In Nigeria, birthdays are more than just personal annual milestones marked by cakes and heaping plates of rice. They are deeply cultural and often religious celebrations. Whether celebrated with a large party or a quiet gathering of friends, birthdays offer an opportunity to shower the celebrant with love, gifts, thoughtful birthday wishes, and heartfelt birthday messages.
“A simple ‘Happy birthday!’ message is okay o, but when someone takes the time to send a thoughtful message, it feels different,” says Ibk, a 28-year-old lawyer from Lagos. “It reminds you that you’re special to them.” Christiana, a 23-year-old marketing intern in Lagos, agrees. “I love receiving really heartfelt birthday messages; they make me feel like the main character of my day.”
In this article, we’ve compiled over 300 birthday wishes from real Nigerians, included a step-by-step guide on crafting your own heartfelt birthday wishes, and answered some of the most common questions Nigerians have about birthday wishes. Whether you need a message for a close friend, romantic partner, boss, colleague, or sibling, you’ll find the perfect words to celebrate their special day here.
ALSO READ: Good Morning Messages: How To Write the Perfect One & 300 Messages from Nigerians
300+ Birthday Wishes From Real Nigerians
In this section, you’ll find birthday messages from real Nigerians that you can copy directly or use as inspiration for yours [a more detailed guide for crafting yours is at the end of this article]. From simple to heartfelt, here are 300+ birthday messages you can send to your friends, family, coworkers and lovers.
Simple Birthday Wishes for Anyone
Best for: General use, acquaintances, and when you need a quick but heartfelt message.
If you’re ever in doubt when sending a birthday message, go the short-and-sweet route. Especially when you’re not very close to the person — like an acquaintance or a work colleague — a simple, well-meaning birthday wish should do the trick.
“I prefer to send a short, to-the-point birthday message when it’s for someone I don’t know well,” says Tolu, 26. “It’s polite, and it won’t be as if you’re famzing them.”
Check out these simple yet effective birthday messages to make your next birthday text the best.
- Happy birthday! Wishing you the best the year has to offer.
- Happy birthday, Daddy. I wish you a long and prosperous life
- Wishing you many happy returns on this special day. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday, Chima. You’re such a superstar!
- Happy birthday, Ma. May God sustain you in good health of mind and body.
- Happy birthday! You’re amazing, and I’m beyond blessed to call you my friend.
- Wishing you an amazing year ahead. Happy birthday.
- Happy birthday to an amazing person. Have an amazing one!
- Cheers on celebrating a new year. Happy birthday.
- Sending you good wishes on your special day. Happy birthday.
- Another year of greatness unlocked! Wishing you a year full of happiness and prosperity.
- As you celebrate your new age, may God continue to bless and protect you.
- Cheers to another trip around the sun! Wishing you a fantastic birthday celebration.
- Wishing you a day as bright and beautiful as your smile. Happy birthday.
- Wishing you a day as bright and beautiful as your smile. Happy birthday.
- Cheers to more life and more blessings! Wishing you a fantastic birthday.
- Happy birthday! May your year be filled with answered prayers and fulfilled dreams.
- Here’s to a new chapter! Wishing you a year filled with open doors and endless opportunities.
- Happy birthday! Wishing you a day as special as you are.
- Happy birthday! May you continue to age gracefully.
- Wishing you a Happy birthday. May God’s blessings overflow in your life this year.
- Happy birthday, friend. May Almighty God bless your new age.
READ ALSO: 13 Sweet Messages to Send Your Bro Without Making Things Weird
Romantic Birthday Wishes for Your Love
Best for: Boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife.
It’s expected that as someone’s significant other, your birthday message must leave everyone else’s in the dust. Sending a sweet message at the stroke of midnight will earn you points like you wouldn’t believe.
Tominsin, 28, says,” I look forward to my boyfriend’s wishes the most when my birthday comes around.”
