Photo Credit: @bangraphy

Wedding bells have been ringing all year, and Nollywood star Sharon Ooja just joined the club. She recently announced on Instagram that she’s officially married.

Sharon said yes to her partner a few months ago, and they’ve now had their civil ceremony. She shared the news on Instagram with the caption,

A few months ago I said yes to my odogwu silencer as I call him as he came and silenced the noise, my Igbo king civil ceremony done and dusted ink dried yes I’m fully a mrs as I type this … he brought the calm…I’ll say yes a thousand times to your kindness and good heart… yes a thousand times to the discipline and structure you bring… yes a thousand times to your absolute love and protection you are my best friend bro bro our inside joke !! … dear husband This is fully the hand of God !!I prayed for this and God gave me fully Thank you Jesus for this gift of love the testimony is complete You did it Jesus take Your glory … counting down to our church blessing and traditional wedding proudly a mrs

Amazing video by @davin.phelpsfilms
#crazyaboutUS24
#loveunitesUS24

 

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The post “A Few Months Ago I Said Yes to My Odogwu”… Sharon Ooja is Officially a Mrs! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

These gospel singers aren’t afraid to show their romantic sides. They’ve penned beautiful love songs that are perfect for anyone looking for lyrics that capture the joy and wonder of being in love. So whether you’re searching for the ideal song for your wedding playlist, a proposal you’ll never forget, or simply a way to express your feelings to your special someone, these love songs have you covered.

Moses Bliss – “Carry Am Go,” “Love Love,” and “Perfect for Me”

Everyone knew about this talk-of-town wedding. From the proposal to the wedding day, it was one wedding everyone looked forward to and enjoyed. Moses Bliss who is an exceptional singer proposed to his wife, Marie, with a beautiful rendition of the song “For Life.” And it moved Marie to tears. Then he released other love songs in celebration of their union such as “Carry Am Go,” “Love Love,” and “Perfect for Me.”

Anendlessocean – “LMLY”

Anendlessocean recently released the single “LMLY,” which stands for “Let Me Love You.” The song is a heartfelt love that shows his romantic side, portraying him as a Jesus-loving lover boy. This is the first track off his soon-to-be-released album “Hexagon.”

Neon Adejo – “Lade”

Fresh off his recent proposal, Neon Adejo gifted the world with “Lade,” a sweet and intimate love song eponymously named after his fiancee, Lade.

Folabi Nuel – “Bobibi – Forever and a Day”

This entire album is a love letter from Folabi Nuel to his wife, Gboremi. Released in 2023, “Forever and a Day” features a collection of romantic tracks like “911” (a playful song about being completely smitten), “For You” (a heartfelt declaration of love), and the captivating “Monalisa” featuring guest artists like Timi Dakolo, Johnny Drille and Remii.

Victor Thompson – “Fall in Love”

Victor Thompson did not mince words with the 2022 single “Fall In Love.” This sweet and heartfelt message leaves no doubt about his feelings for his wife, Henrietta.

Sinmidele and Remii – “My Baby”

Teaming up for a soulful duet, gospel powerhouse Sinmidele and The Voice alum, Remii, created “My Baby,” a song that beautifully captures the tenderness and joy of being in love.

Yadah – “When a Believer Loves”

In 2023, Yadah went all out with a 2-track EP dedicated to her husband, Okafor Chinonso Daniel. “I really wanted to do songs that talked about love through the lens of scripture. Love as patience, love as kindness, love in its purity. I’m glad I did. The EP “When a Believer Loves” has just 2 songs dedicated to @__okaforchinonso,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

Gaise Baba – “Títíláí”

Bringing an Afro-fusion twist to the love song genre, Gaise Baba dropped “Títíláí” song in 2017 in celebration of love. He says:

“Títíláí” is a song about love within the context of marriage, told from a near-playful angle of a good guy reiterating his endless commitment to his bride. The aim is to draw attention through this, to the institution of marriage; glorify, celebrate and promote the biblical concept of love, grace and ‘forever-ness’.

Angeloh – “Love Child”

In 2023, Angeloh released not just an album, but a celebration of love! “Love Child” is a 7-track that talks about love in its truest form – new love, weddings, romantic getaways – and all the sweetness that comes with it. It has a deluxe version featuring collaborations with other gospel greats like Greatman Takit, Gaise Baba, Ko’rale, and soul singer, Waje. Since 2019, Angeloh has been making love songs inspired by the twists and turns of his love life: from being single to finding the one, getting married, and navigating fatherhood as a young man.

Bonus… Sola Allyson – Ife Eji Owuro

We couldn’t resist including a timeless classic! Sola Allyson‘s “Ife Eji Owuro” (meaning “Morning Love”) is a beautiful and enduring love song that continues to resonate with listeners today. The song “Eji Òwúrò” first appeared in 2003 as part of the soundtrack for a Bimbo Oshin movie of the same name. It was later revamped in 2009 with production by Cobhams Asuquo and mixing by Olaitan Dada of Natialo Productions.

The post Editor’s Pick: The Perfect Playlist for The Christian Lovebirds appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It’s the season of weddings for gospel artists! This month, gospel minister Theophilus Sunday announced his engagement to his partner, Ashlee. Now, the duo aren’t just engaged – they have officially tied the knot and joined the ranks of the married.

Scroll down to see beautiful photos from their civil wedding held in Abuja:

Credits:
Couple @itsashleewhite | @theophilussunday
Planner @qmaravieplanners

The post Happily Ever After Begins for Theophilus Sunday & Ashlee | See their Civil Wedding Photos appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

“Jennifer Lopez said her love don’t cost a thing, but is that realistic?” Well, we don’t know, but Akah and Claire Nnani have a thing or two to say about the role of money in love.

In this episode of their podcast, they explore the complex relationship between love and money, sharing their perspectives on how money shapes modern relationships and fulfils individual purposes in marriage. If you are curious about whether people marry for wealth or can be gold diggers in marriage, you shouldn’t miss this episode. 

Watch

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Getting out of your comfort zone, finding happiness, and being big on self-development are some tips Abimbola Craig of “Skinny Girl In Transit” shares on how to navigate singlehood. In addition to insights on personal growth, she provides practical advice on managing your finances and maintaining good health.

Watch!

The post Get in Here! Abimbola Craig is Sharing Pre-Marriage Tips Singles Need To Keep in Mind  appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Conversations around japa have garnered diverse narratives. One, people advise you to have your person before you relocate as it can get very lonely over there. In the same vein, people are having conversations about the impact of japa, new environment and culture on marriages. 

We understand that navigating a new country as a couple can be tough, which is why we’re inviting couples to share their experiences, comparing life in Nigeria versus the country they now reside in. In this 2-part series, we explore issues of love, marriage and japa. First, we talk to Praise and Oluwaseyi Ogunnowo who got married in 2020 and relocated to the Netherlands in 2022 on how they have navigated their marriage in a new land.

Praise and Oluwaseyi

Hello Praise and Oluwaseyi. It’s good to have you both here

Hi BellaNaija, thank you.

Did you get married in Nigeria before relocating, and for how long? 

Oluwaseyi: Yeah, we had our court wedding in October 2020, and we relocated in July 2022 with our son.

Nice! What country?  

Praise: We relocated to the Netherlands in July 2022. We’ve been here for 21 months precisely. 

How did you run your home before leaving?

Praise: It was a breeze. Our son arrived in October 2021, and with both of us working in the tech industry, we primarily worked from home. Seyi had to commute to the office twice a week, but I enjoyed the flexibility of fully remote work with an international company. With the support of our extended family and a nanny who came in daily, we were able to cherish every moment with our baby. As ambitious young parents, we didn’t have to sacrifice our professional careers for family. It truly felt like we were living our dream life.

Oluwaseyi: Before we relocated, we combined our finances. There weren’t any specific expenses each person had to bear and this worked for us. We both worked and so we had a nanny who looked after our baby and after the day’s work, we looked after him.

How has the process of relocating abroad impacted your relationship? Were there any significant challenges, surprises or culture shock you faced during this transition as a couple?

Praise: There were a lot of challenges. Initially, we were thrilled about the prospect of starting our family in the Netherlands (and that excitement remains), but the reality quickly dawned on us. The expenses piled up rapidly, and within three months of relocating, we had depleted all our savings from Nigeria due to lots and lots of monthly bills and excess taxes on everything. We were sad. 

The distance from our families and the responsibility of caring for an eight-month-old child created a lot of strain in our relationship. We had to adapt to this new reality and develop coping mechanisms. Unlike our lifestyle in Nigeria, where we could frequently go out, we found ourselves questioning if we really craved Spaghetti Bolognese or would just save the money for water bills. This placed significant stress on us initially but with time, we acclimated and things improved. We gradually built a social circle, made more friends, met a lot of amazing people, became part of a church community, and eventually, the Netherlands started to feel like home.

Oluwaseyi: Nannies are expensive here so we take care of our son by ourselves. One profound culture shock is the fact that there are wait times for daycare admissions, so we had to wait for some availability before our son got into daycare. That wasn’t the case in Nigeria. Another interesting thing we learned or got accustomed to was making appointments. The Dutch are extremely time-conscious and love making appointments. We’ve had a few scenarios where we had to make appointments well in advance before we got anything done. 

For the first few months, relocating did have some impact on our marriage. For one, arguments became frequent, because the support systems we had in Nigeria – nanny, extended family members – were no longer available. We became responsible for every aspect of our domestic lives and our careers, which can lead to some heated conversations.

Tell us about this impact relocation had on your marriage and one remarkable change you had to make 

Praise: There was a particular moment a few months after our relocation when we found ourselves reevaluating our marriage and the state of our lives. We asked the big, tough questions. We were both on edge, engaging in frequent arguments and disagreements over trivial matters, overwhelmed by the challenges of starting all over again in a foreign land. The constant cycle of job interviews followed by numerous rejections, having to pay heavily for daycare so we could work, learning a new language, and having to spend two times our annual rent in Nigeria on rent monthly here weighed heavily on us. As though that was not enough, despite our decent earnings, we struggled to build any substantial savings. 

However, we swiftly recognised the need to confront these difficulties head-on and, reminding ourselves how God had specifically chosen this place for us, was such a reassuring anchor during those tough times, which was a lot in the beginning.

Oluwaseyi: One remarkable change was that we placed more structure into our finances by assigning expenses to each other. For instance, rent and utilities are taken by one person while black tax and others are taken by the other.

Hmmn, unlike when you were in Nigeria

Exactly!

Now that you’re in the Netherlands, what principles/values guide your marriage and the relationship you have with each other?  

