Valentine’s Day: Are Nigerians Feeling the Love?

This Valentine’s Day, Nigerians find themselves amidst a complex mix of emotions and financial constraints. For some, it’s a day filled with anticipation and romance, while for others, it’s just another ordinary day overshadowed by economic hardship. Vanessa Obioha reports

Is love truly in the air?
This year’s Valentine’s Day falls midweek and aligns with Ash Wednesday, the commencement of Lent—a period of introspection and penance preceding Easter. Despite this coincidence, the essence of Valentine’s Day transcends its origins as a commemoration of Saint Valentine, evolving into a global celebration of love, both culturally and commercially.

The day is traditionally celebrated with exchanges of gifts and heartfelt expressions of love. However, amidst Nigeria’s current economic challenges, Valentine’s Day may not be as extravagant as in years past. As the day approaches, social media becomes a platform for Nigerians to voice their sentiments and expectations. From advice on prudent spending to humorous memes depicting Valentine’s Day surprises, including heartbreak, the online discourse reflects varied perspectives. We reached out to a few Nigerians to share their thoughts on the significance of the day, revealing that its importance varies depending on individual outlooks and financial circumstances.

Muyiwa (Journalist)

Valentine’s Day is inescapable because my wife’s birthday is two days before it. It has to be celebrated. I do not see any harm in celebrating Valentine’s Day even if love ought to be celebrated every day. Having a special day to celebrate it is not an issue. And it certainly does not depend on my financial status.

Princess (Influencer and Reality TV star)

For some weird reason, a lot of time I’m not around for Valentine’s Day celebrations. It’s either I’m travelling or he is doing something. We can celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend but not the actual day. However, money is not a problem for us to celebrate Valentine’s Day. If I have to get something for him, it has to be a private plane. Nah! I’m joking. But Valentine’s Day is just an okay day but everyone makes it special. We don’t really put as much emphasis on it as we would on our anniversaries and birthdays.

O’Brien (NYSC Corp Member)

Although I’ve not started earning income, as I have recently graduated from the university, I’ve always made an effort to give gifts on Valentine’s Day, to my immediate and extended family, no matter how little.

However, this year has been especially challenging financially for me due to the high inflation that has reduced my spending power. To add salt to injury, my NYSC allowance is so delayed that it often runs out before I even receive it. I’m barely keeping up. Notwithstanding that, I will continue with my gifting ritual this year.

Chukwueloka (Businessman)

Personally, I’m not a Valentine’s Day freak in my relationship. In my opinion, if one truly loves you, the economy should not affect your perception of love to each other.
Really, the idea behind the feast of Valentine’s is about showing love, to one’s ability, to the poor and needy in our society. Capitalism has skewed this original definition to make it partnership-exclusive to get people to propel the idea of consumerism. While it’s nice to gift your better half, frequently or on special occasions, Valentine’s Day is not about that. It is about those who get the least love daily — the poor and the needy.

K.C (Business and Project Manager)

Things have gotten worse over the past years, especially since 2015. But even at that time, the state of things was gradually degrading, one could plan for themselves. There was a bit of stability. The current economic situation is in shambles, even up to the point it has started affecting my perception of ‘love in the air’ because I can’t actually afford to give the love of my life what I intend to do. Though I understand that it is the thought that matters when it comes to gifting, gifting what I intended makes me happier.
Well, would it stop me from loving? No, it won’t. But then the economy has affected my usual perception of Valentine’s as expenses would definitely be cut down.

Soibifaa (Public Servant)

Before this Valentine’s Day, it was more like a solitary affair, with no one to think of or buy gifts for. I never really wanted to spend it with anybody. Although I spent it with friends, it is nothing like observing it when one is in a relationship. It’s more intentional now that I am in a thriving relationship that I see a future in. That said, even though I want to treat my significant other, the high costs of things make it challenging now.

AJ (Geologist)
One cannot hold back on love. It is the most beautiful emotion in the world but I’m not keen on Valentine’s Day. When people ask how I celebrate it, I often wonder if I should kill a chicken or a goat, invite friends over and you know, make a big splash on the one that I love like we usually do at parties. I’m not celebrating anything. My significant other knows how much I care and doesn’t need to wait for one day to understand that I do. But I do wish all the lovers out there a happy Valentine’s Day.

Iyabode (Make-up Artist)

There is no love in the air for me this year. Not in a relationship, not buoyant enough so I will pretend the day does not exist. Just an ordinary day. But if someone surprises me with a gift, why not, I will accept with my full chest.

Jide (Uber Driver)

I have never celebrated Valentine’s Day. I have enough responsibilities to worry about such a day. And with the hardship in the country, how will I spend the little I have to mark a day that I absolutely do not care about? Abegi.

Eno (Fashion Designer)

I stopped celebrating Valentine’s Day two years ago after my then-partner confessed to cheating on me. I had envisioned a romantic day together, only to have my hopes shattered by his admission of rekindled intimacy with an ex-partner. You cannot imagine the anguish I felt that day. It is indescribable. Though he apologised and I forgave him (we are no longer together), there is always this lingering sadness that accompanied every Valentine’s Day celebration since then.