So you see you have to come correct? Don’t worry we’ve curated this lovely selection of romantically charged messages for your favourite person.
- Happy birthday, my love! You make every day special, and today, I celebrate you with all my heart.
- To the most amazing partner—your love makes my world brighter. Wishing you a birthday as beautiful as you.
- My darling, you make my heart sing. Today is your birthday but you are God’s gift to us. I pray this year brings you opportunities you’ve only ever dreamed about.
- Happy birthday to the bone of my bone, my reason for breathing, my favourite person! I pray God showers you with even more blessings.
- Happy birthday, my love. May all the joy in the world be laid at your feet because you deserve it.
- Cheers to another birthday, my baby. Everyday I thank God for putting you on this earth and allowing me to experience you.
- Happy birthday to the beat of my heart. Your laughter is my favourite sound and I pray that this new age you’re entering is filled with laughter and joy for the entire year.
- I remember when we met, and I knew instantly that you were special. Thank you for proving me right every single day with your amazing personality and immeasurable beauty. Happy birthday, my love.
- Happy birthday to the one who hung the moon in my sky. Thank you, baby, for all the things you do for our little family. There is no greater joy than waking up each morning to see your face.
- Happy birthday, my queen! I will count every speck of sand on all the beaches if it means you will be happy. I love seeing you smile, and I pray that God gives you uncountable reasons to smile as you grow older.
- Happy birthday, my husband. Holding your love in my heart is more precious than any gift I could ever give you. Still, I’m excited to shower you with all the gifts and love I can. Enjoy your special day!
- Happy birthday, baby! I’m so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. I wish you even more success and happiness as you age gracefully.
- Happy birthday, my darling. You look even more beautiful than you did the day we met. I pray that success continues to come easily to you. I’m so happy I get to do life with you.
- You stole my heart but you can keep it — it’s safest with a soul like yours. I can’t wait to see the amazing things you accomplish in your new age. Happy birthday onyinye’m.
- My love, I have tasted no other spirit as generous, wonderful and kind as yours. I’m grateful to God that I can stand by your side as you mark another trip around the sun. I will love you for as long as the earth spins. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday to the groundnut to my banana, the pepper to my pepper soup and my favourite partner in crime. I pray this new year takes you to new heights. I’ll be right beside you every step of the way.
- On this special day, I want you to know how much you mean to me. You’re my everything, and I’m so grateful for you. I wouldn’t trade you for the world. Happy birthday, my love.
- Happy birthday to the man who makes my heart soar above the clouds. I pray God’s strength never leaves your side. I love you forever.
- Happy birthday! My admiration for you cannot be captured in words or in ink. Your beauty surpasses language, but I will keep trying to find the words to tell you just how much I love you.
- Cheers to another spin around the sun! My darling, my love for you is boundless. I pray that God continues to protect you and shield you. May His blessings and my love be with you always.
- Happy birthday, my love! I’m so grateful to have you as my wife. You are amazing, and I’m honoured to share this journey with you. On this special day, I want to remind you how much you mean to me. Your kindness, beauty, and love inspire me every day. Wishing you the very best, my dear!
Funny Birthday Wishes
Best for: Friends, siblings, and anyone who loves humour.
Don’t let your birthday wishes to your friends and those close to you be boring or dull. Add colour to your good wishes with humour and jokes.
“If you don’t troll your friends, who will? Besides, those birthday messages that make you laugh are the best, in my opinion,” says Kelvin, 22.
Crack your friends’ ribs with these funny birthday messages.
- Happy birthday! May your hairline stay intact, your bank account grow, and your problems disappear!
- You’re not old, you’re just a classic! Wishing you a fantastic year ahead.
- Happy birthday! May God make your life soft like today’s bread this year.
- Those 30+ jokes are going to hit differently from now on, aren’t they? Happy birthday, old man
.
- Age is just a number, but in your case, it’s a very high one. Don’t worry, you’re like fine wine, better with time
.