Praise: God helped us, that’s the short answer. Whenever it felt like we were drowning and asking ourselves why we were here, we just had to go back to God’s promises for us and our family and that was how we navigated those seasons in our marriage. We became better for it and stronger. Now, we are beginning to eat the good of the land.

Oluwaseyi: For me, these are the principles: We are Christians, we believe in God and his son, Jesus Christ, and he has helped us through this process. Sticking with the person you made a vow to no matter how hard it gets and always see things from a “we” perspective, not “I”. The woman I married is practically responsible for what I am today. No matter how hard it gets, I will always stick with her. Say sorry, even when you are not at fault.

Do you have any advice for couples planning to relocate?

Praise: Put God first in all you do, it’s a tough world out here. Only move when God says it’s time to go, if not you could be frustrated by all the changes happening too quickly. 

Also, know why you’re doing this in the first place, not just because your friends are relocating or because it seems cool to be an abroad babe. Be grounded in your rationale for moving, because when those tough times come, which they will, fiercely and severely, what would keep you levelled is the “why” behind your relocation.

Oluwaseyi: Be prayerful. Prayer will always give you clarity of thought wherever you need to go. I prayed for months for the opportunity to relocate with my family before it even showed up. Be patient, and do not be desperate, all things are in the hands of God. If he believes it is in your interest to leave where you are, he will create a way. Things will get hard, but make sure your marriage does not fall apart, that can have a lot of consequences. Lastly, do not get married with the hope of relocating shortly after, especially if you do not have the means to yet. That is a wrong premise for any marriage.

Thank you, Praise and Oluwaseyi

Praise and Oluwaseyi: Thank you for having us.

The post Praise & Oluwaseyi Talk to Us About Navigating Life As a Couple in the Netherlands appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It’s been 5 years of marriage for Akah and Claire Nnanin. In this episode, the couple reflects on their journey and asks each other pertinent questions about their love and the changes they’ve experienced.

Find out how 5 years of marriage have shaped Akah and Claire.

Watch

The post “Has Our Love Changed?” Akah & Claire Nnani Reflect on 5 Years of Marriage | Watch appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Emotions play a major role in any relationship, from feeling a twinge of sadness when let down to experiencing joy from pleasant surprises. Emotional connectedness is an important element in every relationship, and it’s quite imperative to understand how to nurture and sustain emotional connections within relationships. But before we explore this topic further, let’s familiarise ourselves with the five love languages – acts of service, gifts, words of affirmation, quality time, and physical touch – that can enhance these connections so that you can determine what makes you feel loved and how you express love. These love languages are effective tools for having deep emotional connections.

With this in mind, here are ways you can develop emotional connection in your relationship:

Through communication

Effective communication goes beyond mere exchanges of words. It’s not just about sharing daily happenings with your partner but about forging a deep, intentional relationship through communication. This involves authentic self-expression, attentiveness, active listening, and importantly, translating words into actions— evidence of true listening.

Communication bridges the gap in a relationship. It provides a medium for unspoken thoughts and emotions to be conveyed – be it through words or actions. Through communication, people feel truly seen, heard and understood.

Manner of resolving conflict

It is commonly believed that how you resolve conflicts in a relationship matters. This rings true, especially in how you communicate or express your feelings to one another during disagreements. Note the emphasis on the “how” rather than the “who.” Relationship conflict resolution is more about the method than assigning blame. Even if you apportion blame rightfully, the key lies in how you both choose to mend the rift. Resolving issues respectfully and amicably would create a deep sense of emotional connection, affirming to each other that your feelings matter.

Intimacy

I opted for the term “intimacy” instead of sexual intercourse, as it’s a choice of word to use when you want to elaborate more on several aspects of emotional connection. Intimacy can be cultivated through communication, maturity, and intentionality. Maturity comes into play when both partners incorporate the practice of intimacy in ways that are mutually beneficial or unique to them intentionality involves actively choosing to engage in these practices. This is where physical touch comes into play With a deep emotional connection, engaging in various forms of intimacy serves to deepen the emotional bond and nurture the relationship.

Respect

Respect lays an unshakeable foundation for any relationship. It is a true test of one’s likeness or love for their partner. Relationships are bound to test the waters once in a while, but having respect for one another holds the fort. Once respect is compromised either through words, action, or inaction, it jeopardises the relationship. Respect is manifested in how partners regard each other and choose to support one another, remaining steadfast despite tempting circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the values initially admired in your partner, preventing them from being undermined.

One way to develop an emotional connection in a relationship is by engaging in shared activities. Whether it’s planned activities like a date or spontaneous activities like an evening stroll. For individuals whose love language is quality time, this becomes an avenue to deepen their emotional connection. It involves dedicating intentional time to enjoy each other’s company.

Emotional connection is the bedrock of any relationship. Without it, the relationship is headed for destruction. It is needed to nurture deep feelings of likeness, love, understanding, peace, and togetherness in any setting of a relationship. This is cultivated through communication where you both feel heard, conflict resolution through effective communication, and intimacy, through shared activities.

***
Feature Image by Polina Tankilevitch for Pexels

The post Comet Nwosu: The Best Ways to Develop Emotional Connectedness appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the #ForeverBliss church wedding and finale. It’s been a wonderful journey of love for Moses Bliss and Marie since they announced their engagement.

For their white wedding, Marie looked elegant in her silk and lace white dress, while Moses Bliss is a dapper groom in his custom ivory suit, complementing his bride in every way. What stood out about this couple is how calm and sweet their love for each other is. Every moment of their wedding is a beautiful reminder of the power of love.

The bride’s look:

 

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The bride walking down the aisle:

 

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The couple announced as husband and wife:

 

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The couple walking down the aisle:

 

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The post The #ForeverBliss Finale! See Beautiful Highlights from Marie & Moses Bliss’ White Wedding appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Beauty Queen and Reality TV star, Queen Mercy Atang is off the singles market!

She took to her Instagram to share pictures announcing her engagement. She wrote, “I said yes to my forever love.”

She shared another post with the full details of the engagement captioning it “God acted according to his timing. I’ve consistently prayed for guidance in building a loving family and fulfilling roles as a wife, mother, and follower of his teachings. His response came in due time. To my dear husband-to-be @iam_kingdaivid I thank you deeply for choosing me, for loving me, and for embracing my family as your own. Your presence has brought immense joy into my life. May God bless you abundantly. I promise to continually pray for blessings upon your life. I love you dearly.

Truly what God cannot do, doesn’t exist. Thank you pastor Jerry Eze. We Dey pray, E Dey show. God is here. Dear Sisters @dr_brightie @singhniniofficial @thejackiebent, we have a wedding to plan.”

See the proposal photos below:

 

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The post “I Said Yes to My Forever Love…” Queen Mercy Atang is Engaged! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Is your best friend meant to be your partner? Can you have a best friend outside of your marriage? What if your best friend is of the opposite sex while you’re married, how can you navigate that?

In this episode, Akah and Claire Nnani explore the complexities and dynamics of best friends in the context of marriages. 

Watch

The post Is Your Partner Meant To Be Your Best Friend? Watch Akah & Claire Nnani Discuss This appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

In a world filled with diverse views on love, from the big weddings to people feeling lonely, and societal pressures leading to an unhealthy fear of missing out (FOMO), the question is: Could this be love?

In their latest YouTube video, Akah and Claire explore this topic and discuss everything about love. 

Watch it here:

The post Akah and Claire Nnani Talk About Love in a New Episode of their Podcast | Watch appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

I had not one, but two unsettling experiences over this past Christmas from ‘online toasters’ that left a sour taste in my mouth. One particular gentleman had been following me since my mission trips, got my number, and introduced himself. Months later, when I was back in Nigeria, he planned to meet up with me. My usual idea for a meet-up involves meeting in a restaurant or a public space, where we can talk and get to know each other better. But this man had different intentions. He had admitted that he was attracted to me, which I appreciated, but come and see somebody I would be meeting for the first time saying an open space wouldn’t provide the kind of ‘ambience’ he wanted with me. Intrigued, I asked him what he meant, and he revealed that he wanted to at least kiss me and even alluded to the possibility of more intimate encounters if I would allow him. I was flabbergasted. What an assumption he made! Guy, I don’t even know you. What makes you think it’s okay to allude to having sex with me the very first time we meet? I found it quite arrogant and presumptuous that he thought he had automatic access to my body. He also mentioned something about me not taking him through the stages of dating, but why would I? At 31 years old, I am not available for casual encounters. Any man who isn’t marriage-minded and intentional about a relationship leading to marriage isn’t on the same wavelength as me. I made it clear that I was not interested in his version of “attraction,” and if meeting up meant something else to him, then we shouldn’t see each other.

Then came another man who shared Christian posts on his page and photos of himself praying. Our first two interactions were sensible, but during the third one, he started alluding to my body, expressing his attraction and talking about sex. I promptly made it clear that there are certain boundaries I won’t cross. While I acknowledge the importance of having conversations about sex and intimacy with a future spouse, this was not the time. To my surprise, his next question was, “When did you know you had big boobs?” Goodness! Is this the type of conversation people engage in when they’re genuinely considering someone for a lifelong commitment? And all of this on the third conversation? I couldn’t help but think that perhaps his bad character and misbehaviour were surfacing in response to my recent prayer, seeking clarity from God about whether this person was worth considering. His rudeness and the way he spoke to me as if it was an entitlement for me to engage in sex talks were completely uncalled for. I have standards, and that kind of discussion won’t be happening here, sir.

I know they say men are moved by what they see, and that’s okay. By all means, be attracted to the woman you are shooting your shot with, but please rein in your lust. If you are truly serious about a woman, discussions about her body and sex should not be the first thing on the agenda. Instead, you would want to know her – her mindset, thoughts, thinking patterns, character, spirituality, and so on. These are the aspects that make her who she is. Compliment her appearance, and tell her she’s beautiful, but there need to be clear boundaries when approaching a woman, especially when you know she isn’t open to casual encounters.

Both incidents I shared above were unbelievable to me, but they indeed happened.

When proposing to a woman, please use the above words to advise yourself and come correct, different from the rest. Do not let lust control you.

I know that we’re all different people and what works for me won’t work for you. Some people are in search of a casual relationship, and it’s okay if that’s what works for you. If you’re seeking something casual, explore the internet or your community where you may find a partner aligned with your desires. My words are written based on the assumption that the men I am addressing are Christian and want something serious like marriage and family with the women they’re pursuing. If this is you, then you need to let go of lust and build a meaningful relationship with the woman you want to be with.

