside but turned out to be sour when I bit into it with a healthy helping of maggots on the side. She was so immature and toxic.” — Yomi (28)

“They were like kuli kuli. They’re an acquired taste and can be very hard for some strange reason, but I liked our relationship while it lasted.” — Hanna (24) 

“My ex was like efo riro with plenty obstacles. They say, ‘Better soup, na money kill am’. I mean, she was lovely but high maintenance, and I just didn’t have enough money to keep her in my life.” — Oyinda (25)

ALSO READ: Table Talk: She Loves Hard Dodo, but I’m About the Soft Life

“He was like one day old eba. The relationship was just there, it wasn’t my preferred situation, but I managed it.” — Toni (28)

“Very wicked girl, I’d say ewa agoyin because it’s a lovely eating experience, but the consequences will have you wondering if it was even worth it.” — Tomi (22)

“Like the most gorgeous plate of Mr Biggs fried rice without salt or seasoning. Because he seemed so amazing from afar, but as soon as I got close to taste, I saw tasteless rubbish.” — Eni (29)

“One of my exes was like cold semo. A disgusting, tasteless man and honestly a danger to my happiness. Thank God for deliverance.” — Aanu (24)

“Peppered ponmo. No value, no substance and no nutrients at all. Just pepper left and right.” — Dami (25)

“She was like custard. Very sweet but not a lot of substance. I don’t think we shared a lot of values even though we liked each other.” — Jide (29)

“He was like a big cup of ice cream. The only issue is I’m lactose intolerant so it led to mad heartache.” — Jemima (23)

“My lovely ex was like abacha. She was amazing, beautiful and people loved her but I couldn’t love her the way she deserved to be loved. For context, I can only have abacha in really small portions before I get tired of it.” — Wani (25)

If you don’t have any plans for Valentine’s yet, we have created the perfect plan for you to steal some love. Remember, love always finds a way: How to Plan A Valentine’s Day Heist, and Get Away With It

In all seriousness, harmattan can be a real struggle. And just like how we all have different personalities, we all have different Harmattan struggles.

Are you the person whose skin is drier than the Sahara desert? Or are you the one who’s always coughing and sneezing because of the dusty air? Take this quiz to find out which harmattan struggle you are.

Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.

Ibukun made up his mind to leave Nigeria in 2015, but finding an affordable school was the problem that kept him stuck till 2024. After applying to 65 postgraduate schools across 30 countries, he finally found a cheap Scottish university that made sense for the average-earning Nigerian. In this edition of 1K Ways to Japa, he breaks down the cost of studying in Scotland and why more Nigerians should consider it.

When did you leave Nigeria, and where do you currently reside?

I left Nigeria in September 2024. I live in Glasgow, Scotland. 

Why did you decide to japa?

 An old friend’s visit to Germany in 2015 inspired me to japa; she visited Germany for a conference, and when she returned to Nigeria, she had so many stories to tell. It felt like she had seen a different side of life, and I wanted to experience it, too.

I started by applying for scholarships because I’m from a humble background. I didn’t eventually get any scholarship, and it’s interesting because I was helping some friends apply to schools at the time, and they all ended up travelling before me. 

How did that happen?

I knew a lot about the international college application process, so I was the go-to guy when my friends decided to apply. But unlike me, they weren’t waiting for scholarships; their parents had enough money to sponsor them, so they left the country as soon as they gained admission into those universities. 

That must have been tough.

Not really. I had been trying to leave Nigeria since 2015, so I had experienced a good number of disappointments that helped me grow a thick skin. I applied for literally anything and everything that could take me out of Nigeria. I started with the South Korean government scholarship then, I tried China, Taiwan, Sweden, and Hungary. I also tried Greece, Vietnam, Poland, and Estonia. I actually applied to at least 65 postgraduate schools in 30 different countries.

You were really serious about japa-ing 

It was a serious mission. I tried France and other countries, too. Sometime in June 2024, my elder sister pitied me and decided to sponsor me. She was in Scotland then, so I did my research and found Glasgow Caledonian University.

What’s special about Glasglow Caledonian Univerisity?

 It’s one of the cheapest universities in Scotland. The school offers a scholarship of £4,000 for applicants with second-class upper and £3,000 for second-class lower applicants. They also allow you to spread your tuition payment across your study period.

ALSO READ: How to Write the Perfect Statement of Purpose

Did your relocation to Scotland meet your expectations?

To be honest, I just wanted to leave Nigeria. I’m happy in Scotland and most likely would be happy anywhere that isn’t Nigeria. Back in Nigeria, I was doing a sales job with crazy targets. I didn’t feel like the role aligned with the kind of life I wanted, so when my sister proposed the move to Scotland, it felt like a perfect escape.

Since I moved here, I’ve been living my dreams. I watched a live match at the stadium, and I’m now taking some IT courses after school hours at a training centre.  

Why are you studying IT on the side?

 I’m studying business management in school, and I’m not sure how sustainable it is since I don’t intend to manage any business. On the other hand, IT offers more opportunities in any part of the world, so I might as well kill two birds with one stone. 

That’s actually smart.  What are some of the culture shocks you’ve experienced so far?

I underestimated how cold Scotland is. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into until  I landed at the airport. The only reason I didn’t freeze too badly was because my sister brought a jacket for me.

They also have seasonal shorter days and longer nights here. In October, the sun was setting around 4:30 pm. The Scottish accent is another thing I find confusing. I never doubted my English proficiency until I moved here, but their accent can be confusing. I’ve also not seen any Toyota Corolla since I moved here. The cars I see on the street are brands I’ve never seen. 

LMAO. Are you still living with your sister?

Yes. It was cool at first, but now, there’s a bit of tension. I’m planning to move out. I’ve got my space already. 

Did something happen?

It’s nothing serious. She wants me to get a caregiver job, but that’s not what I want to do. She’s trying to protect me and ensure I don’t eventually have to move back to Nigeria, but sometimes it can come off the wrong way. We’re going to be okay, though.

ALSO READ: Ranking Japa Routes For Nigerians According to Zikoko Subjects 

I wish you the best. How happy are you in Scotland?

I’m really happy here. It’s much better than living in Nigeria, and I see myself settling here.

 Want to to share your japa story? Please reach out to me here. 

2Baba is definitely on a mission to break Obasanjo’s internet this year. After rumours circulated online that 2Baba was in a relationship with the Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, videos of the legendary musician at the Edo state House of Assembly went viral.

In a video responding to the clip of him and what social media had to say, 2Baba did not debunk the claims of a rumoured romance between himself and the lawmaker. He, in fact, doubled down.

In a now-viral clip, he stated: “I said what I said. All of us will be alright… Honourable Natasha, I see she has been dragged. She has been called all sorts of names. She has been labelled as a home breaker. She is a young, brilliant, and amazing woman.”

This comes only weeks after he announced that he had separated from his now estranged wife Annie Macaulay-Idibia. 2Baba also said in the videos that Osawaru had nothing to do with his marriage coming to an end.

“She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie,” he said. “But I see everybody trying to allegedly want to rope her into everything.  Yes, I love her. She is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her.”

With the internet buzzing, the big question remains: Who exactly is this woman that has stolen 2Baba’s heart?

Who is Natasha Osawaru?

Natasha Osawaru is not just a trending name — she’s a hotshot in Edo politics. Here’s what you need to know.

ALSO READ: Annie and 2Baba Idibia’s Relationship: A Complete Timeline

1. Natasha Osawaru is a Lawmaker

She currently serves as the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, representing the Egor Constituency. Despite joining the Assembly in 2023, she’s already secured a leadership position.

2. Natasha Osawaru is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party

She is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member and has quickly become a key player in Edo’s political scene.

3. Natasha Osawaru comes from a powerful lineage

She is the granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin. So, yes, she’s got wealth and influence running in her bloodline. She is the daughter of Desmond Osawaru and Philomina Osawaru (née Igbinedion). So, is she a nepo baby? You decide.

4. Natasha Osawaru is a Millennial

She was born on November 14, 1994, which makes her 30 years old.

5. Natasha Osawaru has a legal and creative background 

She is more than just politics — she’s a mix of law and creativity. She earned a Law degree from Igbinedion University before heading to the U.S. for a Master’s in Film Production at Full Sail University.

6. Natasha Osawaru does giveaways

She seems committed to giving back. In August 2024, she took to Facebook to announce that she would pay for Post UTME forms for 100 aspiring university students.

More than just a viral moment

While 2Baba’s comments have thrown Natasha Osawaru into the spotlight, her credentials suggest she’s more than just a viral sensation.

Whether or not 2Baba is serious about marrying Natasha Osawaru remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — her name is now firmly in the spotlight. With political influence, family wealth, and now a viral moment attached to her, Natasha Osawaru might be a name we’ll be hearing a lot more of in the future.

For now, we’ll leave you with this video of Hon. Natasha Osawaru grilling the State Director of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)

ALSO READ: How 2baba Raised Me

Whether it’s in response to a celebrity enjoying their life or a regular person minding their business, there’s a special way Instablog commenters type, and if you’ve spent even five minutes in the comment section of a post from the popular IG page, you know they mostly seem to follow the same unspoken rulebook.

If you’re looking to master their brand of chaos, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Every compliment must come wrapped in an insult

A true Instablog commenter never praises someone without adding shady subtext (or just a straight-up insult).

Scenario

Someone gets promoted.

Normal response: “Well deserved!”

Instablog response: “Congrats o! We all know it’s not only CV that got you there. Sha enjoy.”

Scenario

Someone goes on vacation. 

Normal response: “Have fun!”

Instablog response: “Hope you’ve paid your staff salaries before flexing?”

2. Offer yourself as a social media tech feature

Instablog commenters are constantly trying to tell Zuckerberg how to run his platform. But since he probably doesn’t give a shit about them, they take matters into their hands by cosplaying as tech features. 