- Happy birthday! May your days be as stress-free as a Lagos road during elections.
- On your special day, I pray your blessings continue to swell like garri. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday! Don’t let anyone tell you you’re old o. You’re just well-seasoned, like party jollof.
- Happy birthday! You’re officially becoming a “Big Aunty.” Embrace it!
- Happy birthday, my guy, I hope you’re trying to get wiser as you’re getting older sha
.
- Happy birthday, ore mi. You willingly eat semo so I pray that this year, God gives you good taste
.
- Happy birthday! May they give you jara every time you buy suya.
- Happy womb escape, bro! Wishing you long life and prosperity.
- Cheers to your new age! Here’s to more quick naps in the club at 2 AM.
- Happy birthday, my G! Please, you’re not a vampire, so try and take more pictures this year, okay?
- Happy birthday, my g. Pick any country in the world that you want, I’ll buy it for you .
- Welcome to your new age! May the food at the owambe never finish before you arrive!
- Like a credit alert, you always bring a smile to my face. Wishing you a fantastic year filled with exploits.
- Happy birthday to the most beautiful girl in the world! Beyonce and Rihanna dey learn work ♥️.
- Happy birthday, chief. God go blow you breeze, He no go air you. Have a great one!
READ ALSO: DO you want to tell someone you miss them but you’re not sure how? Here are 20 Thoughtful “I Miss You” Messages for Your Long Distance Friends
Heartfelt Birthday Wishes
Best for: Close friends and loved ones.
Nothing warms the heart like a heartfelt birthday message from someone who loves you. Dare, 25, says,” One of my friends is so good at writing heart-squeezing birthday messages that when I’m down — even months after — I go back and reread them, and they make me feel better.”
Bayo, 26, feels the same way about the messages from his grandma. “Though she passed away over a decade ago, I’ve kept all of my grandmother’s handwritten birthday notes to me, and I still read them every year,” he says.
Your heartfelt message can be long or short, depending on how well you know the person and their personal preferences. A good heartfelt wish can warm the heart for a long time. Take a leaf from our book and use this to create the perfect heartfelt message for your loved ones.
- Happy birthday! May this new year bring you closer to your dreams and fill your life with purpose and joy.
- You have a heart of gold. Wishing you all the happiness in the world today!
- Happy birthday, my mentor. Learning from you has been an amazing experience. May God bless you exceedingly this year.
- You are such an incredible person. Wishing you an amazing birthday bursting with joy, love and happiness.
- I’m so grateful to God for your existence. There has been no day that has passed that you haven’t put a smile on my face. I pray God fills your cup with joy all year. Happy birthday.
- I appreciate everything you do for us and our family, bro. There aren’t enough thanks in the world to express the depth of my gratitude. I wish you the happiest birthday!
- Wishing you a birthday as beautiful as your spirit. May this year bring you peace, love, and countless reasons to celebrate.
- Happy birthday to the bravest, most resilient person I know. May the year unfold before you with ease.
- Happy birthday! May laughter come easy to your lips, may sleep come easily to your eyes and may God continue to crown your efforts with glory.
- Cheers to a new age! May God bless you, keep you and make his face shine upon you this year.
- Happy birthday! Wishing you success that makes all the years of your hard work worth it!
- Happy birthday, big boy! I’m so proud of you and how much you’ve grown. I can’t wait to see what you do this year!
- Happy birthday, my person! Ever since the first day we met, I knew our friendship was something special. I pray you continue to meet success at every point of your journey this year.
- Happy birthday! You are such a blessing to our family! We wish you long life and prosperity.
- On your special day, I pray that God blesses you with health, happiness, and all the desires of your heart.
- Happy birthday! May your heart be filled with gratitude and your life with abundance. You deserve all the good things coming your way.
- Happy birthday, my dear. Watching how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are is nothing short of inspiring! I’m wishing you the best of the year and those to come!