The post Hephzibah Frances: How Can We Let Go of Lust & Build Meaningful Relationships? appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

I have never claimed to be a relationship expert but I am innately a very observant person. It also helped me greatly to have studied Economics because as a social scientist, I’ve an uncanny skill in running socio-cultural diagnostics. So by nature and nurture – I am fascinated with studying human behaviour. The hardest thing to do in the world is probably to advise people in love because you will immediately be labelled as an emissary of their village people. Agur Ben Jakeh, one the renowned sages to walk the earth during his time had this to say about lovebirds, “there be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: the way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.”

The Nigerian experience leaves me in stitches just as much as it makes me scratch my head. I took a look at the timeline and I deconstructed a few thematic touchpoints that seem to be recurring signatures in most relationships. This is light-hearted stuff. If I were you, I wouldn’t take them too seriously but if you find gems therein, good. It was William Shakespeare, author of the book on famed lovers, Romeo & Juliet that submitted, “Many a true word is spoken in jest”.

Let The Singles Breathe!

We single pringles have to come together and stage a united front against these oppressors on the timeline. Once you come online, the next thing you will see is, “My husband this” and “My wife that” – abeg na single we single, we no kee person. If it’s not a PDA, it’s matching pyjamas. This is one of the reasons this country is not moving forward, in a place where there is little or no social justice – how can those not in romantic relationships survive? I think we urgently need a constitutional review, this gengen-pressing by booed-up folks should be against the law. Dear Mr & Mrs, we gather dey for the matter – don’t suffocate us!

So What Are We?

Whether this question is a great or dumb one depends on when it’s being asked. If you ask at the start, smart. If you ask the morning after, dumb. Let me give you some street OT; most people don’t like to buy a cow when they can get the milk for free. If you cannot define your relationship before the fact, otilo! After dem don chop your nwkobi on code, you have little or no negotiating power. That’s why some people stay in situationships they don’t like because they feel they have already given up something precious. You need to be heavy on having uncomfortable conversations, if the other person is meant for you – direct questions shouldn’t scare anyone away.

Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again

This happens across the board but because of its prevalence amongst the other gender, I will talk to them directly instead of cutting through the corners. Dear sisters, in this 2024, enough of fighting your fellow women over a randy man! Stop embarrassing yourself and your family on Obasanjo’s internet, have some self-respect. A real man will never put you in a position where you have to figure out whether you are the one or the side piece. Isn’t it cringe-worthy to see ladies brawling over a full-grown adult who chose to exercise his human agency? It’s peak delulu! There is nothing like “stealing” your man, don’t make those silly excuses for him – cheating is a decision. Unfortunately, you ended up with a community penis.

Agba Rizzler

Some people’s rizz game is wild; they can sell ice to an Eskimo if given a chance. The problem with some of these smooth talkers is that there is a world of difference between what they say and what they are. Packaging na your mate? Dey play my fans! This sounds quite counter-intuitive, especially coming from someone who has the gift of the garb. I can tell you for free that such charm can be weaponized in relationships. It typically ends in a case of what you ordered vs what you got. When you meet such people who bombard you with endless lamba, like one great man would always say, “Go and verify!”

All These Elon Musk Boys

For most guys with little funds dating pretty babes, those relationships are endangered species except say you hold your side. Small relationship wey you dey use see front, dem go follow you drag am. You see all these IJGB guys, too much Pounds & Dollars dey body – mandem always in the black with a sprinkle of roadman accent. Dem sabi trigger release clause anyhow, even when the transfer window don close. Enough BTC dey their wallet, dem no dey fear to chest billing. The way Pablos dey spend for their Oloris na highest. If your babe tell you say she go do Valentine for her uncle place, especially the one wey she use Alhaji, Lekki or Pluto take save him name, just know say she went on loan – she go soon come back to her parent club. Now, I’m not saying she’s a gold digger but she’s not messing with no broke guys.

Podcasters Isonu

The worst thing you can do to yourself is to take relationship advice from some of these folks who set up ring lights to cap on a regular. Understand that they will say anything for clout because they are looking for clicks, brownie points, subscription numbers and a viral social media clip or soundbite. If they have to say dumb things to achieve their goal, they will do it and the joke is on you. After all the I-can’t-cook-for-anybody rogbodiyan online, aunty don switch to Hilda Baci pro max offline. Person wey dey preach body positivity that year don go do BBL. People wey dey show us their process of becoming don dey act in ways that are unbecoming of road models and menthols. Baddies wey dey form Agojie online that year don dey date glucose guardian offline. Wahalurr!

House Parties?

This is a table many people don’t want to shake but I won’t spare its last leg. You see some of these so-called house parties? It’s mostly a euphemism for mekwe, drugs and booze. If your boo is always so excited about attending such, just find out wetin dey sup because some of these events are low-key sneaky links where there is genital meet and greet on a fetish level. Don’t ask me how I know this, I can neither confirm nor deny who my source is.

You Are A Bad Boy!

This one is for my gender. Especially those that have carried many girls handicap under the guise of “our wife”. Weh done sirs. You people lead babes on and even have the audacity to introduce her to your friends, who are usually in on the scam. If you want to be polygamous, do it with your full chest – you don’t have to allow people to invest emotions, time and energy in what they consider a fledging relationship only to serve them a cold breakfast when they least expect it.

Talking Stage

Some of you are technically single although it seems you’re in a relationship. Some people are skilled in wasting your time; they don’t want you, they just don’t want others to have you. Others show just enough interest in you so that they can always bill you or curry favours from you. Such people love you for what you represent, not who you are. That’s why the person you ended it with showed up on Instagram with another lover in a heartbeat, you were just a prop – a means to an end.

Don’t Go Back For Closure!

Sometimes cut your losses, take your L and keep it moving. The idea of returning to your ex or estranged lover doesn’t always bode well. Not to rule out the possibility of forgiveness or second chances but that person is your ex for a reason. Many people are stuck in situationships today because they went to look for something that was not lost. Okafor’s Law could come into play and it may blur your ability to see things clearly. There mustn’t be any explanation; what you’ll almost certainly get is gaslighting and emotional blackmail – what happened happened. Don’t reject the evidence of your eyes and ears, it is what it is.

An epistle of St. Mfon to the brethren in the struggle: to the ladies, make sure your king has a dream. To the guys, make sure your queen can hold her own like a Coretta. Until you find that special somebody, no gree for anybody!

The post Mfonobong Inyang: Love Requires Street OT These Days appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Photo from PEOPLE Magazine

After his showstopping performance at the Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, Usher and his longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea made their way to Vegas Weddings’ drive-thru tunnel known as The Fast Lane. With close friends and family surrounding them, the couple exchanged their wedding vows, and Usher’s mother, Jonetta Patton, stood as their witness., according to PEOPLE magazine.

Speaking with PEOPLE about his relationship with Goicoechea, Usher said, “Listen, when you find someone that you know is a great partner, of course, it is an honour and a pleasure to be able to share life with someone who wants to share it with you and loves you, who you are. We’ve obviously made a commitment to live for life together because of our children. It wouldn’t be odd for us to get married. We already did here. You know what I’m saying?”

See photos from the wedding below:

 

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The post Usher and His Longtime Girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea Are Married! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It’s Valentine’s Day! We know it is an occasion that’s just meant for lovers, but then what can the singles do other than breathe?

Well, here’s the thing: even if you don’t have a significant other yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in your special way. For starters, you are here, that’s worthy, and you can make do with the day any way you want. You can decide to indulge in some romantic novels, we’ve made a list for you here. You can catch up on a series or even rewatch your favourite movies. What about that online course that’s got a few modules to go, now you can finish it. Here’s an even cool thing to do, you could create a playlist filled with your favourite songs, and order some sweet Jollof Rice for an accompaniment.

The key is to embrace the day with self-love and enjoyment. Valentine’s Day is a chance to celebrate love in all its forms, including your love for yourself. So whatever you’ll be doing tomorrow, just ensure you do it to celebrate YOU.

We asked BNers about their Valentine’s Day plans, and here’s what some of them will be doing. Some responses will make you laugh:

“Work. Sweet red wine. Serial killer documentary. Turkey and chips, and a good night’s rest.” – @obeghii

“I’ll buy a bottle of coke, cheers to myself for how far I’ve come from last year’s Valentine ” – @wendyokirie

“Getting a cake, I already got a wine. Celebrating how far I have gotten in life and the Goodness of God in my life. And nevertheless I will be Celebrating some wonderful friends I’ve got.” – @tammymirabel

“……. I will be editing pictures at home sipping some whisky and playing music … one man party.” – @3pleshotworldwide

“It’s my birthday so it has always been about me from day one.” – @being_chidinma

“It’s my wonderful brother-in-law’s birthday too. I have a vigil tonight and work briefly tomorrow morning. When I return, I will sleep, wake up, do one or two, then goan shop and head to their house to celebrate with him and his family. I will sleep there. With family. And Jesus. Because Jesus is my Guy. Nobody can oppress me! ” – @victoria simon

“I will go to church for Ash Wednesday and have a small gathering of single friends to celebrate.” – @Janelle 

The Netflix and Chill gang

“I should do a lot of netflixing tomorrow. Binge watching!” – @adetunji adeoye

“Netflix and prayers.” – @mhiz_chyamaka

“Netflix and chill oo.” – @moraahyo

“Work. Eat chocolates. Netflix and chill.” – @sewapelumi 

At BN, we’ll have a party celebrating Valentine’s Day. So get your dancing shoes ready to groove at 8 pm with Tobi Peter.

Featured image by Alleksana for Pexels  

The post See How BellaNaijarians Are Planning to Spend their Valentine’s Day appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

In celebration of the season of love, premium cream liqueur brand, Baileys has crafted the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat to elevate your celebrations and achieve a truly indulgent Valentine’s Day.

Baileys — your partner-in-pleasure and moments of indulgence- has curated a guide to help you go beyond the ordinary with experiences that are sure to indulge the senses of you and your loved ones.

Here are 5 Tips for an indulgent Valentine’s Day, #From Baileys with Love:

Couples Spa Date? Yes Please!
If physical touch is your love language, this one’s for you! Indulge yourselves this Valentine’s with some couples R&R, designed for ultimate relaxation and connection because let’s face it, what’s better than being waited on hand and foot?

Capture Your Love in a Bottle (No, not Nollywood style)
If you could tell your love story with a scent, what would it be? Craft a unique fragrance that captures the essence of your love, providing a personalized and sentimental gift that will forever remind you both of this special day.

Picture Perfect Love story
Picture this, just you and your loved one all cosy and cuddled up with your favourite film, indulging in all your favourite treats. Give your loved one the gift of quality time this Valentine’s with a private movie date and let the sparks fly!

Two Words: Private-Chef
This one is for the foodies, treat lovers and the ones whose stomachs are a pathway to their hearts. Turn on the heat this Valentine’s with private a three-course dinner prepared by one of Nigeria’s finest culinary maestros. Should you decide to DIY, here’s a tip: keep aside some money for take-out!