Scenario

Someone ends their marriage. 

Normal response: “Sad, I hope they find happiness.”

Instablog response: “Use me as the ‘God forbid’ button!”

Scenario

Someone gets scammed.

Normal response: “That’s unfortunate, hope they recover.”

Instablog response: “Use me as the ‘I can never fall for this’ button.”

3. Always ask unnecessary questions

In another life, Instablog commenters might have come as investigative journalists. But who says they can’t investigate even though, upon still? They want to know who, where, how, and why. And they’ll find out.

Scenario

A celeb buys a new car.

Normal response: “Congratulations!”

Instablog response: “Omo, no be last year this one dey shout ‘hustle o’? Where e see money?”

Scenario

Someone goes on a luxury vacation.

Normal response: “This looks amazing!”

Instablog response: “Oga, which visa you use? Abi na hookup work?”

4. Never verify information, just drop hot takes

Fact-checking is for beginners. Instablog commenters see a headline, jump to conclusions, and keep it moving.

Scenario

A celebrity gets engaged.

Normal response: “Congrats to them!”

Instablog response: “Na audio proposal. We dey wait for the breakup post.”

Scenario

A politician donates to charity.

Normal response: “Good initiative.”

Instablog response: “Laundry man dey disguise”

5. Assume everyone is lying until proven otherwise

A real Instablog commenter believes that every success story is a scam until further notice. Even in the face of evidence, their disbelief stays unshakeable. 

Scenario

Someone loses weight.

Normal response: “Wow, you look great!”

Instablog response: “Stop lying abeg. Just talk true say na surgery you do.”

Scenario

Someone launches another business venture.

Normal response: “Amazing, well done!”

Instablog response: “Money laundering dey disguise.”

What do you do when you stumble on your parents embarrassing you online for a social media challenge? First, deactivate your accounts. But if that feels too extreme, we’ve put together practical tips to help you survive the embarrassment.

6. Every relationship conversation should end in a gender war

Instablog commenters can turn the most innocent relationship post into a battle of the sexes.

Scenario

A woman casually mentions her husband sponsored their vacation.

Normal response: “Love it for you.”

Instablog response: “When will Nigerian women spend their own money?”

Scenario

A man cooks for his girlfriend.

Normal response: “Men who can cook >>>”

Instablog response: “Simp detected.”

7. Your arrival is always a grand event

Before engaging in the comment section violence, you must first let people know you’ve arrived.

Scenario

A Nigerian musician dumps his wife for a baddie.

Normal response: “Wow. How did this happen?”

Instablog response: “Okada drop me here. Na here e dey happen.”

Scenario

Two popular Instagram besties unfollow each other. 

Normal response: “God, abeg.” 

Instablog response: “The gist never marinate. I go come back.”

8. Everyone is either “Oga” or “Madam”

In an Instablog comment section, even a five-year-old can be called ‘Oga’ if the commenter feels like it.

Scenario

Someone rocks a designer outfit.

Normal response: “You look amazing!”

Instablog response: “Madam, no be this same Gucci bag we see for Balogun?”

Scenario

Someone bags a first-class degree.

Normal response: “Congratulations!”

Instablog response: “Oga, na true first class or na ‘sorting’ first class?”

9. If a rich person complains, remind them they’re not suffering

Instablog commenters have no sympathy for rich people. They have only one mantra: eat the rich. 

Scenario: 

A trust fund kid innocently says he’s tired.

Normal response: “Hope you get some rest!”

Instablog response: “Tired of what? Try 9-5 with no salary.”

Scenario

A billionaire says they are depressed.

Normal response: “Mental health is important.”

Instablog response: “Just send me 1 million. Your sadness will reduce.”

10. Any bad news? Blame village people immediately

Instablog commenters believe spiritual forces are always at work.

Scenario

Someone gets robbed.

Normal response: “So sorry, hope you recover your things.”

Instablog response: “Your village people don finally catch you.”

Scenario

A couple breaks up.

Normal response: “Wishing them healing.”

Instablog response: “Her enemies have won.”

TAKE THE QUIZ: What Social Media App Will You Blow On?

In the past decade, scores of Nigerians have left the country to find better economic opportunities. Moving abroad is almost seen as a golden ticket to financial stability—higher earnings, a stronger currency, and a better quality of life. But beyond the surface, navigating money in a new country is often more complicated. 

We spoke to five Nigerians who moved to the UK, Canada, and the US in the past five years about how migration has reshaped their income, spending habits, and overall financial mindset.

Philip, 31, moved to the UK in 2022

Current income: £3k/month

Last income (in Nigeria): ₦300k/month

Can you describe your quality of life in Nigeria? I was a marketing communications manager for a fintech company. My salary was ₦300k/month and my wife made ₦400k/month. We combined our resources and kept our expenses low. Our rent was ₦300k/year for a self-contained apartment. 

However, my work was on the island, and I lived on the mainland, so I spent about ₦60k on transportation every month.

Our ultimate financial goal was to japa, and we spent much time and resources saving and preparing for it. Naturally, that meant we had to make multiple tradeoffs. For example, I really wanted a car because I was tired of leaving my house at 5 a.m. to get cheaper bus fares. We also wanted to move into a 2-bedroom apartment, but both wants would have derailed our plans. So, we stuck with what we had. 

We weren’t living a glamorous life, but we could take care of ourselves and our families and put something aside for our relocation, a process that  took about two years.

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved abroad? Cash is not king in the UK. When my wife and I were leaving the country, I converted some money into pounds. But we were stranded when we got to London because every service we needed insisted on card payments. It was quite a culture shock. 

What’s the most significant way moving to a new country has shifted your financial mindset? My perception of debt has changed. I’ll use properties as an example because  I work in property management, and my wife and I have started discussing buying a house.

 It’s so freeing that it’s relatively easy to take a mortgage, drop a 25% downpayment, and spread the rest across 20 years. Yes, paying off a mortgage is like paying rent for two decades, but the house becomes yours. 

An investor I work with tells me that if she has £600k to invest in properties, she’d prefer to divide the money into four parts to use as a downpayment for four houses rather than buying one £600k house outright. Then, she’ll put tenants in those houses, and their rents will pay the mortgage. 

You need to become comfortable with using debt to your benefit. Sometimes, it’s a pathway to financial freedom, and I got on board with the program. 

What does your life look like now? The key word is stability. My wife and I have fewer things to worry about, especially now that we have a kid. Healthcare is almost free—the insurance pays for it—and there’s no limit on what’s covered. 

When I lived in Nigeria, I barely worked at a place for one year. I was always optimising for a better-paying job; the only way I knew to do that was to switch jobs as often as possible. I’ve been at the same job in the UK for a while, and I’ve grown and gotten promotion and salary reviews. In addition to this, I have a better work-life balance. 

That said, the cost of our utilities has increased. We pay £1,250/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Electricity costs are around £325/month, and council tax is another £250.

The good thing is that I’m earning considerably more, and my wife makes money, too. Being married works here because neither of us can afford all of these alone. It’s possible, but it’d also be incredibly difficult. 

Our finances have grown since we’ve been here. We’ve made more progress working for two years in the UK than we did in over five years.  

If you do the same thing consistently here, you get results. That wasn’t my experience in Nigeria. 

Tayo, 34, moved to the US in 2024

Current income: $1,500/month

Last income (in Nigeria): ₦200k/month

Can you describe your quality of life in Nigeria? I worked at a private school for 10 years, and my last salary was ₦200k/month. This was primarily what my family—my wife and three kids—lived on. Also, I built a few businesses and other side hustles from the ground up: I had a bookshop and a laundry business my wife manages.

My income wasn’t as great as I’d have liked, but I made it work. The key factor was that I was very prudent with money. For example, my house rent was ₦300k/year, and two months’ worth of my salary could easily cover it. When I wanted to invest in real estate, I knew I had to save up for it, and I managed to purchase a half-acre piece of land.  However, I had my struggles, too. I’d have liked to stay 100% debt-free, but I took a few business loans. 

What money-related change shocked you when you moved abroad? The volume of monthly bills. The system is designed to take your income the second you get paid. 

There are multiple monthly recurring bills: phone, internet, electricity. Then you have to think of rent as a monthly expense. In Nigeria, I paid rent once a year and moved on to other things. I wish that was a thing here, too.

Also, I couldn’t—and still can’t—get over how easily accessible credit is. My life philosophy is to avoid debt unless it’s a last resort, and I only took business loans in Nigeria. In the US, using my credit cards for everyday use is a price I must pay to stay. It’s not great for me, but that’s how the system works. 

What’s the most significant way moving to a new country has shifted your financial mindset? My relationship with black tax has changed. The US quickly taught me I can’t take on other people’s responsibilities or finance their lifestyles. 

Short story: My first paycheck in the US was $1300, which I thought was a lot of money. My thinking, of course, was to take care of my people in Nigeria. So, I started sending money home — ₦50k here, ₦20k there. In a little time, the money got down to about $200. Then the monthly bills came, and I found out about the number of things I had to pay for.

I prioritised helping people in Nigeria because of our communal nature, but it’s impossible here. Now, I don’t care much about expenses that aren’t within my budget. I only send money from my miscellaneous budget to people who fall outside the scope of my wife and kids. If it runs out, it runs out.

Also, I was pro-saving in Nigeria, but that thinking has shifted, too. My time here taught me that building wealth through savings is almost impossible. Investing is king.  A few months ago, I started buying some ETFs and putting money into the S&P 500 and Roth IRA, which is pretty much my retirement account. 

What does your life look like now? I’m not sure yet. I’m still trying to figure out if my quality of life has improved. The competition for resources is fierce for immigrants.

At the moment, I make $1500/month as a graduate assistant. Thankfully, my funding covers the cost of rent. Without that cushion, 70% of my income would have to go to accommodation alone.