- Happy birthday! May your heart be filled with joy and your life with endless blessings. You deserve all the happiness in the world.
- Happy birthday! I love you so much! You always put a smile on my face, and I pray happiness is always within your reach this year.
- Happy birthday, star girl. As you are a joy to those around you, I pray God also fills your life with boundless joy.
- Happy birthday! May your day be as bright as your smile and as warm as your heart. You are a blessing to everyone around you.
READ ALSO: 100 Deep Relationship Quotes That’ll Make Them Burn For You in 2025
Inspirational Birthday Wishes
Best for: Friends, colleagues, mentors, and anyone needing encouragement.
Birthday messages can also inspire someone who needs encouragement. They can keep you motivated and are perfect for cheering on a friend, colleague, or mentor to take on any challenges they face.
“There are some birthday messages you receive that make you want to get right back to work because of how much the sender believes in you,” says Jola, 25.
Use any of these messages to inspire and motivate someone close to you on their next birthday!
- May your birthday mark the beginning of a fulfilling and successful year ahead!
- Wishing you strength, wisdom, and all the blessings you deserve in this new chapter.
- Happy birthday to the hardest worker I know! May all your efforts be crowned with success.
- I admire your work ethic so much! Wishing you the creme de la creme of the year!
- As you begin to see the fruits of your labour these past few years, I pray that your hard work continues to be rewarded.
- Happy birthday! Your efforts will never go to waste, and I want you to know that the team appreciates you so much!
- What would we have done if you weren’t there when times were tough? I shudder to think about it. I am grateful that we have you in our corner. Wishing you the happiest birthday!
- Your work on the last project confirmed to me that you are destined to be a household name! Wishing you all the best on your birthday.
- Happy birthday to the most amazing woman. There is nothing you can’t accomplish!
- Happy birthday, dear! It’s so amazing that this isn’t even your final form! Wishing you a year filled with exploits and success.
- Cheers on your special day! As you continue to push the standard with your amazing ideas, I pray God continues to bless you and take you higher.
- Happy birthday to you. You are an inspiration to everyone around you, and I am so lucky to know you and learn from you. May the year be filled with joy and prosperity for you.
- Wishing you a long happy life on your birthday. The world has been waiting for someone just like you to change it!
- On your special day, remember that every challenge you’ve faced has made you stronger. Keep pushing forward — your best is yet to come!
- Happy birthday, superstar! The sky isn’t your limit — it’s your starting point!
- Happy birthday! Watching you face and defeat every obstacle in your path has been nothing short of inspirational. Wishing you even more success this year.
- Happy birthday and congratulations on yet another feather in your cap! May God continue to make exploits easy for you.
- On your special day, I thank you for being an inspiration and a beacon of light to everyone around you. Happy birthday.
- Cheers to a new age! May your work continue to place you on a global stage. I wish you success this year.
- Happy birthday, boss. Your passion for what you do is nothing short of inspirational. I pray that God continues to bless you and your family this year.
- Happy balloon day! May you continue to be celebrated by those around you.
Have you read this?: 15 of The Sweetest Good Morning Messages For Long Distance Relationships
Milestone Birthday Wishes (18, 21, 30, 40, 50, etc.)
Best for: Celebrating major birthdays.
Nigerians take milestone birthdays very seriously, so carefully crafting a birthday message they’ll love is of utmost importance. Landmark ages like 18, 21, 30, and 40 are the perfect opportunity to celebrate the life of the celebrant and how far they’ve come.
“My 30th birthday was an eye-opening one,” says Dami, 31. ”The messages my friends sent me touched my heart and made turning thirty a little less scary for me.”
Take a look at this selection of milestone birthday messages that are sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who receives them.
- Happy birthday, sis! You’re finally an adult! May your eighteenth year be full of laughter and adventure.
- As you step into the world of adulthood on your eighteenth birthday, I pray God gives you the wisdom to make the best choices.