Live music isn’t Overdone If You Do it Right
Take your special someone out to enjoy a live musical performance this Valentine’s. Throw in a cheeky little song request for that smooth finish and serenade your loved one with their favourite melody. Even if your voice croaks, this is guaranteed to set their heart aflutter.

Big Bonus Tip: Follow the hashtag #FromBaileysWithLove and discover how to win one of these curated experiences for yourself and your special someone this Valentine’s courtesy of @baileysnigeria

+18 Drink Responsibly.

Sponsored Content

The post 5 Tips for an Indulgent Valentines Day, From Baileys With Love appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ever wondered what you should and shouldn’t do during the talking stage? Especially that stage that feels like dating but isn’t quite dating? Well, Laju Iren has you covered.

In this video, she shares tips on navigating the talking stage and also how to transition from just talking to establishing a real relationship.

Watch it here:

The post Laju Iren Talks About the Do’s & Don’ts of The Talking Stage | Watch appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

To win Infinix’s newest HOT 40 smartphone, share your #LoveThruTime on social media. To participate:

• Follow @InfinixNigeria
• Share a throwback video or picture of you and your bae.
• Caption with a sweet story of how you met and use the hashtags #LoveThruTime, #NostalgicLoveMoments, and #LoveThruTime.

Entries close on February 13th.

Infinix’s Season of Love: Win Over 600,000 Naira Worth of Prizes

Infinix is set to sweeten the deal with over 600,000 Naira in gifts for walk-in shoppers!

• From now until February 29, 2024, buy any Infinix HOT 40, Note 30, or Zero 30 smartphone model and receive instant gifts.
• You also automatically enter the raffle to win over 600,000 Naira worth of prizes for you and your loved ones.
• The raffle draw will be done across the seven regions on February 29th. One winner will be selected from each region to win the grand prize.

You also get amazing discounts on Hot 30 series models during the love season.

Promo Period runs from February 1st, 2024, to February 29th, 2024.

For more details and information on all promos, follow Infinix Nigeria on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

Sponsored Content

The post Celebrate Love With Infinix: Here’s a Chance to Win an Infinix HOT 40 Smartphone and Other Exciting Prizes appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Filmmaker and author of “Dating Intelligently: A Common Sense Guide to Courtship,” Laju Iren has released a new vlog. In this episode, she shares the lessons she has learned over her nine years of marriage. She emphasizes the importance of putting God first, showing gratitude towards your partner when they make an effort, and tailoring the advice you receive to the unique circumstances of your marriage.

Watch the video below:

The post 9 Years of Marital Bliss… Laju Iren Shares Lessons Learned in Almost a Decade of Marriage appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

You have heard of the “understanding girlfriend,” but have you heard of the “understanding friend”? If this piques your curiosity and you squint to create a mental image, an image of me wearing an endurance-green cape, untidy hair, and a forced wide smile with arms akimbo should flash through.

Perhaps that’s a little too much exaggeration. However, one would know this title has been accorded to you when you are lying on a hospital bed, and your three friends start making flimsy excuses for why they cannot stay with you, ending each reason with “I’m sure you’d understand.” Not minding that, weeks before then, you had slipped and sprained your ankle while rushing from class to the hostel to tend to one of them at the request of their fellow hostel mates who deemed you the only one who would know what to do. Or that when that weird illness that hit the hostels affected two of them during a school test, you shuttled from test halls to restaurants and the hospital every day for five days because no one else was there for them. 

You’d also know when that one friend only remembers to call you when they are in a fix and need clarity or support. They start and end each call with, “Only you understand me,” but your invitation gets lost when they celebrate a milestone. Surely you’d know when you work on a project with that friend and are excited for the opportunities that may come with it for you both, but on its release, your name is yanked off and replaced with a popular name. They also come bearing “I know you understand my reasons.” You should know by then, or you’d wait for more occurrences to snap out of your denial.

It’s a good thing that I can now look back at the unnerving memories and laugh at what I’d refer to as my sweet innocence. This innocence was not a lack of judgment; if anything, it was my non-judgmental quality tilting towards empathy that took more space than cynicism. 

It was how I was raised. We did not have a specific term for it, nevertheless, my parents valued courteousness and empathy over cynicism and criticism. So, I was taught the art of it: to listen, be open-minded, be less cynical, and be gracious and understanding. I was constantly reminded that we all come from different backgrounds, with different circumstances, and we process things differently. Therefore, it seemed right to consider these factors when interacting with people, before writing a person off or passing judgment. As I grew, it evolved from an intentional practice to becoming an essential part of my identity.

Internalising this quality was a great thing for me, at first. I recognised earlier in life how limiting being cynical and judgmental can be, both for individuals and society at large. That instant assessment and categorisation of people, especially when done based on aged rules or knowledge that were specifically created for a certain era, has lulled us, collectively, into a false sense of morality. One devoid of humanity. I detested the prejudice and meanness that this act birthed, hindering individuals from acknowledging the humanity in others. Also, it hindered us from experiencing and enjoying the magic, richness, and beauty that others carry, or that could be unlocked when we hold hands with open hearts. It brought me peace to know I did not have to carry that negativity. Along with this, there was the happiness and magic I got to find in others and, they, in me. For my kind of person, it brought me so much joy to see people feel safe and seen with just a simple act of listening or kindness — however brief. 

The perks of it augmented in my early adulthood, extending from peace, shared happiness, and magic, to enhancing my personal growth. It afforded me knowledge, sharpened listening and communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. I navigated that phase, my friendships, and other relationships with these qualities, and I believe that’s what accorded me the “understanding friend” title.

For me, that term manifested as that friend who always makes room for their friends—listening to their words and the silences in between, recognising their struggles, excusing their errors, indulging their excessiveness, being gracious with time, actions, and words. Through this, offering them more or less a safe space to recognise their essence and thrive. Because, you know, they are friends. Or, so I thought.

Alas, that wasn’t how I was regarded. To some, I was only that go-to person when they needed peace and help. To others, I was the “understanding friend” with the silent mumu prefix. It appeared that some perceived my understanding as a weakness to be exploited. The shocker was realising that others interpreted my “understanding friend” quality as introversion, acquiescence, cowardice, or autophobia. Thus, an invitation to treat me poorly. It became a “treat her anyhow, beggars can’t be choosers” situation.

Good grief! That realisation stung.

It turned out that in my effort to see and honour other people’s humanity, I had mine stripped off and ripped off. I became an object of convenience, an emotional dumping ground and a crisis Santa box. As painful and personal as this experience is, it is not peculiar to me—it’s common amongst people who imbibe the various cultures of kindness. This leaves me wondering if people indeed value kindness like we often hear. Or, have we internalised lingos like “all man for himself” and its other variations so much that we’d prioritise personal gains at the detriment of others or the future? 

I say this because those experiences had me losing faith in humanity, as it did for others too. I could excuse it when it happened with acquaintances, but with friends, and on multiple occasions? This mumu cup had to pass over me. I locked myself in my ready-to-wear armour of introversion and built a wall of heated iron bars and spikes from anger and cynicism. I became inaccessible and shut my senses to both the rich and harsh realities of others in an attempt to preserve my energy and heart.

But there is this double-edged sword phenomenon that ensures that one thing cannot fully be of immense benefits and a source of bliss; it leaves room for dicey episodes. And just as I realised that “understanding” was a quality, I also realised that this wall, created as a means of protection, had locked me away from my humanity. As I shut my senses, I was shutting my core. These qualities of being understanding and kind, as a friend or acquaintance, were not just skills or roles, they were inherently me, and ignoring them meant losing myself.

With this realisation came the need to find a balance between allowing myself to be and protecting myself from energy vampires. I had to learn boundaries, but not without forgiving myself and others. I had to let go of the anger.

To establish these boundaries, I had to learn to prioritise myself, affirming that I deserve every good that I put out and more. I acknowledged that my feelings, comfort, and happiness matter, and not only do I owe them to myself, but to be with people who recognise this. 

I also had to identify my emotional triggers and limits. Another challenge of being understanding was the emotional turbulence and feelings of helplessness triggered by absorbing too many emotions and stories from others. I resolved that to be truly myself and be valuable to anyone, I needed to be whole — happy, sane, and healthy.

This resolution facilitated my ability to set and enforce boundaries in friendships, other relationships, and everyday dealings. I knew to curb the urge to ask “how’ and “why” in certain discussions, confidently say “no” to requests that might discomfort or drain me, and swiftly remove myself from disrespectful or exploitative situations. I could still be understanding of people’s situations, remain non-judgmental and kind, while also refusing to be participatory in their unpleasant behaviours. 

The best part was learning how to choose genuine friends who value me for who I am. It is an absolutely beautiful feeling to have that one or two persons who are not only grateful for our friendship, but mirror every bit of kindness back to me in their incredible ways. This is the beautiful version of friendship I live for now – to like and be liked, to understand and be understood.

I still reap the other rewards from the growth that being understanding affords me, and I’m glad I didn’t let those experiences deny me my humanity and these rewards. Yet, I think of other people with similar experiences and their attitudes towards kindness and humanity now. Are they finding a balance, or is the supply of kindness and humanity diminishing?

***

Feature Image by Mary Taylor for Pexels

The post Ariyike Olayiwola: Does It Really Pay to Be The Understanding Friend? appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Fisayo Longe, the founder of Kai Collective, recently sat down with social media sweethearts, Toni Tone and Taye, on “Only Feelings Are Real,” a series by Kai Collective centered around human relationships and conversations.

In this first episode with Fisayo and Folabi, Toni Tone and Taye talk about their love life, and how they make their long distance relationship.

Watch the video below:

The post Toni Tone & Taye talk Love & Navigating a Long Distance Relationship on “Only Feelings Are Real” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It was attended by a who’s who of Nigerian celebrities, including Mercy Eke, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo and Lucy Edet. The guests were all dressed to impress, and there were some truly show-stopping fashion moments.

The Couple

 

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A post shared by OMASHOLA KOLA OBUROH (@sholzy23)

 

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Guests

 

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The post Catch Some of Your Faves at Omashola & Britnee’s Wedding | #Sholiza2023 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

 

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Jolly as ever, Enioluwa captions his Instagram post thus

Took this girl out on a shopping date
the things I do for charity!

The video begins with their exciting meet-up at PriscyLuxe as Priscy welcomes Eni with a cheerful hug; they proceed to some shopping outlets and end the day at the Nigerian Premiere of Queen B’s Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce.