I like that the basics are sorted, but building something new and sustainable takes time. The first step is bringing my family here, and I’m currently saving for that. I’ll finally have my answer when this happens.

Cynthia, 29, moved to the UK in 2022

Current income: £50k/year

Last income (in Nigeria): ₦250k/month

Can you describe your quality of life in Nigeria? After I finished law school in 2020, I moved to Lagos to work. My first job paid me ₦80k/month. Two years and a few jobs later, this number grew to ₦250k/month. Also, my ex, who lived abroad, sent me ₦250k/month, bringing my monthly inflow to ₦500k.  As you can imagine, I was comfortable and could afford a decent lifestyle — I took Ubers everywhere and outsourced my laundry and house cleaning. 

I always had help, which was an important safety net. For example,  when I moved to Lagos, I squatted at a friend’s with other girls. But we fell out. Then, I lived with my family until I moved to a shared two-bedroom apartment, and the rent was ₦800k/year. My parents sent me ₦500k, and my boyfriend paid the rest. 

I only left Nigeria because I became disillusioned with the country after the 2020 EndSARs protest. I also suspected the current President would win the elections, and I had no faith in him.

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved abroad?  The cost of labour in the UK is compared to the cost in Nigeria. In Nigeria, I paid ₦6k/month for cleaning. In the UK, a cleaner costs £12/hour—some even quoted £20/hour, which is very close to my hourly wage. The same goes for food. Takeout costs between £20 and £40 per meal, so I’ve had to adjust by cooking more.

It’s not that I can’t afford these things, but it doesn’t make financial sense anymore.

Another shock? I feel every pound I spend. In Nigeria, I could justify spending ₦300k on a single purchase. But here, I think twice before spending more than £100. That shift has made me more intentional with money.

And then there’s my visa situation. I renewed my visa recently for £3500, and even though my partner refunded me, I was still upset. It’s frustrating that I have to pay to stay in the country.

What’s the most significant way moving to a new country has shifted your financial mindset? The biggest shift has been in how I budget and invest. I barely paid attention to either in Nigeria because I had a stronger support system.

But the moment I landed in the UK, I felt an intense fear of everything that could go wrong. Although I’ve settled now, I still fear being deported to Nigeria without anything to fall back on. As a result, I’m focused on what I can control, and investing is a big part of it. About 10% of my monthly income goes into my pension fund, and I’ve started putting money in the S&P 500.

I really want to have a soft landing when I retire. For context, I don’t want kids. My ultimate goal is to make enough money to afford a quality private care home when I’m old. This future is possible in the UK, and I must work to achieve it. I have four decades to plan for that. 

What does your life look like now? I’ve lived in the UK for almost three years, and the quality of my life has only improved. Let me tell you something: I recently spent £1300 on clothes, which I could never do in Nigeria. This is exactly where I want to be. 

But I have a lot of help, so my experience may differ from many people’s. 

I work with the government and make £50k/year, which comes down to £2800 per month. My monthly net would be higher, but my pension contributions take a chunk of my net. 

Now, my rent is £800/month, but I don’t pay for it; one of my “men” handles it. My partner is also moving in with me shortly, and we’ve talked about him picking up the rent and other household bills. This means I have an extra £800 to put into my savings and investments every month.

Beyond money, my life feels fuller. In Nigeria, travel wasn’t even an option. Now, I take 3 to 4 trips a year. Even the small things—like buying cotton and linen sheets—feel like luxuries I can finally afford. It’s hard to explain, but I don’t constantly feel like I’m in survival mode anymore.

Tony, 25, moved to Canada in 2021

Current income: $70k/year

Last income (in Nigeria): ₦63k/month

Can you describe the quality of life in Nigeria?  My life was simple. Before leaving the country, I was an intern video editor and earned ₦30k/month. It was also my service year; the government paid me ₦33k. I thought my income was decent, but it was because I had no financial pressure.  I lived rent-free with my parents, and my most significant expense was my commute to work. 

At some point, I moved in with a few colleagues to be closer to work. There, the only thing I worried about was contributing to household expenses. 

I got my student visa, which my parents funded, and moved to Canada in October 2021.

What money-related change shocked you when you moved abroad? I’ve lived in Canada for three years and haven’t gotten used to not getting SMS transaction alerts. I may get an email notification for money sent and received, but that’s it.

It made it almost impossible to track subscription payments. Sometimes, I found random charges on my account and had to determine where they came from. It’s not very intuitive. Now I have a notepad where I list all the services I’m subscribed to, their due dates and the cards the charges go to. 

What’s the most significant way moving to a new country has shifted your financial mindset? I had to understand how the credit card system works. When I arrived in 2021, it didn’t sit well with me that I had access to money that wasn’t mine. I was uncomfortable with the credit card options and feared getting carried away was easy. 

I’ve lost most of that fear now. As a result, I feel more secure in my finances—knowing that I don’t need all the cash in the world or have to wait until payday before I can sort basic things out. This gives me a sense of security, and I’m hardly flustered about money anymore. 

What does your life look like now? My quality of life took a dip when I first moved to Canada. For context, I had to work two jobs and crazy hours. That said, I had some safety nets in my parents and a few family members, who paid my first-year tuition and my rent for the first six months. This took a heavy weight off my shoulders. However, I had to figure out most of these myself in the following two years, and this was where the crazy work hours came in. 

Three years later, I’m a software engineer making about $70k/year. It’s the base pay for my experience level, but it works. That puts me around the low- to middle-income level. It’s not where I want to be, but I could be worse off. 

I’m better off here than I was in Nigeria, and for good reason. The effort I’ve put into growing my income and building something here is on the same scale as the rewards I’ve gotten. That wouldn’t have happened in Nigeria. 

Martha, 29, moved to the US for school in 2021

Current income: $2k/month

Last income (in Nigeria): ₦100k

Can you paint a picture of your quality of life in Nigeria? I was a graduate assistant at a Nigerian uni and ran my Master’s programme concurrently. Every month was pretty much figuring out how to get by with my ₦100k salary; it was my only income source and funded my education.  I had to be very intentional about money to prepare for my next life stage — going to school abroad. My money was tied in cooperative schemes, and I had salary deductions to sort out my Master’s payment. All this left me with about ₦30k-₦40k to spend for the rest of the month.

It helped that I lived in a small town, so it was relatively easier to sort out the basics. For example, my rent was about ₦50k/year, and the distance between my house and work was short, cutting down my transportation costs.

That said, even though I was operating on low maintenance mode, there were multiple times I had to contact my dad for loans. In retrospect, I think I struggled more than I remember. It wasn’t clear at the moment because I had my eyes on a specific agenda—moving to the US. Everything else was secondary.

I ultimately got a scholarship and moved to the US in August 2021. 

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved abroad? Housing costs and the monthly rent schedule. In Nigeria, I paid my rent once and was done with it. Then I came here and found out I had to constantly think about making rent every third day of each month. My rent + utility is  $600/month, and I share the apartment with three people. This number would easily climb to $1k/month if I lived alone. Having to plan and set aside money every month took some toll. 

On the plus side, it also shocked me that I could live without thinking much about the cost of things. I didn’t know that was possible. The context here is that I was always on a tight budget, and spending money on the non-essentials was always hard. But I got here and could do that without derailing my budget. It shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did.

What’s the most significant way moving to a new country has shifted your financial mindset? I’ve lived here for almost four years, and I’m getting used to the fact that I don’t necessarily have to be stingy with myself, for lack of a better word. It’s like a switch flipped in my brain, and now, I operate from a place of abundance or something close to it. The primary manifestation of that is that I don’t beat myself over the cost of things. If I want it and can afford it, I go for it. The heavens won’t fall. 

Not much has changed about how I save and budget. I was decent at it when I lived in Nigeria and have even become better. The primary driver for this is the constant realisation that I have bills to pay and live far away from home. 

What does your life look like now? I’m still a graduate assistant, and my only source of income is from my scholarship.  I get paid a monthly stipend of ~$2k/month to sustain my living, which covers the basics. That said, it can only go so far, especially compared to what I might earn from a full-time job. So, I don’t think my financial reality has turned 180 degrees. For context, students in the US are classified as low-income earners.

That said, on a basic level, my living standards have improved dramatically. I easily save more than I ever did in Nigeria, and I’m not one expense away from reaching out to my parents for help. That means something. 

Speaking of parents, an element of black tax is in my life now, and I can do much more for my folks. At times, it can be overwhelming, but it’s a tradeoff I’m mostly comfortable with. 

I plan to remain in academia after my PhD. If I get a postdoc position, my earnings will double. The standard base pay for many academic postdoc roles is ~$50k—$60k/year, with the upper end in states with a higher cost of living. 

That’s a start. 

Names have been changed for anonymity.

Next Read: I’m 18, and I Made ₦6m From Freelancing in a Year

This year, Hertitude is taking us all the way back to the groovy times for the best party ever with the hottest babes. To prepare for this party, your Nigerian history has to be on point. How plugged into the culture are you? Take this quiz, and we’ll tell you!
Don’t dull and miss the funkiest party of the year! Grab your Hertitude tickets here before they’re sold out.

The Headies Awards are back, and with them comes the ultimate celebration of Nigerian music, talent, and entertainment, after a two-year stint in the U.S. According to executive producer Ayo Animashaun, two award ceremonies will be held in 2025: the 17th edition, which was postponed last year, will take place on April 5, while the 18th edition is scheduled for December.

As the industry continues to evolve, the 2025 nominations reflect a dynamic mix of established stars and rising talents ready to leave their mark.

From chart-topping hits to genre-defying collaborations, this year’s nominations span a variety of categories, giving fans and industry insiders plenty to talk about.

Whether you’re rooting for your favourite artist or curious about who made the cut, here’s your complete list of the 17th Headies Awards nominees.