- Happy twentieth birthday! May this decade be full of discovery, growth, and unforgettable memories.
- Cheers on turning 21! Now, you can drink alcohol in every country in the world!
- Welcome to your thirtieth! May this decade be your best yet.
- Welcome to a new decade! There is always time to accomplish something amazing. I pray your 30s bring you all the joy and success you desire.
- Happy thirtieth birthday! This is going to be the beginning of an amazing era for an amazing person.
- Happy thirtieth birthday, sis! I promise you the best is yet to come because you deserve it.
- Happy 30th birthday! Welcome to the club where confidence meets wisdom. Your best years are just beginning!
- Welcome to the fourth floor! May this new decade be filled with joy and happiness for you.
- Happy fortieth birthday. May God continue to see you through every year of your life.
- It is said that as wine ages, it becomes better. I wish you even better success and happiness on your fortieth birthday.
- Happy birthday to an amazing mentor. You have used your forty years of life to inspire and motivate everyone around you. I pray God blesses and regards you.
- Happy fiftieth! Wishing you even more joy, success, and wisdom in the years ahead.
- Happy golden jubilee to the most amazing aunt there is! I pray you see another fifty years on this earth with us. I love you.
- I wish you the best on your sixtieth birthday, sir. May God continue to bless and strengthen you as you grow older.
- Happy seventieth birthday, Grandma! On your seventieth birthday, I pray God continues to bless you and be your shield.
- On your seventieth birthday, I wish you the best of the year and the softest of landings.
- Happy twentieth anniversary of your twentieth birthday! As you turn 80, I pray that your hands never weaken at work and your mind is always open to new creative ideas.
- Happy eightieth birthday, grandma! Yours is a life well-lived, and I praise God for you. Here’s to even more years of love and laughter.
Birthday Wishes for Friends
Best for: Close friendships, best friends, and people who have been there for you.
A heartfelt birthday message for your friend can truly deepen your bond with them, especially if you gain a reputation for remembering birthdays.
“My best friend has sent me a birthday message every birthday at midnight for the last six years,” says Dami. 28. ”I wouldn’t trade her for the world.”
Take a look at these messages and use one or two to delight your friends on their birthdays.
- Happy birthday, bestie! Life wouldn’t be the same without you. I love you more than I can put into words.
- Another year older, wiser, and still as amazing as ever. Wishing you all the best!
- Happy birthday, bestie. Every version of the universe without you is a desolate, colourless place. I am so happy that we get to do life together.
- Happy birthday to the piece that makes my life make sense. May this year be full of untold joy for you.
- Happy birthday, my G! I see how hard you’ve been working, and I pray that God rewards every effort you have put into your work.
- Cheers to the most amazing gal in the world. You are the five to my six, and I cannot wait to celebrate even more years with you.
- Happy birthday, my darling friend. I am so lucky to know you, and I pray that God grants you all your heart’s desires.
- Happy birthday to my BFF. No distance, no depth is wide or deep enough to separate us. Here’s to another amazing year.
- All 30+ people stand up! That includes you now, o! It’s been so wonderful watching you grow into the amazing person you have become today. May God continue to bless you.
- Happy birthday, ore mi! You are a star! And I pray that the whole world gets to see you shine this year.
- Happy birthday to the absolute life of the party. I pray we share even more good times together.
- Happy birthday, my G! Where the oblee dey happen? May joy never be far from your mouth and may God keep your heart soft.
- From secondary school until now, you have been the best friend a girl could ever ask for. I pray that God surprises you with the amount of blessings you receive this year.
- There is not a single person as unique and loveable as you are. On your birthday, I wish you the very best because no one is more deserving.
- Happy birthday to the kindest of souls. I pray that people gather to celebrate with you this new year.
- Happy birthday, my personal person! You are so important to me, and you deserve the world. May this year be full of ease and happiness for you, in Jesus’ name.
