After hearing how Nigerian lovers and family members went the extra mile for each other this year, we figured it was only right to check in on the friendship front. Did broke besties still have each other’s backs? Did friends lift each other up when it mattered most?
Let’s find out.
Ahmed*
My best friend wasn’t just a friend; he was family. When he passed away three years ago, I took it upon myself to look out for his loved ones. But it wasn’t until January that I realised how bad things had gotten financially. His eldest son was in his final year at university, and they couldn’t afford his tuition. His wife was trying to manage, but she was clearly struggling. One evening, she called me in tears to explain the situation. She didn’t explicitly ask for help, but the desperation in her voice was enough. I knew I had to step in.
The fees weren’t small, and I had to dip into my savings to cover them. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially with the economy the way it is. But I knew my friend would’ve done the same for me if the roles were reversed.
Dara*
My best friend and her siblings live abroad, so when their mum fell seriously ill in February, they couldn’t return home immediately. She was panicking on the phone, juggling work deadlines and the guilt of not being able to care for her mum. I’d planned to use my two weeks’ leave from work to rest, but I decided to step in. I moved into their family house and took over. I handled her mum’s medications, cooked meals, cleaned, and went with her to the hospital for check-ups.
It was a hectic two weeks. I woke up early to prepare breakfast, spent hours at the hospital, and returned home to do chores. I barely had time for myself, but every night, when I updated my friend about her mum, I could hear the relief in her voice, and that made it all worth it.
Samuel*
My friend was living with a relative who treated him like trash. He had to deal with constant belittling and snide comments, and they made him do all the house chores. By June, he’d had enough but couldn’t afford to move out.
After a heated argument with his uncle, he called me to vent, and I told him to pack his bags and move into my house. I live with my parents, but it’s a big place with many empty rooms since most of my siblings have moved out. My parents were sceptical because they didn’t know him well, and we’d had issues with a previous guest. But I convinced them because I couldn’t let him stay in that toxic environment. It’s been six months, and while I’ve seen a different side to him since he moved in, I’m glad I could help him at one of his lowest points.
Kemi*
A close friend was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in May and needed a bone marrow transplant. The procedure wasn’t available in Nigeria, so she had to seek treatment abroad. Her family sold property to raise funds but still fell short. I’m a reserved person and rarely post on social media. But this time, I couldn’t sit back. I shared her GoFundMe link on all my platforms and WhatsApp groups, reaching out to old classmates, colleagues, and distant relatives.
I updated people daily on the funds raised and how much more was needed. Slowly, donations trickled in, and hope built up. But despite our efforts, we couldn’t raise the full amount in time. She passed away in August, just a week before she was meant to travel. It’s a pain I still carry. Sometimes, I wonder if I could’ve done more, but I remind myself I gave my all.
Sophia*
My best friend was stuck in a toxic relationship for years. Her boyfriend constantly belittled her and controlled her finances. She wanted to leave but kept making excuses because they shared an apartment.
In July, she’d had enough after a fight left her with a broken tooth. I borrowed a car, picked her up with all her belongings, and moved her into my spare room. Her boyfriend showed up at my place the next day, yelling for her to return. I’d already planned for this and called one “egbon adugbo” in the area. When the boyfriend refused to leave, the egbon and his guys gave him a proper beating.
At some point, I got scared he might’ve died. He fainted, and when he woke up, my friend tried to follow him, but I stopped her. I spent the rest of the week looking over my shoulder, convinced something would happen. Thankfully, it didn’t. I hate getting so caught up in other people’s problems, but I can’t help it—it’s just who I am.
Chidera*
My best friend was getting married in September, and her custom-made wedding dress was delivered to my house in Lagos. The plan was to send it via a trusted courier to her in Anambra, but the courier messed up and sent it to the wrong address in Ogun State.
We tried getting the company to fix the mistake, but they kept making excuses. I’d planned to travel to Anambra the Friday before the wedding but went to Ogun to retrieve the dress instead. By then, my friend was too paranoid to risk another courier service, so I made an unplanned trip to Anambra.
My siblings had to send my asoebi and other things via courier. After the wedding, I fell sick from the stress and have been reminding my friend that she owes me a vacation for my troubles.
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