Hit the button below to watch:

 

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A post shared by Adeoluwa Prince Enioluwa (@enioluwaofficial)

Then, in the comments section, the conversation below has gotten lots of exciting commentary from fans who have been (lowkey) wishing for their sensational friendship to blossom into something more romantic.

Are you, dear BellaNaijarian, a Priscy-Eni shipper?

 

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A post shared by Priscilla Ajoke Ojo (@its.priscy)

Credits: @its.priscy x @enioluwaofficial

The fun doesn’t stop here, visit www.bellanaijastyle.com for more on African fashion and lifestyle now!

The post Is The Most Anticipated Gen Z ‘Ship’ Of The Year Taking Off Soon? See Why Eni & Priscy’s Fans Are Elated appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Toni Omotola Adenle, known professionally as Toni Tone, recently shared a peek into a special day in her life on her Instagram page.

From starting the day off on an outing to Harrods with bae (Taiwo Ogebule, popularly known as TayeNaija/Taye9ja) and trying their yummy cuisine to spending the Night at a 50 Cent concert, this is a fun update you don’t want to miss. So, hit the button below to watch:

 

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Toni Tone is a British-Nigerian author and content creator while Taye9ja is a US-based content creator known for his funny and creative video content on TikTok.

Credit: @t0nit0ne

The fun doesn’t stop here, visit www.bellanaijastyle.com for more on African fashion and lifestyle now!

The post Spend A Day With TayeNaija & Toni Tone Featuring Drake, The Rock & 50 Cent | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Congratulations to MBGN World 2017 and Miss Universe Nigeria 2023, Mitchel Ihezue, and the Chairman/CEO of SNECOU Group Limited, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, as they officially begin their forever journey together. They gave us a lot of beauty to admire as they tied the knot at their lovely wedding.

The couple were surrounded by their loved ones as they got married. From the engagement party to the lively wedding reception. And that unexpected present from Prince Nicholas’ family? Absolutely sweet!

Enjoy Mitchel and Prince Nicholas’ wedding highlights below…

The Introduction

 

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The White Wedding

 

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The Reception

 

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A sweet surprise from the groom’s children to the bride

 

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The post Beauty Queen Mitchel Ihezue & Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu’s Wedding Was a Sweet Celebration of Love | See Highlights appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

If you’re thinking about moving in with a friend, have ever shared apartments or have someone in your circle who is considering sharing apartments, you should check out this post.

British-Nigerian content creators — Uche Natori and Wunmi Bello share their neighbourly story on the latest episode of The Wunmi Bello Show. For nearly 2 years, these black beauties were flatmates, and what started as a “Content House” became so much more, even a “Therapy House”.

See their trailer below

 

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They break down what living together as creators, especially creators who started on YouTube was really like.

Was it easy for them? What did they learn about life? What did they learn about each other? What strengthened their relationship? What pulled them apart? How did they evolve? What does one need to know before living with a friend? This was their reality.

Join Uche and Wunmi for this girly chat about the power of allowing our friends be themselves, growing at the same and/or different paces, navigating difficult conversations and finding your feet as a creator on YouTube.

Hit the button below to watch:

Credits

Wunmi Bello

@wunmibello x. @thewunmibelloshow

@uchjn

Looking for more African fashion and lifestyle updates? Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com now!

The post Living With A Friend: Nigerian Creators — Uche Natori & Wunmi Bello Share Their Experiences | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Can you share a little about how you first met and what attracted you to each other?

Betty Irabor: Soni and I met in 1982 at an album launch where I was working as a Public Relations Officer in Surulere and got married a year later, on July 29, 1983, at the Ikoyi registry with a few of our friends as guests. The attraction was his kindness and charm.

Soni Irabor: I met her in 1982. She invited media practitioners to an album launch sponsored by the PR company where she worked, VOO Ltd. I was attracted to her beauty and dashing smile.

Over the past 40 years, what are some of the most memorable moments you’ve shared as a couple?

Betty Irabor: As you would imagine, there have been so many happy memories, like the first time I held my first child in my arms, followed by when my pregnancy test was positive after a long wait for my second child. Those are unforgettable memories most mothers can relate to. There have been other precious memories of parenthood, building dreams, and charting courses together.

Soni Irabor: Travelling together, socialising together, and those precious moments when the children were born.

Marriage comes with its share of challenges. How have you navigated through tough times, and what have you learned from those experiences?

Betty Irabor: Navigating life together is like navigating land mines; we try not to step on the explosives of unguarded emotions, especially in difficult times. “Be angry, but do not sin” is a Bible passage that comes to mind, especially in difficult times. Communication is a vital aspect of marriage, so we try to communicate and talk things through without resorting to any form of verbal violence. Over the years, we have upped our skills in conflict resolution, so we don’t have as many roforofo squabbles as we used to. Communication is a major key to a sane marriage. We also try to manage our expectations of each other. What I have learned is that when you put too much pressure on each other, resentment easily sets in. In tough times, we have found solace in each other.

Soni Irabor: Forgiveness, friendship, love, no malice, trust and understanding, compassion, and respect. We have never fought, I’m happy to reveal.

How do you keep the romance and connection alive after 40 years?

Betty Irabor: To be very honest, it’s very difficult to kindle and rekindle the romance in any marriage, especially going into decades like ours, but we keep doing those things that we love and enjoy.

Soni Irabor: Same answer as 3 above, coupled with the fact that no external influences (even though many have tried!) have been allowed to affect our relationship.

What inspired you to decide on a vow renewal for your 40th anniversary?

Betty Irabor: Looking back at all we have been through, we survived depression, a stroke, and other things we’d rather not talk about, so I thought, Hey, let’s do something fun like a vow renewal for our 40th anniversary! And Soni was game. Sometimes, men just go ahead with their wives’ plans to avoid trouble! But I think he enjoyed every moment of the celebration.

Soni Irabor: It was a refreshing and reassuring thought, and both agreed.

How did you feel about reaffirming your love and commitment in front of your friends and family?

Betty Irabor: It was beautiful. I loved the solemnity of it all. It was good to be reminded of those vows again.

Soni Irabor: It was a happy moment, especially seeing some of our old friends who were with us for the first time.

Tell us about the Docu-series “The Irabors, Forever After” and what inspired you to share your journey with the world

Betty Irabor: “The Irabors Forever After” on Africa Magic captures precious moments and major milestones in our marriage. It is unscripted and unfiltered in its authenticity. It is Soni and I opening our world to our viewers without attempting to change any narrative on marriage. The series is captivating because we are very open about our most vulnerable moments. Every marriage has ups and downs, and ours is no exception. Viewers who have experienced these types of challenges or any other can relate. It’s a celebration of friendship, love, family, and marriage. The high point of the series is the 40th anniversary/renewal of vows ceremony, where family and friends turned up to honour one of theirs. Its relatability and originality are the strongest points of “The Irabors forever after.”

Soni Irabor: Betty convinced me. We felt it would be inspiring for others to share in our adventure. Seeing how two regular souls can make things work through thick and thin.

How do you envision the next chapter of your life together?

Betty Irabor: God willing, we pray for good health of mind and body. We hope to reap more of our labour. We look forward to years of even better friendships and perhaps more adventures exploring some places we said we would but didn’t quite get around to. I am toasting to forever after.

Soni Irabor: Growing old together. Share our moments and memories through our journey together with younger people who may be challenged by the changing fortunes of time. The world is indeed changing!

If there’s something you’ve had to re-do in your marriage in the last 40 years, what would it be?

Betty Irabor: Believe more in his dreams, just as he did mine. Be more intentional about living a healthy and joyful life. I wish I lived more in the moment rather than in the past and future.

Soni Irabor: Maybe how better to make my family (wife and children) even happier.

What’s something you would love to share with the audience and followers that wasn’t aired on the docu-series or that we do not know about?

Betty Irabor: I am a bad cook.

Soni Irabor: I no know o! Love rekindled? Fun and laughter? We always had those, but we became more engrossed in our quest to exhale.

How have your priorities and goals as a couple changed over the years, and how have you supported your individual growth and aspirations?

Soni Irabor: Cherishing our talents and allowing each other to breathe. We believe in each other.

Share a piece of wisdom that you think is particularly important for a successful and lasting marriage.

Betty Irabor: Build your marriage on truth and trust.

Soni Irabor: ‘If you worry, you die; if you don’t worry, you die. So why worry?’ I got that from an old friend many years ago. Respect yourself, respect your spouse, and give each other the benefit of the doubt. You do not own the monopoly of wisdom. Be truthful, and treat those around you with respect. It will come back to you. If you sing the same song in a shouting match, you won’t know which one is mad! Silence has power, especially when applied appropriately.

Credits:

Bride: @bettyirabor
Groom: @iraborsoni
Creative direction & Styling: @hfstylebook
Photography: @emmanueloyeleke @eopstudios
Make-up: @bimpeonakoya
Hair: @zubbydefinition
Gele artist: @dbellezza_gele

Betty

Black and gold dress: @lanredasilvaajayi
Black dress: @orireofficial
Shoes & Accessories: @hfstylecloset

Soni

Two-piece: @sisiano
Traditional attire: @kinghakbal
Coral beads: @hseofpambal_fabrics
Shoes: @atafo__
Fashion assistant: Joy Ibeakanma

The post 40 Years After Saying ‘I Do’ and The Irabors’ Love is Still as Bright As Day! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It was a typical day on X, (formerly Twitter) until a tweeter started a thread: “Married men rizz? Let’s go.” It didn’t take long for people to begin quoting the tweet with screenshots of chats and funny videos. At first, it was all funny to me until the realisation set in: the world is lacking trust.

Married men rizz? Let’s go

— Jery (@OmonaOJ) November 1, 2023

I believe one of the days I’d cherish so much on earth is the day I get married. I dream of being with a partner who would challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and be a better version of myself. But, sometimes, social media cruise – especially when it has to do with love and relationships – makes me rethink the thought of marriage. People say social media is not real life but those chats were exchanged between real people; one who made a till death do us part agreement with another, and the other who was probably in search of something genuine. I know the kind of person I want to be in my marriage and it is definitely not a husband that has cheating rizz.

People go into marriage because they trust their partners to protect them. Vows are taken at the altars, promises are made to each other, and rings are exchanged. But one of the partners breaks these promises, chases after other women or men, and sometimes tells lies about their partners and family, and then we call it rizz. I understand that marriage can sometimes be complicated but there’s a casualness with which we talk about cheating – like something that just happens; like it isn’t that big of a deal. But that’s not true, there is a lot of chasing and convincing involved. And that is what we call rizz. I am no marriage counsellor, but it doesn’t take one to understand that there’s nothing right or funny about cheating on one’s partner, no matter how perfect the toasting lines are, or how light we try to make it sound on social media. 