Rookie of the Year

Zerry DL 

taves 

Kaestyle

Llona

Best Recording of the Year

“Burning” — Tems

“Different Patterns” — Seyi Vibez

“Higher” — Burna Boy

“Last Heartbreak Song” — Ayra Starr & Giveon

“Billions” — Sarz featuring Lojay

Producer of the Year

“Happiness” — Sarz

“OZEBA” — London

“Basquiat” — Magicsticks 

“HEHEHE” — Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy

“Different Patterns” — Dibs

Songwriter of the Year

“Stranger” — Simisola Kosoko (Simi)

“Vision” — Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi)

“Can’t Breathe” — Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)

“Family Meeting” — Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)

“Stages of Life” — Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)

Best R&B Single

“Vision” — Qing Madi 

“For You” — Johnny Drille

“Stranger” — Simi

“Burning” — Tems

“Last Heartbreak Song” — Ayra Starr featuring Giveon

Best Rap Single 

“Cast” — Shallipopi featuring OdumoduBlvck 

“Blood On the Dance Floor” — OdumoduBlvck featuring Bloody Civilian and Wale

“Hallelujah” — Ladipoe featuring Rozzz and Morello

“Canada” — Magnito

“Ije Nwoke” — Jeriq

Best Vocal Performance (Female)

“Last Song Heartbreak” — Ayra Starr 

“Level” — Niniola

“Stranger” — Simi

“I’m Done” — Liya

“Tomorrow” — Yemi Alade

Music Video of the Year

“Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare

“Metaverse” — Jyde Ajala

“Like Ice Spice” — Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine

“Ojapiano” — Mattmax

“EGWU” — Director Pink

“Showa” — TG Omori

“Na Money” — Dammy Twitch

Best Collaboration

“Emotions” — Tiwa Savage featuring Asa

“Blood On the Dance Floor” — OdumoduBlvck featuring Bloody Civilian and Wale

“Cast” — Shallipopi featuring OdumoduBlvck

“Egwu” — Chike featuring Mohbad

“Ole” — Qing Madi featuring BNXM

“Twe Twe (Remix)” — Kizz Daniel featuring Davido

“IDK” — Wizkid featuring Zlatan

Best Street-Hop Artiste

“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez

“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

“Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)

“Johnbull” – Zhus Jdo

“Ask About Me” – Mohbad

Afrobeats Single of the Year

“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel

“Egwu” – Chike (ft. Mohbad)

“Remember” – Asake

“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

“Big Baller” – Flavour

Lyricist on the Roll

“Efeleme” – Alpha Ojini

“Mogadishu” – A-Q

“Chocolate City Cypher” – M.I Abaga

“Chocolate City Cypher” – Blaqbonez

“Hallelujah” – Ladipoe

Best Inspirational Single

“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean

“Worthy of My Praise” – Dunsin Oyekan (ft. Lawrence Oyor)

“Good God 2” – Limoblaze (ft. Naomi Raine)

“Particularly” – Gaise Baba (ft. Tope Alabi)

“You Do This One” – Mercy Chinwo

Headies’ Viewers’ Choice

“Big Baller” – Flavour

“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (ft. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)

“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (ft. Davido)

“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad

“Showa” – Kizz Daniel

“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez

“OZEBA” – Rema

“Love Me Jeje” – Tems

“Cast” – Shallipopi (ft. Odumodublvck)

“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (ft. Fireboy DML)

Best West African Artiste of the Year

Black Sherif (Ghana)

King Promise (Ghana)

Himra (Ivory Coast)

Josey (Ivory Coast)

Toofan (Togo)

Best East African Artiste of the Year

Bien (Kenya)

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Juma Jux (Tanzania)

Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

Azawi (Uganda)

Investing sounds simple: put your money somewhere and watch it grow. But if you’re a Muslim, it’s not that straightforward. 

Many investment options in Nigeria aren’t always halal-compliant. But it doesn’t mean you can’t invest; there are ethical and profitable ways to grow your money without compromising your faith.

We spoke to an Islamic Finance professional and two Nigerian Muslims who are actively into Halal investments. Here’s a breakdown of what they told us about navigating Halal investments in Nigeria.

What is Halal Investing? 

With conventional investments, you deposit money in a bank, earn interest, and move on. You don’t ask if they’re using your money to fund breweries, adult entertainment or pork businesses. You just collect your returns.

But Halal investments don’t work that way. They’re built on moral ethics, social responsibility and transparency. When you invest through Islamic banks, you know exactly where your money is going. Your funds are invested in actual businesses, and the profit is shared fairly. And if the business fails to make profits, the depositor takes the loss, just like in a real business.  

In Halal investing, money cannot generate profit on its own or be used as a lending tool to earn interest. Instead, it must be invested ethically in businesses or assets that generate profit through permissible means.

In Nigeria, regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the advisory committee of experts, and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Islamic Regulatory Advisory Committee ensure that non-interest banks operate within Islamic finance principles. 

What makes an investment halal? 

1. No Interest (Riba) – Money Shouldn’t Make Money by Itself

Interest-based earnings like fixed deposit savings are considered haram. Your money should be actively invested in real businesses to generate profits.

2. No Haram Industries – If You Can’t Eat It or Do It, Don’t Invest in It

Any business involved in alcohol, gambling, adult content, pork or practices Islam considers unethical is off-limits. Your money should only fund enterprises that align with Islamic values.

3. No Excessive Risk or Speculation (Gharar) – No Gambling with Your Money

Investments should be transparent and low-risk. Anything that involves uncertainty and betting on price swings, like forex trading, is considered haram.

 Crypto sits in a grey area in halal investing. Bitcoin is considered Halal because it works like digital gold — it has real value, no interest, and is transparent. But many other cryptocurrencies are Haram because they’re highly risky and volatile.

4. Ethical and Social Responsibility – Your Money Should Actually Do Good

Halal investing supports businesses that positively impact society, like healthcare, education, sustainable energy, and ethical banking. 

5. Risk and Profit Sharing – Everyone Wins (or Loses) Together

Instead of guaranteed, fixed-interest returns, halal investments operate on profit-sharing models.  You make money when the business makes money and share losses if it doesn’t—just like real business partners.

Where Can You Invest The Halal Way?

Islamic Finance professional Oluwafemi Oyelehin breaks down some of the halal investment options available in Nigeria:

1. Real Estate

Real estate is one of the safest and most popular halal investment options because it is tied to tangible assets (physical land and buildings). You can legitimately generate income from renting as long as the property is used for halal purposes. But not all real estate investments are automatically Halal —how you finance or use the property matters.

How to invest in Real Estate:

• Buying property outright: If you can afford to pay the full price at once, this is the simplest way to acquire property. It grants you immediate ownership, but it’s crucial to ensure it’s used for permissible purposes.

• Islamic financing options: Loans that include interest are not permissible. If you need financial assistance, non-interest Islamic banks like Jaiz offer Halal alternatives to traditional mortgages (property loans). 

Here’s how they work:

Musharakah (Joint Ownership):

• You and the bank co-own the property and share profits.

• Over time, you gradually buy out their share until the property is 100% yours.

• There is no interest, just shared investments.

Ijarah (Islamic Leasing) – Rent-to-Own, the Halal Way:

• The bank fully owns the property and leases it to you

• You make agreed payments over time until you fully own the property. 

• Essentially, you’re paying rent while you use the property, and at the end of the lease, you ultimately gain full ownership.

• There is no interest, no hidden fees, just a structured way to own property over time.

2. Halal Compliant Stocks

Investing in stocks is Halal, but only if you know where your money is going.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t want your money funding weapons manufacturing or a brewery, right? That’s why not all stocks are Halal. Before investing, you need to double-check what the company does.

How to Invest in Halal Stocks:

•  Avoid companies involved in interest-based finance (banks), gambling, alcohol, or unethical industries.

• Islamic bank stocks are a safer option. These operate under Shariah principles, ensuring compliance with Halal investment rules.

• Check where your money goes. Stocks like MTN, Tesla, Google, and Nestlé are generally Halal Investment options because they provide essential goods and services.

• Halal stocks earn through profit-sharing, not interest. Your returns come from business growth and profits, not lending money at fixed interest rates.

• Easier options include the Halal Mutual Fund, such as the FSDH Halal Fund,  Lotus Capital Halal Investment Fund and the Cordros fixed income fund. They pool funds from multiple individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of halal-compliant stocks and other asset-backed halal investments. Instead of researching individual stocks yourself, the fund managers handle the halal screening for you.

At its core, investing in Halal stocks is like providing venture capital for ethical businesses. You’re good to go as long as their operations align with Islamic principles. 

3. Commodity Trading

Commodity trading is one of the oldest and simplest ways to grow your money the Halal way. Instead of earning interest, you profit by buying and selling authentic, tangible goods. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Buy low, sell higher, and profit fairly: For example, buy a stereo for ₦25,000 and sell it for ₦30,000. Both you and the buyer benefit.

• Trade real, valuable assets: Invest in oil, wheat, or agricultural products, as long as they’re ethically sourced.

• Bank-backed trading: You invest in a car purchase, the buyer pays over time, and you share a pre-agreed profit with the bank.

There is no interest, no hidden fees, just transparent, ethical transactions.

4. Gold

Gold is a real, tangible asset, making it 100% Halal if bought and traded correctly. Unlike regular currencies that can be devalued by inflation, gold holds its intrinsic value and has been used as a store of wealth for centuries.

5. Islamic Insurance (Takaful)

Traditional insurance can be problematic in Islam because it often involves interest, uncertainty, and gambling (Maisir). That’s where Takaful comes in: a fair, ethical, and Halal alternative.

How Takaful Works:

• Community-based protection: Members pool their money into a shared fund to support anyone who experiences a loss (medical bills, car damage, or life insurance payouts).

• No Interest or gambling: Unlike conventional insurance, Takaful avoids unethical investments and speculative risks.