- Felicitations to the baddest bih! May God bless you and keep you for me.
- Special birthday wishes to the best friend a girl could ask for. I pray we spend more happy years together.
- Happy birthday, my darling. You are proof that great things come in the craziest packages. Thank you for being the piece that completes me.
- Happy birthday, bestie! Thank you for being my safe space, my happy place, and my everything. Love you forever!
- Happy birthday to my favourite human! Your friendship is evidence of God’s love for me. May your path always be clear, and may good things come to you with ease.
- Cheers to your new age, my dear friend! May this year overflow with success and happiness.
- It’s my favourite day of the year—your birthday! I pray that God satisfies every need you have, grants you peace, and keeps you so we can celebrate even more years together.
- Happy birthday to my bestie! You deserve everything good, and I pray God brings all of it and more to your doorstep this year.
- Happy birthday to my partner in fun! May God bless you and keep you. I pray your cup overflows with joy this year. I love you!
READ THIS TOO: 30 End-of-Year Messages for Your Lover, Family, and Friends
Birthday Wishes for Family Members
Best for: Family members like parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters
Family is truly everything. They are the first people you socialise, fight and celebrate with. Sending a thoughtful message to your family members on their birthdays will keep that blood bond tight and put a well-deserved smile on their faces.
“I’m not much of a birthday guy, but when my little sister sends me birthday messages, my day lights up,” says Tola. “I sacrificed a lot to provide for my family after my father passed, and it always feels really good to be appreciated.”
Happy Birthday Wishes for Your Mom and Aunt
- Happy birthday, Mom! Thank you for your endless love and sacrifices—I celebrate you today and always.
- Happy birthday to the most extraordinary woman in my life. You’re indeed my greatest blessing and I’m grateful for the gift of you. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made just to see a better version of us. May this milestone year bring you endless joy, good health and all the love you deserve.
- Happy birthday, Mummy. Your resilience and tenacity make you the best role model I’ve ever had! I pray God continues to bless and keep you.
- Happy birthday to the most amazing woman on earth! I love you so much, Aunty.
- Happy birthday, Mom! I have never known a world without your gentle spirit and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you for inspiring all of us.
- Cheers on your special day, Mama! Your light shines on everything with a warm glow. I am so lucky to call you mother, and I’m wishing you the best day ever!
- Happy birthday to an amazing aunt and an incredible woman! On your special day, I want to celebrate the love, care, and guidance you’ve brought into my life. May this year be filled with joy, laughter, and all your heart’s desires.
Happy Birthday Wishes for Your Dad and Uncle
- Happy birthday, Dad! Thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made for our family. I pray we make you proud and that God blesses you this year.
- Special greetings to you on your birthday, Uncle. Thank you for being a rock and for the unforgettable memories.
- Happy Golden Jubilee, Dad! It has been an honour to grow up with you. Thank you for being amazing.
- Happy birthday to my favourite Uncle! You are a wonderful person and I pray God rewards all your actions.
- Happy birthday to the best dad in the world. Words are not enough to express how much I love you.
Happy Birthday Wishes for Your Brother and Sister
- Happy birthday, lil bro. I can’t believe it was just yesterday Mom brought a tiny bundle back from the hospital. I’m so proud of the young man you’re becoming. May God bless you for me.
- Happy birthday to my favourite sister! I celebrate your amazing hard work as you clock a new age. God bless you.
- To my amazing sister, Happy birthday! May this year bring you laughter, love, and all the success you desire.
- Happy birthday, egbon mi. You are a big inspiration to me. I pray God continues to bless you and all you lay your hands on. Have an amazing day.
- Happy birthday to the most beautiful troublemaker in the world! You are the best sister a person could ask for, and I’m so happy we are related. God bless you. Send me birthday outfit pics!
Looking for more birthday messages? Check out these heartfelt options for your sister.