I believe we should try and be better as humans. And issues like ‘married men or women rizz’ should get us baffled and even worried, not entertained. We never can tell, that screenshot you just scrolled past and kiki-ed to might be from your partner. Everything is cruise until it is not.

Trust should be the bedrock of cherished relationships. Marriage is a union founded on vows and promises and is meant to be a haven of love, respect, and personal growth. We should be deeply concerned by the decline of trust and encourage one another to be better and do right by our spouses. I believe there should be a collective commitment to preserving the sanctity of marriage and nurturing the bonds we hold dear to have a genuine, lasting love.

***

Feature image by Alex Green from Pexels

The post Should the “Married Men Rizz” Thread Be Considered Entertaining? appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Photo Credit: @jimmieakinsola

Jay-Jay and Nkechi Okocha went all out for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. The vow renewal took place in the breathtaking backdrop of The Maldives, where the couple also marked Nkechi’s milestone 50th birthday.

Jay-Jay and Nkechi reaffirmed their vows in the presence of their closest friends and family members. The star-studded guest list included notable figures like DJ Obi, Patoranking, Jimmie Akinsola, Praiz, and Ezinne Chinkata, who all came together to share in the joyous occasion.

It was a night filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, as the couple celebrated a quarter-century of marital bliss. Here’s to many more years of happiness for Jay-Jay and Nkechi Okocha!

See highlights from the vow renewal below:

 

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The post Jay-Jay and Nkechi Okocha’s Vow Renewal in The Maldives Was Beautiful appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

It’s no longer news that Dimma is a bride-to-be, and by popular demand, the lifestyle and beauty vlogger is sharing an interesting story on how her proposal went.

Watch:

The post Dimma Umeh Spills the Beans on Her Surprise Proposal in New Vlog appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Watch:

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Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola, who are engaged to be married, shared some candid insights about their wedding planning process and got some marriage tips from their first-ever guest, renowned poet and speaker Suli Breaks.

They also touched on the division of tasks in wedding planning, shedding light on their unique perspectives.

Watch:

The post Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola Get Candid About Their Wedding Plans in New Episode of the “How Far?” Podcast appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Eko Hotels and Suites came alive on Saturday as the children of Oba Gbadebo Adedotun, the revered Alake of Egba Land, Babatunde Gbadebo, Dr.Dolapo Gbadebo, Niyi Gbadebo and Nekan Gbadebo, organized a magnificent celebration to mark his 80th birthday.

The event, attended by dignitaries, royals, and well-wishers from across the nation, was a show-stopping tribute to the monarch’s enduring legacy.

Oba Gbadebo Adedotun, who ascended the throne as the 10th Alake of Egba Land in 2005, has been a symbol of unity, tradition, and progress in the region. His 80th birthday celebration was a testament to his long and impactful reign.

The Royal Ball, held at the grand Eko Convention Centre featured a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting Oba Gbadebo Adedotun’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity.

The evening began with a colorful procession, led by African Contemporary dancers, showcasing the rich color and artistry of the African people. Guests were also treated to amazing sounds, tunes and performances by Ara, Remmy Chanter and ICE, who thrilled the guests and left them mesmerized. One of the highlights of the night was Chef Hayato Morita and his royal service to the King.

The night was beautifully curated with heartfelt speeches and tributes offered by prominent individuals, including the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu. Other attendees included business tycoons such as Aliko Dangote, Wale Tinubu, Didi Ndioumu, Barry Ndiomu, Adesegun Oniru, Remi Adetayo, Toye Okanlawon, Akin Odunsi, Danny Kioupouroglou, and many more. They praised Oba Gbadebo Adedotun’s unwavering dedication to the development of his people and his commitment to the progress of the country.

One of the monarch’s four sons, Prince Tunde Gbadebo, spoke on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. He thanked his father for instilling in him and his brothers the values of loyalty, family, integrity, and hard work, saying,

He has been a source of inspiration to us all.

The 80th birthday celebration of Oba Gbadebo Adedotun at Eko Hotels served as a reminder of the enduring importance of culture and traditional institutions. It was an occasion that not only honored a distinguished monarch but also united people from diverse backgrounds in celebration of their shared heritage.

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Looking even more radiant this year, the Paris-trained portrait photographer clocked 40 and remarked:

It took me 40 years to look this good. 

 

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We love how she’s telling a different narrative of the ageing tale. Ageing doesn’t have to be negative, it can come with positive and even more attractive changes based on better choices. Just take a look at how stunning Eleanor looks serving this tremendous self-care inspiration of the week, talk about 40 and fabulous!

 

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Shot by her assistant Majestic Visuals, Eleanor partners again with her brilliant fashion designer and sister-in-law — Oluwakemi Goodey of Heiress Couture Nigeria for her most stunning shoot yet, featuring Kemi herself and Eleanor’s charming damsels who have both stamped indelible face cards in our memories from their viral moments in the spotlight at Mum’s studio.

Keep scrolling for an eyes feast:

 

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In an Instagram caption, Eleanor wrote about her adorable relationship with Kemi

Special thanks to Kemi @heiresscouturenigeria my business partner and sister-in-law, because some of the successes we have enjoyed in business have been as a result of the alignment and synergy between us!!

Keep scrolling for more

 

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Seeing how pretty Eleanor looked for her 40th birthday shoot is such an encouragement for what’s attainable when we take better care of ourselves, cheers to Beauty Preservation.

 

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Credits

Muses: @eleanorgoodeyphotography, @kemigoodey
Styling: @kemigoodey
Outfit: @heiresscouturenigeria
Hair: @tobbiestouch
Makeup: @oshewabeauty, and @sutchaygallery
Okuku: @pees_touch
Shot by: @majesticvisuals_

Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com to stay up to date with the latest in African fashion and lifestyle

The post ‘It Took Me 40 Years To Look This Good’. Anti-ageing/Pro-ageing? Take A Look At This! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Love is definitely in the air as Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola, our favourite power couple, just dropped a set of black-and-white pics that are melting hearts all over the internet. These snaps not only signal a fresh season of their popular podcast, “How Far?“, but they also serve up a hefty dose of cuteness.

In these adorable photos, you can practically feel the sparks flying between them. Temi’s playfully tousling Mr Eazi’s hair in one shot, while in another, they’re chilling on a couch, exuding major couple goals. And then there’s the face-to-face moment that’s straight out of a romance movie — it’s almost too sweet to handle.

These two aren’t just a power couple in name. They’re making waves in their fields and showing us what a solid partnership looks like. Through their podcast, they’re pulling back the curtain on their lives, dishing about relationships, spilling the tea on the entertainment scene, and tackling some big social topics.

Oh, and hold onto your seats because they’re giving us an insider peek into their wedding plans in one of the episodes. Now, who wouldn’t want to tune in for that?

Photo Credit: @delizak_kinggg

The post These Snaps of Mr Eazi & Temi Otedola Are Giving Us All the Feels 💕 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Actor Stan Nze and his wife, movie producer and actress Blessing Nze, are joined by celebrity couple Bimpe Adedimeji and Adetola Abdullateef Adedimeji on this new episode of “The Other Corner with the Nzes.”

The Adedimejis share how they met, how being married has been for them, the importance of friendship for married couples, and their advice for married couples.

Watch:

The post Bimpe & Lateef Adedimeji talk All Things Love in this Episode of “The Other Corner with The Nzes” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

As women transition from childhood into adolescence and then adulthood, birthing and nurturing new humans becomes a matter of time. Many women know about it, they want it, they imagine it, yet it looks like something that’d happen somewhere in the future. So the idea that a whole human is growing inside of you right now can feel surreal, particularly when it catches you unawares. “I remember looking at the test result and thinking, ‘Wait, so there’s a baby inside me.’ I was touching my tummy, hoping to feel something different. Everything was just flat. I think I cried a little. Somehow, the responsibility and the joy hit me at once; I was going to be somebody’s mummy.”

Adedotun Soyemi

“This is definitely not how I planned my early 20s” was Jennifer Amadi‘s reaction when she found out she was pregnant at 21 – three months into her marriage. But, well, she wasn’t planning to get married either. “I had been keeping my distance from men because I felt like I needed to focus more on school,  nurture my skills, and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. But all that changed when I met this amazing guy who swept me off my feet. We ended up getting married a year later. After our wedding, I wasn’t ready to start having kids immediately and my husband and I had agreed that we’d wait for six months to start thinking about it. But three months after our wedding, I found out that I was pregnant.”

3 mothers. Same stories. Different experiences

“My first pregnancy was a handful, combining school work with pregnancy ” – Akuoma.

“My first pregnancy journey was definitely horrible. Nothing prepared me for the horror I went through during those nine months of gestation” – Jennifer

“My first pregnancy was almost a breeze except for the first-trimester drama. I enjoyed it” – Adedotun

Akuoma Onyeriri

Akuoma Onyeriri made the decision to have children and build a family in her 20s, “I definitely knew what I wanted in life.” Still, when she got pregnant at 23, she was “mentally clueless about pregnancy and motherhood.” She describes her first pregnancy as a handful. “I was supposed to be done with pharmacy school, but COVID-19 happened and we were delayed a bit. I was pregnant and rounding off my final year project. With all the vomiting, it wasn’t a pleasant experience! 11 months after having her first child, Akuoma found out she was pregnant again, this time around, it was “A very different experience; it was smooth.”

When Jennifer said her first pregnancy was horrible, she meant it, “I was always sick and spent nights at the hospital. I vomited unprovoked, spat, and occasionally fainted, and there was one time that I almost died because I ate a cucumber.

The day I gave birth to my first child wasn’t the most exciting day for me. I knew I was supposed to be happy but I couldn’t be; I was dealing with PTSD from labour. I was also in so much pain from the episiotomy that I had; I couldn’t sit, stand, or even lay on the bed properly because the stitches hurt like hell. My episiotomy hurt for like four weeks and more, my doctor said it was because part of my uterus tore a little when my baby was coming out so they also had to stitch it; I didn’t know that could happen too. I didn’t swoon over my baby or smother her with kisses like I saw other moms do online. With this chaotic pregnancy (no exaggerations, it was chaotic), I still managed to go to school and kept my grades up.”

Unlike Jennifer, Dotun’s pregnancy didn’t give her a near-death experience, “I was throwing up, lost my appetite, and lost weight. Nausea made eating and drinking so uncomfortable. There was a day I was faint, when I got to the hospital, the doctor said I was dehydrated. He then asked me what other discomfort I was feeling, and I said nothing. He asked if I was spitting, and I said “God forbid”. He smiled and said, “With pregnancy, never say never.” Two weeks later, I realised I needed to always spit, and I did until I gave birth. There was also this time I woke up after my husband used perfume, and I asked why he would choose such a terrible fragrance. He said, ‘Babe this is our perfume o.’ It didn’t smell like the perfume I had always loved.”