• Fair and transparent: If nothing happens to you, your money isn’t lost; it stays in the fund or is distributed fairly among members.

• It covers everything: Health, life, car, and business insurance—all in a Halal way.

Islamic insurance companies like Noor Takaful offer this ethical insurance option in Nigeria. It’s a win-win: financial protection without compromising your faith.

6. Islamic Bonds Sukuk

Traditional bonds like the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN Bonds) are considered Haram because they pay an interest rate and lack transparency — you lend the government money and earn fixed returns without knowing what projects your money funds. 

How Sukuk Works:

• No Interest, just profit-sharing: Investors own a share of an actual project and profit from its success.

• Full transparency: You know exactly where your money is going, whether it’s funding roads, hospitals, or schools.

• Backed by tangible assets: Unlike regular bonds, Sukuk investments are tied to real projects, making them safer and more ethical.

• Ever seen a green signboard with “Sukuk Funded Section” or “Sukuk III, IV or V” on Nigerian roads? If you’re in Lagos, there’s one in Victoria Island and Marina. These roads were built with Sukuk funds, and investors received toll fees as returns.

Sukuk can be issued by Corporate entities such as Family Homes Funds Limited, Family Homes Sukuk Issuance Program Plc, Taj Bank, etc. Federal and state governments, as well as multilateral agencies, can also issue Sukuk, but only with approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria.  

7. Profit Sharing Savings Account

Unlike regular savings accounts that earn interest (Riba), a Mudarabah (profit-sharing) savings account helps you grow your money the Halal way.

How It Works:

•  You deposit money, and the bank invests it in Halal businesses like real estate and ethical industries.

• Profits are shared between you and the bank based on an agreed ratio.

• No fixed returns: if the business invested in makes a loss, the depositor bears it.

In Nigeria, options include Jaiz Bank’s Mudarabah Savings Account and Taj Bank’s Profit-Sharing Investment Account. It’s a transparent, ethical, and Shariah-compliant way to grow your savings without interest.

Two Muslim Nigerians Share Their Halal Investment Journey

Amina* (31, Medical Doctor)

I started thinking about investing when I earned my first income during my medical internship in 2019. At first, I considered treasury bills, but a Muslim colleague told me they weren’t Halal. I kept saving my money since I knew no other halal investment options and couldn’t afford real estate. 

By 2021, I gave my savings to a friend trading crypto and got decent returns, but I wasn’t sure if it was Halal. Later, in early 2022, another friend recommended Risevest. They had different investment options, but my Muslim friend advised me to stick with their real estate plan.

I invest naira every month, which they convert to dollars. Once my plan matures, I can withdraw with returns. This is considered Halal because my funds are pooled and used to purchase a property in the U.S., which is then rented out and managed by experts to generate rental returns for me. It’s a medium-risk investment, and I earn between 12% and 15% returns annually.

Ahmed* (32, Business owner) 

I started a Halal investment group five years ago when I realised many Muslims like me wanted to grow their money the right way. Today, we’re a community of  70 investors pooling funds into ethical stocks, tech startups, and agricultural commodities (Halal mutual fund), with an investment portfolio now worth $200,000.

If I can’t easily confirm that a company’s operations are Halal, I simply don’t invest. 

Bottom Line

Halal investments are about building wealth correctly while staying true to your faith. Whether you’re investing in real estate, Islamic bonds, gold, or halal-compliant stocks, the goal is ethical growth, zero interest, and financial security.

The best part? You can have both; you don’t have to compromise between faith and financial success. So before your next investment, ask yourself: “Is my money working for me in a halal way?” If the answer is yes, you’re already winning.

NEXT READ: I Retired at 53 With Over ₦1 Billion in Assets — Here’s How I Did It

It’s 2025, and The Headies is in its 19th year. Originally launched in 2006 as the Hip-Hop World Magazine Award (renamed The Headies in 2011), the event is organized by Hip TV. Over the years, the ceremony has cemented its place as Nigeria’s premier music award.

After a two-year stint in the U.S., The Headies will return to Lagos this year. According to executive producer Ayo Animashaun, two award ceremonies will be held in 2025: the 17th edition, which was postponed last year, will take place on April 5, while the 18th edition is scheduled for December.

What have been the most memorable parts of the events in its almost two decades of running? We’re taking a wild ride through the highs, lows, and controversies that have made The Headies a staple of Nigerian pop culture. 

The highs

The Next Rated Awards

The Next Rated category, which is awarded to the most promising act under the year in review, is the gift that keeps on giving. A huge percentage of its winners have gone on to have successful careers as global music stars. Some winners include Asa (its first winner), Wizkid, Davido, Mr Eazi, Adekunle Gold and most recently BNXN (formerly known as Buju).

Compensation for winners

The Headies is one of the few music award shows in Nigeria — and across the continent — that has offered more than just a plaque to a category winner, ensuring they get their promised prize. In contrast, Kora Awards promised a cash prize to winners of some categories, but there have been reports that some winners never receive them.

The Next Rated award always comes with a car. In 2022, The Headies said the category would include a brand new 2022 Bentley Bentayga. BNXN was the first recipient.

More representation

In 2022, The Headies Awards added more award categories, taking the number of awards from 29 to 32. The new categories are International Artiste of the Year, Best Inspirational Single, and Digital Artiste of the Year.

The lows

Musicians’ disregard for The Headies

Many musicians have expressed gripes with the nomination process. In 2016, singer and music producer Tekno disagreed that he was an upcoming musician after he was nominated in the Headies’ Next Rated category, leading to the organisers disqualifying him. Another example was in 2019, when many A-list musicians did not attend the event. Some opted, instead, to attend Wizkid’s O2 concert in London.

Gender-based categorisation

In a world where gender equality is taking the forefront of every conversation, The Headies retains its “Best Male” and “Best Female” categories. Critics of the show have said this demarcation boxes women in music as “female musicians,” a category that critics have said is ranked less prestigious than “male musicians.”

Inconsistency

The 2022 and 2023 editions of The Headies were held in the US, a decision that sparked discussions about accessibility and representation. While the organisers framed it as an opportunity to showcase Nigerian artists globally, critics questioned the impact on local fans who had limited access to the event.

Another challenge was the issue of travel visas. Some nominated artists could not attend due to visa restrictions, highlighting a logistical hurdle for Nigeria-based entertainers. As The Headies continues to evolve, its choice of location remains a key factor in balancing global recognition with local engagement.

Hollywood hosts

In recent years, The Headies has opted for Hollywood personalities as hosts, with Anthony Anderson leading the 2022 edition and Terrence J taking over in 2023. This choice has sparked conversations about the role of African-American entertainers in a Nigerian music award show. 

While these hosts bring international visibility, some industry observers question whether there is a need to look outside Nigeria when the country has a wealth of talented MCs who can command the stage. The decision raises broader discussions about representation and the balance between local and global appeal.

Production quality

The decision to host The Headies 2023 in the US was partly influenced by cost considerations, with founder Ayo Animashaun citing “cheaper production costs” as a key factor. 

However, the event faced significant production challenges, including poor lighting, inconsistent sound quality, and weak visuals, making it difficult to clearly see performers and presenters. These issues led to widespread criticism, raising questions about whether the cost-saving measures ultimately compromised the viewing experience.

The controversies

Don Jazzy vs. Olamide

One of the most talked-about moments in Headies history occurred in 2015, when Reekado Banks, then signed to Mavin Records, won the Next Rated award over YBNL’s Lil Kesh. The decision sparked controversy, with Lil Kesh’s label boss, Olamide, expressing his dissatisfaction on stage, accusing the organisers of being unfair.

Shortly after, Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy responded in a heated exchange, creating a tense moment that stopped short of an outright confrontation. The fallout continued on social media, with Olamide taking his grievances to Twitter (now X), further fueling discussions about the credibility of the award.

Wizkid snubbed Caesar

One of the most talked-about moments in Headies history remains the awkward exchange between Wizkid and Caesar, the ex-fiancé of rapper Eva Alordiah in 2016. During the event, Wizkid greeted Eva with a warm hug, but when Caesar extended his hand for a handshake, Wizkid completely ignored him.

The moment caught on camera quickly went viral and became a major topic of discussion. Years later, it’s still referenced whenever that edition of The Headies is brought up, proving that sometimes, a simple snub can be just as memorable as the awards themselves.

Bovi’s Bloody Fashion Statement at the 2020 Headies Awards

At the 2020 Headies, comedian Bovi made a bold statement by stepping onto the stage in a bloodied Nigerian flag dress. This wasn’t just a fashion moment — it was his protest against the state-sanctioned killings during the #EndSARS movement.

To catch you up: on October 20, 2020, the Nigerian government ordered the military to open fire on peaceful protesters calling for an end to police brutality. The Lekki Massacre left dozens dead and ignited outrage worldwide. Bovi’s choice to wear a bloodied flag was a stark reminder that while the night celebrated winners, the fight for justice was far from over.

Portable’s disqualification

Street-hop sensation Portable was nominated for Best Street-Hop Artist but was disqualified after he claimed to have founded “One Million Boys,” a notorious gang. The Headies organisers released a statement condemning his comments and revoked his nomination.

ALSO READ: The Complete List of Nominees for the 17th Headies Awards

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

What’s your earliest memory of each other?

Ini: It was in 2013.  Femi was the headliner at an underground show  I attended at Ember Creek where budding poets and musicians showcased their craft. I remember thinking as he performed, “This guy is talented.”

I knew he was special from how he handled the guitar.

Femi: That was my first headline show in Lagos, at Freedom Hall. But I had no idea she was in the audience that night. I didn’t meet her until two months later, when I went to a radio station where she interned. I was there to do backup vocals for a singer, and she caught my eye immediately. She was very pretty in her cute yellow dress. We didn’t talk beyond a quick hello, though.

