Even though Emilokan and his cronies tried to stress Nigerians this year, it didn’t stop people from going all out for their loved ones in their moments of greatest need.
From funding a sibling’s “japa” dreams to building a mansion for their parents, these people tell us the wildest things they did for their relatives this year.
Tunde*
My brother graduated top of his class in 2018, but nothing seemed to work for him after that. He tried everything—NYSC, job applications, side hustles—but it was like Nigeria had swallowed his potential. He became withdrawn, bitter, and honestly, it was scary to see him like that.
This year, he finally opened up about wanting to leave the country. It wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it was his last shot at being happy. He’d researched and calculated the costs of studying in the UK, but it was way out of his reach. So, I offered to cover half of his expenses.
Paying that money wasn’t easy. I had to dip into my savings and even take on a side hustle to compensate for it. But when he called me last month to say he’d landed a part-time job while acing his first semester, I knew I’d made the right decision. He sounds like the brother I remember—full of life and optimism. Helping him leave Nigeria is the wildest thing I’ve done for love, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Kunle*
My parents have lived in that house for 25 years. It’s the only home my siblings and I know, but the flooding has gotten worse in the last couple of years. By July this year, it was unbearable—our compound was basically a swimming pool after every heavy rain.
I’d been working on a mansion for them for three years, but with Nigeria’s economy, the costs kept spiralling out of control. Every bag of cement felt like a small fortune, and I considered halting construction entirely at one point. But seeing my parents wade through floodwater made me mad uncomfortable. I made it my mission to finish that house before December. I stopped hanging out with friends and redirected almost every kobo I earned into the project. Even my wife was worried I was overextending myself, but I was determined.
Last week, I handed my parents the keys to their new home. Watching them walk through the house—especially my mum, who cried the entire time—was worth every naira spent. This December, we’ll celebrate in a dry, safe house, and I can’t think of a better way to show love.
Toyosi*
My sister was let go from her job earlier this year, and it was tough on her. She’d been the breadwinner for her two kids since her divorce, and suddenly, she was back to square one. She kept saying, “I don’t want to fail my children,” and it broke my heart.
She’d always talked about starting a catering business but never had the funds. So, I sold my car to help her launch it. Let me tell you, that wasn’t an easy decision. That car was my baby—I’d saved for years to buy it. But I couldn’t watch her struggle when I had the means to help.
Now, her business is thriving. She’s booked out every weekend this December, and her kids are doing great. I miss my car sometimes, but seeing her regain her confidence and joy makes it all worth it.
Bayo*
My mum fell ill in March, and the doctors said she needed surgery urgently. The cost was a lot—way beyond what my family could afford. I remember sitting outside the hospital, wondering what we would do. That night, I decided I wouldn’t let money be why we lost her. I already had a 9-to-5 job, but I took on a second job working night shifts at a warehouse. It was gruelling—I barely slept for three months, and there were days I thought I’d collapse from exhaustion.
But we raised the money, and she had the surgery in June. Watching her recover has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I wouldn’t wish those sleepless nights on anyone, but I’d do it all over again for her.
Emeka*
My grandma’s house in the village is a family treasure. It’s where we all gathered for Christmas growing up, but in recent years, it had started falling apart. The roof was leaking, the paint was peeling, and the floors were cracking. This year, I decided to renovate it. It wasn’t just about fixing the house—it was about preserving the memories and giving my grandma a place she could be proud of.
I spent six months overseeing the project. It wasn’t easy, especially because I was juggling work and some personal projects. But when my grandma walked into the newly renovated house and said, “This feels like home again,” it made every headache worth it.
Lola*
My dad turned 70 this year, and we’d planned a big party for him. But a work emergency came up, and I couldn’t get time off. He was so understanding, but I could tell he was disappointed.
On his birthday, I wrapped up work, got in my car, and drove through the night to my parents’ house. It was a seven-hour drive, and I was exhausted, but seeing the look on his face when I walked through the door made it all worth it.
Joy*
My cousin has sickle cell disease and lives alone. Earlier this year, she had a bad fall and fractured her leg. She called me in tears, saying she didn’t know how she’d manage her recovery by herself. I didn’t even think about it—I packed a bag and moved into her apartment to help.
For three months, I was her caregiver. I cooked, cleaned, helped her move around, and even accompanied her to doctor’s appointments. Balancing that with my remote job wasn’t easy, but I couldn’t let her go through it alone.
When her leg healed and I was packing up to leave, she hugged me, got emotional and said a heartfelt prayer. I don’t think she realises how much she’s done for me either.
Binta*
My sister was due in late October, and her husband had been posted out of Lagos for work. They thought he’d make it back in time, but her labour started early, and she was alone. When she called me, she panicked and asked if I could come. I rushed to the hospital and ended up staying with her through the entire process. I had zero experience with labour and delivery, but I held her hand, encouraged her, and stayed calm when she felt overwhelmed. When her baby finally arrived, the first thing she said to me was, “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
I’ve never felt closer to her than I did that day. Being there for her in such an intimate moment was an experience I’ll never forget.
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