Adedotun Soyemi and family

The Motherhood Journey

A tired body but a heart full of love 

For women in their 20s, motherhood comes with a whirlwind of uncertainties and fears; various questions arise, ranging from concerns about their ability to provide for a child’s needs to anxieties about their personal growth being hindered.

“I am doing this in my twenties, and that is what makes it challenging,” Dotun says, “I am growing a career and business, learning to be a better wife, and maintaining other relationships. It’s a lot to handle. I have made sacrifices, let go of buying hair, some clothes, and so on, because I am building and my children need stuff. But I prayed for this; I’ve always wanted to be a mum, and this is a phase. So I am thankful.”

Navigating school and family was tough for Jennifer, “I had to learn on the job. With my first baby, I didn’t know that it was almost normal for babies to cry all night for the first three months or what colic was, or that I will be sleep deprived for the first six months. At some point, I was so frustrated that I started taking it out on my husband because I was going crazy handling a newborn, school, and taking care of the house. We eventually had to put her in a good creche nearby so we could drop her off, then I’d go to school and pick her up on my way back. With my second baby, it was a lot easier, I was done with school and NYSC, was more relaxed, and worked at my own pace. Almost five years later, my two girls are my world, I love them with everything in me.”

None of these mothers have any regrets but Jennifer has a wish, “I wish I had learned more about the psychological, emotional, and physical changes that come with pregnancy and motherhood.”

Akuoma Onyeriri and her baby

Motherhood comes with its joys and these mothers are experiencing that too. “Being a young mom has pushed me to take on my goals and even discover myself. I never knew how bold and eloquent I was until I became a mom,” Akuoma says.

“It has helped me stretch, reset my priorities, grow, and become more courageous. I have made bold and unconventional decisions about how I want to work without feeling guilty because of my children, and this courage has spread into other aspects of my life,” Adedotun says.

“Women are having identity crises because of marriage, motherhood, and pregnancy taking over their whole being, and they are left wondering whether that is all they came to this life to do. It has been hard figuring out my life and career with kids, but I get to do it in my own way. I don’t have to stick to a particular narrative about raising kids, I constantly discover new ways to relate to my kids that make them feel seen and heard,” Jennifer says.

What a day in the life of a mother looks like

Akuoma says every young person who intends to step into the journey of motherhood in their 20s needs to be fully prepared, but she also says, “Nothing prepares you for motherhood. It’s better experienced than explained. No two motherhood journeys are the same.

On weekdays, I wake up at 5 a.m. and prepare breakfast. I pack my toddler’s lunch box and my husband takes her to school. Occasionally, I do school runs. At 8 am, I bathe my two-month-old baby, feed her and put her to sleep. Afterwards, I do a few house chores, take a shower and rest a little while nursing my baby at intervals. Between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., I catch up on my online course; I am a pharmacist but I have a passion for children’s health and nutrition. I also do a few book reviews. Between 3 – 4 p.m., I prepare dinner. My toddler gets back from school, I give her fruits, a bit of screen time, bathe and put her to sleep by 8 p.m. Between 8 and 10 p.m., I take a shower and relax while still nursing my two-month-old. I catch up with my husband and call it a day.”

Dotun has one thing in common with Akuoma: a present husband. “We have two children, and my husband takes his responsibilities seriously. When school is in session, I plan and prep meals for the next day the night before, my husband handles the rest and I am left with our baby.

Adedotun and Tolulope Soyemi

I work from home, so I have done a ton of meetings with my daughter in hand. I do most of my strategy work when she’s sleeping during the day or at night. When I have meetings and need to turn on my camera, she’s usually with her dad. We plan our work hours to make sure that if one person has to be 100% focused on work, the other person is available.”

Being a Gen Z mom is so cool, Jennifer says, “I think we have the most remarkable multitasking skills, I didn’t know that I could manage work, my side hustle, motherhood, and marriage together. I outsourced where I felt I needed help the most. For example, to help me with the kids, we hired a live-out nanny. She picks up the kids from school and stays with them until one of us gets home, then she leaves. The weekends are usually our reset days; we spend more time with the kids and do all house chores together. We allow them to stay up a little late during the weekends, we play some games and dance a lot too. During school nights, their bedtime is 8 p.m. and on weekends 9 – 9:30 pm. I’m forever grateful for my strong support system: my husband, mom, mother-in-law, and closest friends.”

The Triumphs of Motherhood

“I was really excited after I had my second child, Few days after I got back from the hospital, my first daughter walked up to her baby sister, smiled and hugged her. Oh, I was happy! I knew I had given her a sister and a friend” – Akuoma

“One of the most important things we prioritise in raising our kids is teaching them to love themselves and to give love. I think I’m so big on this because growing up, I didn’t really love myself” – Jennifer

“I chose the gentle parenting method which means I have committed to not yelling and all the regular ways of discipline. It’s not easy because toddlers will test you. I decided to do this because if there’s a better way to discipline, I want to learn and be better at it” – Adedotun

Akuoma Onyeriri and her children

These mothers are working on becoming better for their kids – and they are winning. “Motherhood changed me,” Akuoma says. “Prior to being a mom, I used to cry a lot but now I am very much in control of my emotions. I’m more selfless, more accommodating, and organised.”

Jennifer is teaching her children to speak up, “…Growing up I didn’t really love myself and I felt like my parents didn’t know better, but I have the opportunity to do right by my children and I intend to do so. We learn new ways to help boost their self-esteem, and build their confidence in themselves by giving them the opportunity to always express themselves and to speak up even in uncomfortable situations.”

If you are a mama, these mothers are also cheering you on. Akuoma says that “Your journey is unique and you’re the best mom for your child.” Jennifer says, “Society should be kinder to all moms, we don’t have it all figured out, and we deserve a lot of credit.” Adedotun says, “Work on those things that bring you fulfilment. Your children will thank you and be forever proud of you. I am always rooting for you, mama; you’re doing a great job!”

The post Bumps, Babies & Motherhood: We’re Following the Journey of 3 Mothers in Their Twenties appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Are you celebrating your birthday or a major milestone with your best girls soon? You should check out these sophisticated gift ideas.

The quality of gifts we give says a lot about who we are and how much we value people. Jackie Aina and Chinyere Chi-Chi Adogu put so much thought and love into these: the curation and packaging, not just the content featuring perfumes and top beauty products say “Thanks” in a subtly wonderful way. Hit the buttons below to watch:

 

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Credits:

@lavishlyjackie

@the_real_chi

The fun doesn’t stop here, visit www.bellanaijastyle.com for more on African fashion and lifestyle now!

The post You’ll Love Jackie Aina & Chinyere “Chi-Chi” Adogu’s Birthday Souvenirs for their Friends | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Embark on a journey of Radiant Romance with Golden Icons! A transformative journey set to reignite the passion and connection in your relationship. Mark your calendar for this exclusive couples’ retreat in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from November 16 to November 19, 2023.

The itinerary is a fusion of couples games, captivating workshops, couples games, Q&A panel sessions, vow renewal, couples massage therapy sessions, comedy night, and a boat cruise, among other fantastic offerings.

Love Sparks will be hosted by the renowned Ace Comedian Ayodeji Makun (AY), also featuring Kenny Blaq, & Seyi Brown.

The Keynote Speaker will be Dr Femi Ayodele; a seasoned couples’ marriage counsellor, teacher, and author of “Agapao & The Power of Forgiveness”.

He has been an instrument in rebuilding marriages that have gone through tough times, helping them rekindle and view marriage from a clearer lens.

To Register, Visit the Golden Icons website or send a WhatsApp Message to 713-518-6633

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Mary Bennett is a teacher cum fashion & beauty content creator and her twin sister Martha Dove is a teacher, author and digital content creator for the fashion, lifestyle and family niche. Get ready with Mary & Martha for their birthday dinner, check out their complimentary outfits, hair and makeup when you hit the button below to watch:

 

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Rocking bohemian braids with latte makeup, the sisters paired their look with an off-white midi length tube dress (Mary) and a sleeveless mini dress (Martha) respectively. They both chose simple pieces of jewellery, a pretty clutch purse and strappy-heeled sandals to tie up the look.

See how they got glammed, hit the button below to watch:

 

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Swipe to see their finished looks:

 

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Credits:

Muses: @iammarybennett & @marthadove

Mary’s outfit
-Dress: @marahoffman from @saks
-Bag: @cultgaia
-Heels: @femme_la
-Body cream: @jomalonelondon myrrh & tonka

Martha’s outfit:
-Dress: @houseofcb from @nordstrom
-Bag: @cultgaia
-Heels: @bydose
-body cream: @fentyskin

Looking for more African fashion and lifestyle updates? Visit www.bellanaijastyle.com now!

The post Twin Birthday Dinner Outfit Inspo: Get Ready With Mary Bennett & Martha Dove | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Bella Okagbue and Sheggz‘s first year as a couple has been an eventful one!

The BBNaija ‘Level Up’ star celebrated her one-year anniversary with co-star Sheggz with a sweet post on Instagram. She shared a photo featuring the two of them posing for an elevator selfie. “One year down, the rest of our lives to go,” Bella captioned the photos. “It has been a long year but we made it through together. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Our relationship is not perfect, but the love we have for each other makes up for all the small imperfections. Happy Anniversary baby.”

See the post below:

One year down, the rest of our lives to go. It has been a long year but we made it through together. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Our relationship is not perfect,bt the love we have for each other makes up for all the small imperfections. Happy Anniversary baby pic.twitter.com/QvDQ3H4FHH

— BELLA OKAGBUE (@bella_okagbue) July 23, 2023

AGAINST ALL ODDS! BIG SHEGGZ X BIG BELLA. I hate to say it but I told y’all … you just didn’t listen 1 year down.. let’s go baby @bella_okagbue pic.twitter.com/kT6NJqBIaR

— Sheggz Olu (@sheggzolu) July 24, 2023

The post Bella celebrates Her 1-Year Anniversary with Sheggz: “Can’t Wait to See What the Future Holds for Us” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nsidibe Uduakobong Ndum is getting married. Akpan mentioned it last month while we were at the polo club and it has never left me since. Akpan also said she was getting hitched to a Lagos big boy. He mentioned that her fiancé owns one of the biggest agricultural firms in the country with branches spreading to neighbouring countries. As I retired to bed that night, I decided to visit her social media pages again. I used to be a constant stalker for the past three years but I had not done that in a while. I thought I had begun to develop restraint to everything pertaining to her from the memories to her social media handles. Apparently, the joke was on me for 6 months.