Ini: But he collected the phone number of another intern with a really big bum and left. I was like, “Who is this one?”

Femi: It wasn’t like that! I only collected her number because I had a personal recording session planned.

Right. What happened next?

Ini: I eventually became a radio presenter in 2014 and I played a lot of Afro-jazz and Afrobeat on my show. One day, I discovered Femi’s music and realised he was the same guy I’d watched perform months ago at Freedom Hall.

I checked our station’s music database and saw we had only one of his songs, “Smile”. I played it as often as I could.

Femi: No, the song was “Irawo.”

Ini: Right. After the station tweeted about his music, he reached out to say thank you. I asked him if he had more songs we could play, and that’s how we started talking.

Femi: Back then, having your song played on the radio was a big deal, so I was really grateful, and I sent her a DM to show appreciation. When she asked if I had more songs, I showed up at the station with a CD of “Smile,” and she started playing on air as well. She also granted me an interview on her show, which was huge for me because I hadn’t had any media appearances in a while. We developed a friendship from that point on.

What was the friendship like?

Femi: I was single, fresh out of a toxic relationship, and had decided to focus on my career. I had no interest in dating, so I was intentional about just getting to know Ini without any pressure or expectations.

Ini: Femi always showed up. That’s one thing I loved about him then and still love now; his consistency and loyalty. If he’s in your corner, he’ll do everything he can for you.

I loved listening to him when we talked. I worried about him a lot because I felt he was going through so much, but  I was determined to help him succeed. I believed in his talent and didn’t think someone that good should go unnoticed. I made it my mission to push his music with my platform. He was always there for me too. Through all of this, there was zero romantic attraction on my part. So, I was angry when he started catching feelings. Why would this one come and ruin what we have? Every time he brought up feelings, I dodged the conversation and completely friendzoned him.

Femi, you mentioned earlier that you didn’t want to have a relationship. What changed?

Femi:  I wasn’t expecting to fall for Ini; it just happened. I’d been drawn to her since we met in 2013, but I wasn’t sure if it was real or fleeting, so I kept it to myself.

By 2014, I realised the feelings hadn’t gone away. That’s when I told myself, “This is very real.” I decided to go for it.

How did you handle getting friendzoned?

Femi: I was crushed.  With Ini, it was back-to-back rejections. At one point, I started wondering, “Am I that terrible to be with?”

But I chose consistency. I promised myself I’d keep going and stay open-minded, hoping she’d change her mind. I also decided not to chase after another girl. My eyes were on Ini and only her.

Ini:  The truth is, life happened to me between our first and second meetings. I went through a traumatic experience. It changed my perception of so many things.

When Femi came into my life, I wasn’t looking for him. I was chasing a high, and he was a grounding presence and dose of reality that I wasn’t ready for.

Looking back, I think it’s why I kept rejecting him. I sometimes said to him, “If I was a guy, I’d have left me by now. Why are you still here?”

Was he aware of what you had gone through?

Ini: I told him everything in 2015 to scare him away. I laid it all out: my past, the guys I’d slept with, the trauma I carried. I expected him to run. Instead, he said, “Let’s pray.” That’s when I knew I was finished.

Coincidentally, God revealed Femi as my husband during one of my prayers. I resisted at first, but I started to lean into it when I saw that despite everything, Femi stayed.

Fast forward to February 14, 2016, Femi had a gig at Radisson and I went to meet him.

Around 9 p.m., I looked at him and said, “I’d love to date you. I don’t love you, but if you give me time, I’ll grow to love you. I’ll be the best person to love you ever. But you have to give me time to heal.”

Before then, someone had told me, “What if he’s part of your healing?” I think that was the catalyst for me saying “yes.”

How did you feel about this, Femi?

Femi: Glorious. I’d been waiting for that day for years. When she asked for time, I didn’t mind. I’d already been waiting, so what was a little longer? I also liked that she deliberately made our anniversary fall on Valentine’s Day.

Nice. What were the early days of dating like?

Femi: It was really sweet. Ini wasn’t with me because I had money or status; she was just there for the person. We sang in traffic, jumped on bikes, bought junk food, and sat in the car eating and talking for hours. Those little moments built the foundation of our relationship.

Ini: We definitely made a lot of memories, but there were also things we had to adjust to. We came from different backgrounds, so we had to learn how to balance our differences.

What sort of things did you have to adjust to, Ini?

Ini: I was used to dating high-profile men. Femi wasn’t like that. It wasn’t a problem, but my decorum was different from his. He also had to adjust to my mindset about men and money. I grew up seeing men control people with money, so I wanted to make my own. I didn’t want to be in a position where a man would withhold money from me to assert power.

Femi completely changed my perception of that. He was so open with money in a way I hadn’t experienced. He’d tell me exactly how much he had, split whatever he made with me, and expect nothing in return. At first, I didn’t know how to handle it. Every time he gave me money, I’d keep it aside, waiting for the day he’d ask for it back. But he never did.

He made me realise that money wasn’t anything to worship or weaponise in relationships.

Femi: I’d actually never shared money with anybody in my life, not even any of my past relationships. However, there was something different about being open and honest with her. I knew I was going all the way. I wanted to start practising transparency early, and that’s something we’ve continued till today, even now that we’re married.

I was coming to that. When did you realise you wanted to make the huge leap to marriage?

Ini: I definitely remember when mine was. It was April 2016, two months after I asked him out. My sister was having a baby shower, and I woke up missing Femi terribly. We were still early in the relationship, but he was so different from anything I had ever experienced.

GTBank was also having its Eat Drink Festival on the same day, and Femi was performing. While I had to run some errands for my sister, I had an overwhelming urge to see him. When he finally came around to say hi, a wave just came over me. Later that night, I told a friend about how I felt, and she said, “Ini, you’re in love.” That’s when it clicked.

I left the event with Femi that night and told him, “I love you.” I was nervous, but I meant it.

Femi: I’d been in love with Ini for years at that point, so it felt like she was just playing catch-up. But hearing her say those words was so special. I had known from the beginning that I was going to marry HER. Even before we started dating, I told her, “I’m not here to just date you. I’m here to marry you.”

I proposed in 2017, a year after we started dating, and we got married in April 2018.

Read Joy and Declan’s love story where they talk about evolving from close friendship to secret makeouts while Joy had a boyfriend, why bad timing always kept them apart, and how the Catholic Church’s stance on contraception is now the biggest obstacle to taking things to the next level.

Sweet. Would you say marriage was any different from your relationship?

Femi: Surprisingly, no. The only difference was moving in together, but everything else has stayed the same. We’ve grown, evolved, and built a beautiful life together. I tell Ini every day that I love her more now than I did yesterday. Sometimes  I wonder, “Did I even love her back then?” Because what I feel now doesn’t compare.

We’ve weathered storms together, but we’ve come out stronger. We have three kids, and our home is filled with love every single day.

Ini: I definitely agree with Femi.

Speaking of weathering storms, what’s the hardest thing you’ve faced as a couple?

Femi: Almost losing Ini during childbirth. Three times.

I was broken — almost helpless. It was like, this is my person, and she’s slipping away. What am I supposed to do?

I’m sorry

Femi: We’ve gone through other things, but nothing comes close to a life-and-death situation. However, those experiences drew us closer. I remember nobody could get me to ever leave Ini’s side.

Curious. Did you have near-death experiences with all three of your kids?

Ini: Yes. All three were C-sections. With the first, we didn’t know it would be necessary until much later. The hospital mishandled it, and that led to complications that affected my second and third births.

We had our first two children in Nigeria and the last in Nairobi. With our second, we didn’t even realise I was pregnant until I was seven months in. It was during COVID, and my stomach barely showed. We assumed it was hormonal bloating. By the time we found out, there was no time for proper hospital runs.

The doctor saw complications during my second C-section but didn’t fix them—probably out of fear or inexperience. By the time I got pregnant with our third, the doctors in Nairobi had to correct everything.

Hmmm

Ini: And childbirth wasn’t the only challenge — life kept happening. We juggled rent, parenting, school fees, debts, career uncertainty, and the general chaos of figuring out our next phase. Going to Nairobi was an obedience journey. Before we left Nigeria, God had asked us to sell everything and sow into people’s lives.

We were practically homeless while I carried our third child, and didn’t know what to do, so we just waited for God’s directive. He sent us to Nairobi, and we didn’t know why. But he did so we could meet this doctor who fixed our issues.

We lost so many people because they didn’t understand our journey or why we were doing it.  Some even just stopped talking to us. It was a lot, but going through it together also solidified our union. What we have has transcended marriage; I don’t think we can bond more than this.

I’m sorry. You mentioned the second child wasn’t planned, what about the third?

Ini: Not one of our children was planned. I remember getting pregnant with the first six months into our marriage and telling myself, “I don’t want to go through this again.”

Then it happened again in 2020. The third was an instruction from God. We obeyed, and we welcomed our third child in January 2023.

Hmmm. What did you learn from these experiences?

Femi: Resilience. Sometimes, you don’t know how strong you are until you’re tested.

As a couple, we’ve survived things that broke other homes, and it’s made me realise just how much strength we have together.

Ini: I’ve learnt that God brings two people together for a reason. Marriage is war. It’s not child’s play. It’s a sacred journey, and the devil is always trying to attack it. You have to be deliberate about protecting it.

Above all, love transcends everything. It transcends offence, sacrifices, and expectations. It encompasses everything.

Neat. Have you guys had any major fight yet?

Femi: We’ve definitely had many.

Ini: It’s more like a build-up of multiple things that led to resentment, and the defining one happened in 2023. By then, we had realised that if we didn’t deal with our issues, it could signal the end.

For instance, when we were coming back to Nigeria from Nairobi, I’d made up my mind that I was going to my parents. I remember having a conversation outside in the freezing cold, and we concluded that we had built so much and couldn’t throw it all away.