Happy Birthday Wishes for Your Niece and Nephew
- Happy birthday to my favourite member of this family. Our world changed for the better when you were born, and I’m so happy with the person you’re becoming. Have a blessed year.
- To my favourite niece, on her birthday, I wish you the best of the year and wisdom that surpasses all understanding.
- Happy birthday, little tiger! You are made up of all the best parts of your parents. I pray that you become successful, strong and blessed. Have a lovely one.
- Happy birthday, princess! You are the apple of all our eyes, and I pray you never forget how loved you are here. Have a wonderful birthday today!
- Happy birthday, my dear. I love how much you have changed in these short few years. I pray for even more evolutions and greater happiness for you.
- Happy birthday to my precious nephew. On your special day, I pray Almighty Allah continues to protect and guide you, bless you with great wisdom, knowledge and understanding from above.
Birthday Wishes for Coworkers or Managers
Best for: Workplace relationships and maintaining professional warmth.
Whether you work a 9-to-5 or remotely, acknowledging and celebrating your colleagues’ birthdays is important. It not only opens the door to friendships you may not have discovered but also helps teams bond and work more seamlessly.
“It’s nice to feel seen,” says Molayo, 25. “Sometimes, you can feel like a small cog in a really big machine. These birthday messages humanise us—that’s why I like them.”
Here are some great options you can drop on that Slack thread or send to them directly:
- Wishing you a fantastic birthday! May this year bring you new achievements and great success.
- Happy birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day and a great year ahead.
- Happy birthday! You’re an inspirational and exemplary leader. Enjoy your special day!
- Happy birthday, you legend! Wishing you more promotions and accomplishments on your special day!
- Happy birthday, you legend! Wishing you more promotions and accomplishments on your special day!
- Happy cake day! Thank you for being a light at the office.
- Happy birthday, Ma. You are an inspiration to every young woman working hard in this company. May God continue to bless you.
- Happy birthday to an icon. The work you do here is very special, and we appreciate you.
- Happy birthday, boos! Your clarity of vision is an inspiration to the whole team. Have a blessed day ahead.
- Happy birthday to the most versatile worker on the team! We appreciate you.
- Happy birthday to an excellent worker. I hope you have the best birthday ever and your zeal for excellence never diminishes.
- Cheers to your new age. May God grant you even more wisdom and success.
- Wishing you a birthday filled with celebration and a year full of success. Happy birthday!
- Happy birthday! Thank you for your guidance and support. Enjoy your special day!
- Hope your birthday is as rewarding as the effort you put into leading our team. You inspire me to be better at my work.
- Happy birthday! Wishing you a day of relaxation and a year of great accomplishments.
- Wishing you the best of the year and beyond! Happy birthday, dear.
- Happy birthday, desk bestie! I pray that God blesses you exceedingly this year.
- Happy birthday to the best colleague a girl could ask for. Wishing you the best possible year ahead. Lunch is on me today.
- Happiest birthday wishes to a hardworking and kind soul. I pray success finds you as easily as you find solutions at work.
- Congratulations on your new age! God bless you and promote you to positions you’ve only ever dreamed of.
Belated Birthday Wishes
Best for: When you forgot to send a message on time but still want to acknowledge the day.
Few things feel worse than forgetting the birthday of someone special to you. But no matter the reason, it’s never too late to reach out. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of thoughtful messages you can send to express your birthday wishes and make up for missing their big day.
“I was working back-to-back shifts after long classes, and I forgot my older sister’s birthday,” says Busola, 24. “I felt so bad. Thankfully, she forgave me after I messaged her and explained myself.”
- I may be late, but my wishes for you are still the same: happiness, success, and all the best! Happy birthday.
- Happy belated birthday wishes. The day got away from me but the love I have for you never will. Hope your day was fantastic!
- Happy belated birthday! Hope your special day was filled with joy.
- I can’t believe I missed your birthday! Please, forgive me and know that I’m celebrating you today. Happy belated birthday, dear!