I saw her beau, my replacement, and a stone-cold hatred welled up in me. I hated the way he looked at her – like he loved her. More intensely, I hated the way she looked at him – just the way she looked at me. What was she doing with a bearded guy? I thought she said she only loved people with my features – little or no beards and all things mine. Her social media handles had their pictures splayed everywhere. He must have money. Lots of it. The exotic trips and numerous baecations could not have come cheap.

I saw the engagement pictures and videos. He went above and beyond: Maldives, the white beach, sky-blue waters and lots of fireworks all at dusk. I wondered why she was shedding tears. The frustration almost consumed me; this guy must really be something because my Nsidibe hardly ever cries. She is a strong woman who is of grace and intelligence. Her dimples and smile were what drew me to her but you see her heart, it was the staying power. Apparently, the staying power was not strong enough because she caught me in bed with another woman. I almost begged my entire existence for us to get back together but she did not budge.

I tried for months and then, my pride took over – I could not keep begging her forever. But looking at her, I saw what I lost. Nsidibe was one of a kind. She stood when everyone else walked out of my life. She funded my business in its early stage until it stood on its feet. If I was being honest, Nsidibe was my everything. Nsidibe was my light and the spring on my step. The regret almost overwhelmed me. I missed her, I missed us. And the tears began to flow.

I would do anything to get her back. Anything. Nsidibe belongs to me. She had said so herself. We used to drive around the city singing Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together”. The pains I caused her in the time we spent together were deep but then, no relationship is perfect. I need to have her back in my life. I need to take back what is mine. I cannot let her go; she is my soulmate. I cannot sit back and let another man take my woman away from me. The thoughts began to form in my mind. I checked her pictures again to see if her fiancé’s residence was anywhere that looked familiar. I need to act fast. She would take me back now when she sees that in all this time, I have not still forgotten her. I will travel the world with her, take her to the movies, even prepare the Nkwobi that had her laughing with glee in one of the pictures with her beau. But first, I need to make sure that if I do not come out of this pursuit alive, my wife and two kids get my life savings.

***

Feature image by SHVETS production from Pexels

The post BN Prose: Taking Back What is Mine by Grace Ogor appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Model, philanthropist, activist and wife of multi-award-winning Hollywood actor — Sabrina Dhowre Elba chats with UK-based beauty influencer and entrepreneur — Patricia Bright about empowerment, maintaining individuality and discovering her voice amid a thriving relationship.

On the latest episode of The Break Podcast, Sabrina bares her vulnerability at the onset of her relationship with Idris Elba and how she has navigated the climes authentically through intentionality and self-awareness.

 

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She also talks about being UN Goodwill Ambassador; growing up in a first-generation African immigrant household in Vancouver, Canada with strong connections back home to Africa; moving to London for love; discovering more of who she was; starting S’ABLE Labs purposefully and what’s next.

Hit the button below to watch the full interview:

Credit: The Break

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The post Sabrina Elba Talks Dating, Philanthropy, Marriage & Purposeful Work On ‘The Break’ | WATCH appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

I had a conversation recently with someone about their childhood and it reminded me of a quote by Pamela Dugdale: “Siblings are the people we practice life with, the people who teach us about fairness, cooperation, kindness and care – quite often the hard way.” The conversation got me extremely curious about their bond with their siblings. It was exciting and further strengthened my resolve on the importance of laying the foundation right and making parents understand how they unconsciously drive a wedge between siblings with their actions or inactions.

Growing up, the subtle competition between my siblings and me began when my mother constantly sang the praises of my younger brother as the golden child. Nothing he did was ever wrong. My younger sister began to nurse negative thoughts because she didn’t receive the same magnitude of affection.

As the first child of my parents, I wanted my mum to set a tone of unity for us but there was an unconscious level of division and favouritism taking place in our home. When I was never praised or encouraged as the first child, I started asking myself, “Am I not good enough?” And then I developed self-esteem issues. All these happened when I was between the ages of 10 – 18 but the effect persists till today. Our bond is still obstructed. At age 38, we are still on the journey of fixing it but it has been difficult. Most times, when we have a conversation around it, everyone brings out their defensive claws and it makes me wonder if we are actually siblings. We should be each other’s haven.

Parents unconsciously affect the dynamics of siblings’ bond, especially when they make one assume they are the villain and the other, the spare child. In turn, both siblings begin to project these identities unconsciously. Having a sibling is one of the greatest gifts one could own. It is simply having someone you can both see through each other’s lens as you navigate through the journey of life from childhood to adulthood. So when children may find it difficult to love one another, they need their parents to foster or create the right environment for engagement. The bond of unity should be formed so they could stand and rely on each other’s strength. It starts with the little things like household chores.

A lot of children who demonstrate the gift of strength, togetherness and undivided attention with their siblings happen due to their parental upbringing. Most adult siblings struggle with having a great relationship amongst themselves as a result of their childhood upbringing, lack of proper communication and parental favouritism at its peak.

A family is a place of safety where, when all else fails, we draw strength from. Parents should teach their children to show love, trust, commitment and unity with their siblings so they could be each other’s shadow. It should go as far as encouraging healthy relationships amongst their cousins and friends, especially if they share similar values and beliefs. This kind of relationship teaches a child that a sibling does not only have to be blood-related.

The most seamless relationship ever fostered from birth is the sibling bond. They automatically become best friends and defend each other. Even though they have constant fights, they remain each other’s greatest cheerleaders. Parents should help children foster this habit from a young age. They should constantly explain and reinforce this value to their children. 

We should help our children learn to sit with their thoughts and emotions and help them understand it properly arming them with the right tools for engagement. Emotions or feelings not dealt with has a way of resurfacing in their communication with their siblings and this can impact them negatively or positively.

***

Feature image by Any Lane for Pexels 

The post Queenette Enilama: How Parents Can Help Foster Sibling Bond appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The essence of great friendships cannot be overemphasized and it is so important to spend quality time with friends who make life golden. When was the last time you had a one-on-one hang-out with your friend?

Digital creators — Eki Ogunbor and Nicole Chikwe vlogged their afternoon tea experience at The Art Hotel in Lagos Nigeria. Hit the button below for some inspiration for your next outing with that good friend:

 

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Credits:

@ekiogunbor

@nicolechikwe

The post How To Flex With Your Girlfriend: Check Out This Vlog From Eki Ogunbor & Nicole Chikwe appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Johnny Drille has shared the official video for his latest love song, “The Best Part.”

The beautiful video stars Mavin Records director of A&R and senior associate of Kupanda Capital, Rima Tahini. According to Don Jazzy’s post on Twitter, Johnny Drille and Rima are married, and from all indications, the private wedding took place in January 2022.

See the Don Jazzy’s post below:

With all the amazing love songs that @johnnydrille has written, it’s only right that he bags one of the most amazing women I have met to share #Thebestpart of his life. I am so happy for both of you. May GOD continue to bless your union. Happy birthday again @rimouuune pic.twitter.com/DtHB4KcpvZ

— ITS DON JAZZY AGAIN (@DONJAZZY) July 4, 2023

See Rima’s wedding anniversary post below:

 

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A post shared by Rima Tahini (@rimouuune)

Watch the official video below:

The post Is Johnny Drille Married to Rima Tahini? See Don Jazzy’s Confirmation + the Music Video for “The Best Part” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Coordinating in layered blue + white themed outfits, heels, sunnies, and natural makeup looks, these internet IT girls captivated attention on social media with stunning struts and their inspiring collaboration. Check out some of their stunning shots below:

 

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@jackieaina

@thepatriciabright

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The post These Fabulous Shots Of Jackie Aina & Patricia Bright Will Inspire Your Next Outing With Your Bestie appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

There is a certain type of nurturing from our childhoods that impacts our way of living later in life. One of those impacts comes from how we view family and family settings. I grew up fantasising a lot about having a family of my own. Or rather having children. I didn’t comprehend the entire concept of the family-hood but I craved glimpses or make-believe of what a family is, just like people who dream of having many, fewer, or no kids at all based on their upbringing. I thought being with someone was something simple until I was asked a life-changing question by a potential suitor, “Are you emotionally mature?” And then I started ruminating on what it means to be with a person. It’s still scary up till now. Events unfold between me and my partner and our only child that remain incomprehensible.

Between my childhood and early teen years, I’d have loved to be educated or advised more on what family was all about. The only lesson I had was growing up making dolls out of body wrappers and mat ropes to coordinate. I enjoyed feeding the cloth doll even as I knew it was leaking right from the other end. I was posing myself as a mother tending to a child. It brought about good feelings; it allowed me to exercise my nurturing skills, as I tended to something that wasn’t capable of doing anything by itself.

The fantasies I had from these kept me on the fantastical island for long but they were never enough. They can never be enough and I’m paying the price right now. I am now thrown out of the world of doll children into real-life experiences.  I’m now a mother who has to show up for her child needless of how I feel. My hands are more tied now than when I used to make doll babies. I am now conforming to sitting up and acting as a role model. When I relapse from doing so, I force myself up and retry painfully again.

This rollercoaster has changed my perspective of what family and family settings were all about. It’s a serious affair that involves real human beings and not dolls; real humans to cater to without leakage from the other end and a partner whom you look up to assist with raising the kid — unlike when I played family house setting and used my cousins and little sisters as maids.

Family requires sacrifice, forgiveness, and tolerance for togetherness. It’s not just about blood ties. Having each other’s backs is vital because creating a family is not an easy feat, and our upbringing has a responsibility in this too.

Most of us grew up playing family house with doll children but that doesn’t prepare us for the emotional struggle that comes with having a real-life family in the future. The fun we had with the doll children was necessary and important for our childhood memories but they are not for what’s to come in the future. Establishing a family, whether with a partner or children, is a serious commitment.

***

Feature image by Any Lane for Pexels

The post Comet Nwosu: Building a Family Requires Emotional Maturity appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Congratulations are in order for gospel singers Sunmisola Agbebi and Yinka Okeleye, who have officially tied the knot.

The sweethearts tied the knot in a beautiful, talk-of-town Yoruba traditional wedding over the weekend. Sunmisola made her first appearance in her gorgeous Aso-Oke outfit, and Yinka wasn’t left out. He rocked his agbada elegantly, doing it for the culture. Afterwards, they sealed the deal at their white wedding in the presence of their family and friends, and each moment of their day was truly special.

 

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Here are some super sweet highlights from their wedding that will definitely make your day!

White Wedding

 

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A post shared by S U N M I S O L A (@sunmisola_agbebi)

Traditional Wedding

 

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Legally Hitched

 

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The post Fill Your Day With All The Sweetness From Sunmisola Agbebi & Yinka Okeleye’s Wedding appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.