What were some of these issues?

Ini: It wasn’t just one thing. The thing with building resentment is that you think you’re the one who is most offended until you hear the part you played in it all. I remember Femi pouring out his heart and it just broke me. I also realised I wasn’t the only one considering leaving. Mentally, emotionally he had checked out.

Femi: By then, we had lost everything. God had instructed us to sell everything we had and move, but the transition was tough. We had no possessions, two kids who were constantly sick, and no idea what the future held. Long and short, we were poor and the stress got to us.

Ini: “It’s not that we didn’t have family members who could help, but like I mentioned earlier, we lost some along the way, especially those who didn’t understand our journey. They questioned our parenting, and there were lots of “Did God really say this?”, “What’s the plan now that you sold everything?” So it was like God wanted to teach us to depend on him and ourselves.

The thing about going through life is, the person you love the most will bear the brunt of what you’re dealing with.  Even as we tried to hold each other, we didn’t realise we were hurting each other. It was easy to nitpick, be angry and be offended about not touching each other, the lack of money and mood swings.

Femi: The external factors were also a lot to handle. We would have been perfectly fine if it had just been Ini and me as husband and wife, with everything else stripped away. But there was just a lot going on outside of us — caring for two kids who were constantly sick and squatting from house to house. 

How did you move forward?

Ini: The conversation in Nairobi helped us understand that we had to build again from scratch. But we’ve also matured as a couple over time. We’ve learnt that nobody is going anywhere and whatever issues we’re facing have to be dealt with. However, there’s also the need for understanding the right time.

But we’re on a constant learning journey to mature, take deep breaths, and be kind to each other.

Sweet. What’s the best thing about being with each other?

Femi: First of all, let me be vain — my wife is absolutely stunning. I love looking at her. But beyond that, she’s my greatest cheerleader. No matter what happens outside, I know that when I step into our home, I’m her king. She defends me like her life depends on it. If the world is bashing me, Ini will stand in front of me and take the blows.

She’s also the most thoughtful person I know. If something is important to me, it’s important to her. I see it in the way she prays for me, supports my career, and makes sure I always feel seen and appreciated. And then there’s our kids — I look at them and see her in them, and that just makes me love her even more.

Ini: I love that I married a musician because music is such a huge part of my life. But beyond that, Femi is one of one. He is kind to his core, and I don’t think he even realises just how good of a person he is.

I love the way he makes me feel. My insecurities disappear when I’m with him because he never fails to remind me how much he loves and values me.  When life gets overwhelming, he has his way of grounding me. He always knows what to say or do to make me feel safe.

And let’s not forget how intentional he is. This man wakes up every day and chooses me. No matter how busy life gets, I know that if I need him, he’ll drop everything to be there.

How would you rate your love life on a scale of 1-10?

Ini: It’s an 11.5. Honestly, I don’t think anyone is doing romance like we are. Even before we got on this call, we were having a movie date afternoon. Every single day is intentional, and it’s in the way we prioritise each other, the way we still hold hands after all these years, the way he never forgets to touch me when we pass each other in the house. We’ve built something so strong that even when life happens, we find our way back to each other.

Femi: Same rating. A  way to know your marriage is solid is by looking at your kids. Our children are happy, thriving, and full of love. That wouldn’t be possible if we weren’t doing something right as partners. Ini is my greatest cheerleader. I’m a better man and better father because of her. The sex is great, too!

Ini: It is amazing!

Femi: I know, right? But yeah, life is beautiful, and I’m looking forward to the future.

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

Have you had those moments where you’re scrolling through Instagram, admiring your fave Nigerian celeb couple, and thinking, “Hmm, are they looking for a third wheel?” Well, you can finally manifest your desire. But remember, you get what you deserve.

Take the quiz:

The third season of the Showmax original, The Real Housewives of Lagos, is in full swing, and the drama is only getting started. But at Zikoko, we know that watching isn’t enough — you need the receipts to back up your takes on the show.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide, breaking down everything you need to know about The Real Housewives of Lagos cast across all three seasons. Who joined, who left, the biggest conflicts, their social media influence, and what’s coming next — we’ve got it all covered. Each cast member also gets a detailed profile, highlighting their rise to fame, career, and the special brand of drama they bring to the show.

Returning Cast Members (Seasons 1, 2 and 3)

Laura Ikeji

Full Name: Laura Ikeji-Kanu
Age: 36 (born March 15, 1988)
Why She’s Famous: Laura Ikeji-Kanu is a social media influencer and the founder of the cosmetic line LauraBeauty.

Background

Laura was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Over the years, she has established herself as a top lifestyle influencer, using her social media platforms to promote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content. Her book, How to Make Money on Instagram, was published in 2018.

Laura Ikeji-Kanu is married to Christopher Kanu, a former Nigerian footballer, and they have three children together. Laura is also the younger sister of Linda Ikeji, the famous gossip blogger.

Major Storylines

Season 1: Laura’s interactions with fellow cast members were marked by tension, particularly with Carolyna Hutchings. The friction stemmed from past grievances involving Laura’s sister, blogger Linda Ikeji, leading to confrontations.
Season 2: Laura came to the new season as a different person, unwilling to engage in fights. But in the end, her fight with Iyabo Ojo was the biggest topic online. She accused Ojo of being a bully.
Season 3: Laura made up with Carrolyna. Her interactions with the new cast members, including Sophia Momodu, Diiadem and Dabota Lawson, so far have been without drama.

Mariam Timmer

Full Name: Mariam Adeyemi Timmer
Age: 38 (born December 21, 1986)
Why She’s Famous: Mariam Timmer is a PR expert, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. She is the founder of Six Sixteen Agency, a PR and marketing firm, and is known for her bold personality and luxury lifestyle.

Background

Mariam Timmer is an entrepreneur with a background in public relations and media. She has worked with high-profile brands and celebrities, building a reputation as a strategic and innovative PR consultant. Mariam is married to John Timmer, and they have a daughter.

Major Storylines

Season 1: Mariam joined The Real Housewives of Lagos as a late addition but quickly made an impact. She was introduced as Toyin Lawani’s close friend but had a rocky start with some of the ladies. Her strong personality led to clashes, particularly with Carolyna Hutchings, culminating in a dramatic confrontation during the season finale.
Season 2: Mariam continued to assert herself as one of the most vocal cast members. She had ongoing tension with Chioma Ikokwu and Faith Morey, often calling out what she perceived as dishonesty or hypocrisy. At the end of the season, she had a physical altercation with Toyin Lawani.
Season 3: Mariam is only one of three original housewives who returned for the third season. She had an altercation with Diiadem after the latter scolded her for showing up late to an event hosted by Dabota.

Returning Cast Member (Seasons 1 and 3)

Carolyna Hutchings

Full Name: Carolyna Hutchings (formerly Caroline Danjuma, nee Ekanem)
Age: 37 (born June 26, 1987)
Why She’s Famous: Carolyna Hutchings is a Scottish-Nigerian actress. She gained fame in the early 2000s as a Nollywood actress before she left the scene.

Background

Carolyna started her career in Nollywood, starring in mainstream films in the early 2000s before stepping away from the industry after marrying the billionaire Musa Danjuma. Since her divorce from Danjuma, she has returned to acting and, on the show, has spoken about her investment in real estate.

Major Storylines

Season 1: Carolyna’s feud with Toyin Lawani was one of the biggest storylines of the season. The two exchanged harsh words over past grievances, leading to intense confrontations. Carolyna also had a close friendship with Chioma Ikokwu, which was a major dynamic throughout the season.
Season 3: Carolyna returns for the third season as a person who chooses peace over drama. She squashed her beef with Laura, but she had an altercation with Diiadem after the latter accused her of showing up late to an event hosted by Dabota.

New Cast Members Introduced in Season 3

Dabota Lawson

Full Name: Dabota Lawson
Age: 33 ( born June 2, 1991)
Why She’s Famous: Dabota Lawson is a Nigerian entrepreneur, former beauty queen, and influencer known for her work in the beauty and fashion industries. She is the founder of Dabota Beauty, a cosmetics brand specializing in skincare and makeup products.

Background

Dabota gained prominence through her career as a beauty queen and model. She is a former Miss Nigeria, which boosted her public profile and opened doors for her in the entertainment and business sectors.

Dabota transitioned into entrepreneurship and became known for her luxury cosmetics line. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Leicester and a professional management accounting qualification from The London School of Business and Finance. 

Major Storylines

Season 3: Dabota joined the show in season 3. She hosted the cast to a beach getaway, setting the stage for the season’s drama. The tension peaked when she and Sophia clashed in a heated argument, with Sophia calling her “uncouth.”

Sophia Momodu

Full Name: Sophia Momodu
Age: 31 (born August 14, 1993)
Why She’s Famous: Sophia Momodu is a fashion entrepreneur and influencer known for her luxury fashion brand and significant social media presence. She also has a daughter with Davido named Imade Adeleke.

Background

Sophia Momodu is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and influencer. She is the CEO and Creative Director of The Sophia Momodu Brand (TSMB). Sophia is also known for her philanthropic efforts through the Precious Jewels Foundation. She is also a YouTuber. 

Major Storylines

Season 3: Sophia brought a fresh dynamic to the group and plenty of drama. During Dabota’s beach getaway, she found herself in heated altercations with both Diiadem and Dabota after she brought some housewives to the event on her private boat, which Dabota hated. 

Diiadem

Full Name: Adeola Chizoba Adeyemi
Age: 33 (born April 12, 1991)
Why She’s Famous: Adeola Adeyemi, known professionally as Diiadem, is a prominent Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and influencer. She is the founder and CEO of Beauty By AD, a cosmetics company in Nigeria.

Background

Born to Yoruba and Igbo parents, Diiadem began her career in 2008 as a model and video vixen, gaining recognition for her trendsetting style. In 2016, she launched Beauty By AD, offering innovative products designed to boost women’s confidence and celebrate their beauty. Today, her brand is a leader in Nigeria’s beauty market.

