Valentine’s Day!

One day in the year when red fabric becomes more expensive, phone screens are filled with several flattery inscriptions such as “my heart belongs to you ” “forever and always yours” with so many hypocritically garnished updates like “love you today and always” “you are my everything” etc.

But before you roll your eyes and dismiss today as just another overhyped event, let’s take a moment. Love, in its purest form, is not about expensive gifts or candlelit dinners at fancy restaurants (where you’ll still end up eating rice and chicken).

Love is something we Africans have always understood in our own way—deep, unshaken, and woven into our everyday lives.

In Africa, love is not just words; it’s action. It’s about a mother keeping the biggest piece of meat for her most preferred child.

It’s a friend sending you “I see your missed call” instead of calling back (love in economy mode).

It’s a brother accompanying his sister to the bus stop, not because she will miss her way, but just to make sure she’s protected from admirers.

Love is in our greetings—when an elder asks, “How is your body?” they are not asking for a medical report, but showing care.

Love is in our food, in that extra spoon of rice your auntie gives you, even when you say you’re full.

Love is in our communities, in the way we gather for weddings, birthdays, and even funerals, where rice would almost always appear no matter the occasion.

Now, some people will say, “But Valentine’s is only for people in relationships and the unbelievers.”

My brother, my sister, who told you that? Love is everywhere! It’s in your friendships, in the neighbour who helps you push your car when it refuses to start, in the stranger who holds your bag while you adjust your wrapper in the market.

Today is not just for couples exchanging sweet names like “baby,” “honey,” “obim” or the increasingly creative “my personal AC in this hot weather.”

It’s a day to celebrate every form of love—the friend who never lets you embarrass yourself in public, the sibling who fights you at home but defends you outside, and the parents who will never say “I love you” but will wake up at 5 AM to pray for you.

You don’t need a bouquet of roses (which will probably dry up by tomorrow) or imported chocolates (that still can’t compete with groundnut and garri).

Instead, call someone who has been kind to you. Send a message to an old friend.

Buy suya for yourself and eat it without stress. And if your wallet is smiling, why not share a little love with those who need it—an orphanage, a neighbour in need, or that small child who always runs errands for you? Maybe send something to me because I’m also in need of love 💟

Love is not about the size of the gift but the warmth behind it. So, whether you are single, taken, “it’s complicated,” or just in a relationship with your phone, take today to appreciate the love around you.

And remember—whether love gives you butterflies or just extra data for chatting, it’s always worth celebrating.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Nnaji Charles.