By Fẹ́mi Akínṣọlá
While Valentine’s Day is typically viewed as a celebration of love and connection, many young people in Nigeria misunderstand its true significance, leading to behaviours that compromise authentic relationships.
Instead of being a day to truly celebrate romantic feelings, it often fosters a culture of excess and moral ambiguity. The idealised portrayals of love, magnified by social media and peer influence, create unattainable expectations that contribute to a troubling preoccupation with alcohol, promiscuity, and other negative behaviours.
It is crucial to examine how this day has become a catalyst for these harmful trends among both young people and adults in Nigeria.
One major consequence of this misinterpretation is the overwhelming association of Valentine’s Day with reckless partying and heavy drinking. In urban areas, excessive alcohol consumption is commonplace, with individuals feeling pressured to engage in hedonistic pursuits. This behaviour poses serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although some may view this as a celebration of youth and freedom, the blurred boundaries between enjoyment and irresponsibility can lead to dangerous situations, such as impaired driving and sexual misconduct. As both youths and adults surrender to reckless celebrations, they risk losing sight of what constitutes meaningful connections, distorting their understanding of love and companionship.
Additionally, the pervasive culture of casual sex that often accompanies Valentine’s Day threatens to undermine crucial values of respect and commitment. In an attempt to meet societal expectations, many young people may engage in sexual activities as a misguided symbol of maturity. This dynamic fosters a cycle where superficial interactions eclipse the true essence of intimacy and emotional bond. Adults, too, may yield to these temptations, often misusing the day as an excuse for infidelity under the pretext of a romantic celebration. Such actions not only damage personal relationships but also establish a poor example for younger generations, normalising irresponsible choices regarding love and intimacy.
The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day further aggravates these issues, with advertisements reinforcing the notion that love is demonstrated through lavish spending. This creates an unhealthy connection between materialism and affection, leading to the belief that one’s worth is tied to societal displays of love. Many individuals feel pressured to overspend, resulting in financial strain and promoting irresponsible financial behaviours. While some argue that the day encourages generosity and love, it can equally lead to destructive cycles of debt and regret, overshadowing genuine affection.
Moreover, the focus on social media representations of Valentine’s Day can trigger feelings of inadequacy among individuals of all ages. As people feel compelled to showcase their romantic experiences online, they may fall into the trap of comparing themselves with idealised portrayals shared by others. This can provoke jealousy and dissatisfaction, causing many to question their self-worth and the authenticity of their relationships. For adults, the need for social validation can lead to competitive acts of affection that detract from true emotional connection, complicating their understanding of love.
Additionally, indulging in illicit activities during Valentine’s celebrations can result in legal troubles, especially as festivities can escalate. Incidents of public drunkenness, violence, and drug-related issues not only tarnish individual reputations but can also bring significant legal consequences, such as fines or community service. These repercussions can affect family dynamics and community relationships, highlighting the broader impact of such behaviours.
In contrast to the commercialised and often misguided celebration of Valentine’s Day, Nigeria offers rich cultural alternatives that emphasize deeper values of love and community. Traditional marriage ceremonies celebrate the union of families, focusing on respect and commitment. Festivals like the Yam Festival and the Eyo Festival promote community bonding and shared experiences of joy. Events such as Id El-Fitr and Christmas foster togetherness through family gatherings and communal celebrations, while cultural dance festivals highlight love through music and dance. These traditions reinforce authentic connections, providing healthier avenues for celebrating love beyond the excesses associated with Valentine’s Day.
To address the negative trends surrounding Valentine’s Day, several societal changes are imperative. First, promoting education regarding healthy relationships and the importance of consent in schools can empower both young people and adults to engage in more meaningful connections. Awareness campaigns focusing on emotional intelligence and setting realistic expectations about love can help shift the focus from commercialised ideals to authentic relationship-building.
Second, fostering open dialogues within families about love, relationships, and the pressures surrounding Valentine’s Day can encourage individuals to express their feelings in a more genuine manner. Community initiatives, including workshops or public discussions, can reinforce the understanding that love is rooted in mutual respect, understanding, and shared values rather than extravagant displays.
Furthermore, local governments should consider implementing policies to responsibly manage public celebrations, ensuring that events prioritise safety and well-being for all participants.
In conclusion, while Valentine’s Day can be a joyous occasion for expressing love, its implications for Nigerian youth and adults require careful reflection. By balancing the positive aspects of the celebration with critical evaluations of its potential consequences, we can work towards a more profound understanding of love. Promoting responsible relationships and prioritising genuine interactions over commercialised festivities can help reduce the negative impacts associated with Valentine’s Day. Ultimately, love should be celebrated as a deep and meaningful connection that values true intimacy and respect across all relationships.
Copyright © 2026 Fẹ́mi Akínṣọlá. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