Major Storylines

Season 3: Diiadem joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Lagos in its third season. She had an altercation with Carolyna, Mariam, and Sophia after they arrived late for Dabota’s event. She was offended that they kept her waiting.

Cast Members in Seasons 1 and 2

Chioma Goodhair

Full Name: Chioma Ikokwu
Age: 35  (born June 25, 1989)
Why She’s Famous: Chioma Ikokwu is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and fashion influencer. She is the co-founder of Good Hair Ltd., a luxury hair and beauty brand, and Brass & Copper, a high-end restaurant in Lagos.

Background

Chioma earned her law degree at the University of Birmingham. She furthered her studies at the University of London, obtaining an LL.M in International Environmental Law and International Commercial Arbitration. After completing her education, she attended the Nigerian Law School.

Beyond her business ventures, Chioma is known for her fashion sense. She has a strong social media following and frequently attends high-profile events.

Major Storylines

Season 1: Chioma was a close friend of Carolyna Hutchings, and the two were inseparable throughout the season. She had a tense relationship with Laura Ikeji and Toyin Lawani, which escalated into one of the season’s most memorable confrontations. Her friendship with Carolyna fell apart after the latter had a fight with Iyabo Ojo, who was Chioma’s friend. 
Season 2: Chioma clashed with Mariam Timmer and Faith Morey, leading to heated arguments. The fight with Mariam started after Mariam said Chioma had no children and was not capable of respecting children. Her tensions with Faith started after she asked Faith her age, and the latter found the question invasive.

Tianah

Full Name: Toyin Lawani-Adebayo
Age: 42 (born March 1, 1982)
Why She’s Famous: Toyin Lawani is a celebrity stylist, fashion designer and serial entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Tiannah’s Empire, a conglomerate comprising multiple businesses.

Background

Toyin Lawani is a self-made businesswoman who runs Tiannah’s Place Empire, a conglomerate comprising 33 businesses in fashion, beauty, and real estate. Her ventures include Tiannah Styling Fashion Academy, Tiannah’s Glow (a beauty products line), and Tiannah’s Place Interiors.

She was the costume designer for films like King of Boys: The Return of the King and the series Shanty Town.

Toyin is married to photographer Segun Adebayo, known professionally as Segun Wealth. The couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary in June 2023. Toyin is a mother to three children: Tiannah, Tenola, and Eleora.

Major Storylines

Season 1: Toyin was at the centre of many conflicts in the first season. She had a close friendship with Mariam Timmer but clashed with Carolyna Hutchings, leading to explosive confrontations. She also had a strained relationship with Chioma Ikokwu, which played out throughout the season.
Season 2: Toyin documented her neck surgery in this season. However, she had a physical fight with her long-time friend, Mariam Timmer, after Toyin accused her of saying awful things about her behind her back.

Iyabo Ojo

Full Name: Alice Iyabo Ojo
Age: 47 (born December 21, 1977)
Why She’s Famous: Iyabo Ojo is a Nollywood actress, filmmaker, fashion and beauty entrepreneur, and social media personality. She is one of Nigeria’s most recognizable movie stars, with a career spanning over two decades in both English and Yoruba-language films.

Background

Iyabo Ojo began her acting career in 1998 with the English-language film Satanic. She made her Yoruba-language debut in 2002 with Baba Darijinwon. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous films, including Agogo Ide, Ojanla, Silence, and many others. In 2004, she ventured into film production with her first movie, Bolutife, followed by Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan, and Okunkun Biribiri.

In 1999, at the age of 21, Iyabo Ojo married a Lagos-based clearing agent. The couple has two children: a son, Felix Ojo, and a daughter, Priscilla Ajoke Ojo. They are now divorced.

In 2017, Iyabo Ojo founded Fespris Limited, a conglomerate encompassing Fespris Abula Spo, a restaurant, Fespris World, a beauty and wellness centre and Fespris Production, her film production company.

Major Storylines

Season 1: Iyabo Ojo introduced herself as a thoughtful and engaging host. She organized a beach weekend getaway for the cast, aiming to foster better relationships among the women. Despite her efforts, tensions arose, notably with Laura Ikeji, who declined the invitation, and Chioma Ikokwu, who expressed reservations about the gathering. These interactions set the stage for the season’s dramatic moments.
Season 2: Iyabo Ojo adopted a more assertive role, embracing the “villain” persona to enhance the show’s drama. This shift led to notable confrontations, particularly with Faith Morey and Laura Ikeji. A significant incident occurred when Iyabo stepped on Faith’s dress during a spa gathering, escalating tensions between them. Addressing the criticism of her behaviour, Iyabo explained that her actions were intended to add drama to the show, acknowledging the scripted and edited nature of reality television

New cast members introduced in season 2

Faith Morey

Full Name: Faith Morey
Age:  Not public (but her birthday is sometime in October)
Why She’s Famous: Faith Morey is a Nigerian-American model, designer, entrepreneur, and reality TV personality best known for her role in the second season of The Real Housewives of Lagos. 

Background

Born and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Faith Morey began her career as a basketball player before transitioning into modelling. She has graced runways at Nigeria’s Next Super Model, Arise Fashion Week, New York Couture Fashion Week, and Johannesburg Fashion Week.

Faith founded Morey Faith Collection, a fashion line, and is a solar consultant. She is the CEO of the Okachi Charity Foundation, which focuses on community development and support.

Major Storylines

Season 2:  Faith Morey and Iyabo Ojo didn’t get along. The tension escalated when Faith revealed that she was not fluent in her native language. In response, Iyabo criticised Faith, calling her fake.

Tania Omotayo

Full Name: Tania Omotayo
Age: 33 (born June 14, 1991)
Why She’s Famous: Tania Omotayo is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur and influencer best known for her Ziva Lagos line, a brand specializing in affordable, high-quality clothing and jewellery for women.

Background

Tania was born to an Austrian father and a Nigerian mother. Fluent in English, German, and Yoruba, she first caught public attention at 21 when she was in a high-profile relationship with Wizkid.

Tania is married to Olasunmbo Olawale Winfunke, and they have a daughter named Sarai. She is the founder and creative director of Ziva Lagos, a fashion brand catering to modern women, and Ziva Kids, a concept children’s store.

In 2018, she was listed on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list for creatives for her contribution to the Nigerian fashion industry. Tania has also been open about her struggles with endometriosis and uses her experience to educate and inspire others

Major Storylines

Season 2: Tania joined the cast in season two and became close with Iyabo Ojo. She didn’t have a lot of fights on the show, but she accused the producers of manipulative editing.

FAQs

Who is the most followed housewife on Instagram?
Iyabo Ojo, with 6.5 million followers

How much do housewives earn?
Their salaries have not been made public, but it is rumoured that they will be in the millions. Housewives also sometimes make money from sponsorships for the events they host.

Who is the youngest housewife?
Sophia Momodu, at 31, is the youngest of the housewives.

Who is the oldest housewife?
Iyabo Ojo, at 47, is the oldest housewife.

Clara (18)  and Nora (17) are first-year university roommates excited to start a new chapter in their lives. One day, Nora notices that Clara uses napkins instead of pads during her menstrual cycle. Curious, Nora asks about it…Clara explains that she’s always used napkins because she heard that pads cause cancer. Surprised, Nora takes the time to gently educate Clara on pads and other forms of sanitary wear, while dispelling the myths Clara had picked up along the way.

This scenario reflects a reality for many young people. Our backgrounds shape how we view everyday norms, often without realising it. The media, from social trends to news stories, plays a huge role in influencing what we believe. But how aware are we of this impact? 

At Zikoko, we’re exploring how the media shapes our understanding of the world, and we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for young women aged 15-25 to participate in a study that examines:

• How the media shapes social norms
• The influence of news presentation on public opinion
• The role of trends in decision-making

Our ultimate goal? To contribute to developing media literacy interventions that can help young women critically evaluate media messages and make informed choices about their lives. Interested? Join us in this important research at bit.ly/ZikokoGNLA

In the heart of Abuja, something extraordinary is brewing. The StudyUK Alumni Awards, proudly presented by the British Council, are back for their 11th edition, and this year’s celebration promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

As Mr. Daniel Emenahor, the Head of Higher Education Programmes, enthusiastically puts it, “This year’s event is going to be exceptional. We’re not just celebrating excellence; we’re empowering it.”

So, what makes this year’s StudyUK Alumni Awards so unique? For starters, the event has expanded its reach, recognizing outstanding achievements in four categories: Business & Innovation, Culture & Creativity, Social Action, and Science & Sustainability.

But that’s not all. This year’s finalists are a diverse and impressive bunch, representing a wide range of industries and skills. From tech entrepreneurs to healthcare heroes, these individuals have leveraged their UK education to make a real impact in Nigeria.

The StudyUK Alumni Awards have consistently demonstrated the transformative power of UK education. By celebrating the achievements of UK alumni in Nigeria, the Awards foster deeper collaboration between UK institutions, Nigerian businesses, and government agencies.

So, what can finalists and guests expect from the evening? Think inspiration, networking, and celebration, with a dash of cultural flair. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, complete with keynote speeches, award presentations, and live performances.

But the impact of the StudyUK Alumni Awards extends far beyond the evening itself. Past winners have gone on to achieve remarkable things, leveraging their recognition to secure funding, gain credibility, and expand their influence.

As Mr. Daniel Emenahor notes, “The StudyUK Alumni Awards are more than just a celebration of excellence – they’re a catalyst for change.”

So, join the British Council Nigeria and the StudyUK Alumni Awards community on the 15th of February as they celebrate the best and brightest of UK alumni in Nigeria. It’s going to be an unforgettable night, and you won’t want to miss it!”