Making It A Valentine To Remember

This year’s St.Valentine’s Day celebration is around the corner and lovers all over the world no doubt are putting finishing touches to their preparation. CHALYA DUL and AMARACHI EGBEOGU in this report examines the level of preparation and expectations of some Nigerians towards making this year’s celebration a Valentine to be remembered, despite the economic crunch facing the country.

The 14th day of February every year is regarded a special day for lovers all over the world as friends, families and lovers look forward to express love to their loved ones either by offering them gifts or taking them on  outings, picnics and the likes. This day is known as the St. Valentine’s Day.

Different people have different views on the celebration of Valentine’s Day. While some people have never celebrated it for varying reasons attributed to religious and personal beliefs, others look forward to it as a special day to renew their vows and commitment to their loved ones.

Some people have had memorable Valentine’s Day experience, while some are yet to. Generally, Valentine’s Day is a day to show love, exchange gifts and organise special events for your loved ones.

It is only normal that many people would be planning this year’s celebration with the hope of giving out gifts and expecting one in return.

Nina, a corps member serving in Abuja shares her plans for this special day: “I have been dating my boyfriend for about three years now and Valentine’s Day celebration with him has always been a memorable one.

I hope this year’s celebration will be better. Tony is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He has always been the one giving me treats, but this year I hope to give him a surprise and make it big! I intend to send a card and cake to his office; and after work have dinner with him at Banana Republic. Already, I have shopped for the best outfit for the event!”

Although a Muslim, Musa a civil servant in the FCT said she has been celebrating Valentine’s Day ever since he got married to his wife who happens to be a Christian. “My religion does not recognise the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day, but I have vowed to support my wife in whatever she practices and also makes her happy,’’ Musa said.

“There is no crime in celebrating with your lover, especially on a day marked out for love. This year’s valentine would be my wife’s best because she has been a lovely and very supportive wife.

Despite our religious differences, she has always been there for me and the family. I intend getting her a brand new car to show my appreciation and also let her know she is the best,’’ he concluded.  

Ann, a single lady questioned the rule that mandates Valentine’s Day celebration to be celebrated with a companion. “Who says that one must have a companion for this one day of the year? I intend taking a day off work; treat myself to a Spa or a long bubble bath, afterwards take a long drive. Some people get lucky on this day, but I intend spending it alone,” she said.

“Sincerely, I celebrate Valentine’s Day out of obligation rather than in the true sense of celebration. I only celebrate it because everyone around me does,” says Daniel, a journalist based in Federal Capital City.

“In fact, my understanding of the celebration is to get a special gift for my girlfriend. I may spice it up with a little fun depending on my programme for the day because I am a very busy person,” he said.

A lot of shows and events are already being lined up by different event promoters for the day. Most ladies supposedly will be rocking the day with a touch of red in their outfit as it is generally believed to be the colour the day represents.

Whatever your belief or understanding of the celebration, try to show love to someone in the spirit of the season, especially at this time the country is in dire need of love in the face of the present challenges it is going through. Let’s make it a Valentine to remember.

On behalf of everyone at LEADERSHIP WEEKEND, have a Happy Valentine in advance.