- I’m so sorry I missed your special day! Nevertheless, I’m wishing you best of the year and more blessings! Happy belated birthday and lots of love. Hope it was amazing.
- I’m late to the party, but my wishes for you are just as heartfelt. Happy belated birthday, my friend!
- Belated birthday hugs and wishes coming your way! I hope your day was as special as you are.
- I missed the date, but I refuse to miss the chance to tell you how much you mean to me. Happy belated birthday!
- Sorry for the late wishes, but I hope your birthday was as incredible as you are. Happy belated birthday.
- Sorry for the belated wishes, but I hope your birthday was filled with love and happiness. Happy belated birthday.
- Happy belated birthday, Ma. May God bless you and always be with you.
- Sending you the best belated birthday wishes a day after. This doesn’t mean you are any less special to me. I’m praying for all the happiness in the world to be delivered to you!
- I missed your birthday, but I’m making up for it with extra love and prayers today. Happy belated birthday!
- My deepest apologies for missing your birthday yesterday. There’s no valid excuse for not celebrating a star like you. I’m wishing you the coolest and most wonderful belated birthday.
- Belated birthday wishes to the love of my life. I hope your day was as amazing as you always are.
- I’m so sorry I’m late, but my heart is always with you. Happy belated birthday, my love!
- So sorry I missed your big day, my dear! Happy birthday to you! May your heart always lead you to the right path. Remain blessed.
- Belated birthday wishes to you, my dear friend. I hope your day was as wonderful as you make my life.
We can’t overemphasize the importance of the right birthday messages. They not only light up the heart of the celebrant but also serve as a written testament that you care about them.
Never feel stuck again! Use any of the messages in this article as inspiration to make someone’s birthday special and even more memorable.
How to Write the Perfect Birthday Wish for a Nigerian
If you want to skip copying one of the examples above and come up with your own sweet birthday message, this guide is for you.
Step 1: Start with a warm greeting
Don’t just barge into their inbox with a generic birthday wish and an exclamation mark. Kick-off with a warm greeting and follow it up with a kind wish.
“When I’m wishing an older person a Happy birthday, I make sure I start with a greeting before they say I’m rude or disrespectful,” says Moyin, 22.
Example:
“Happy birthday, sir! May today be filled with happiness for you.”
Step 2: Add a personal touch
Is this someone you’ve known for a long time? Sprinkle in some good memories or a call back to the years you have shared with them for a personal touch.
“I love weaving inside jokes into the birthday messages I send my friends,” says Amaka, 27. “It highlights how special our relationship is to me.”
Example:
“Happy birthday, Chizzy! I can’t believe how grown up we are now. Here’s to more years celebrating together.”
Step 3: Include a blessing or prayer
A lot of Nigerians are deeply religious, so including a blessing or a prayer is a sure-fire way to warm their heart and let them know you wish them the best on their special day.
“You must never exclude God from anything, especially when it comes to the blessing of seeing another year,” says Iyabo, 56. ”If you love someone, you pray for them so God can keep them till another birthday.”
Example:
“Happy birthday, gurl! May God bless you and shower you with endless blessings.”
Step 4: Keep it light or add humour (Optional)
If you’re writing a birthday message to a friend or someone you’re very close to, feel free to add some light banter. Weave in an inside joke or a funny one-liner to make the celebrant laugh out loud when they read it.
“Me and my friends’ messages are full of constant back-and-forth banter,” says Feranmi, 19. ”Why won’t I include jokes in their birthday messages? It’s very important o.”
Example:
“Happy birthday, my G! May the ATM never swallow your card, may they always have change for your 1k, and I pray your lane never has traffic. Have a good one!”
Step 5: Close with love and warmth
End your birthday message with a warm sign-off to add the perfect finishing touch.
“I truly believe people can feel your sincerity through your texts, even when they can’t see you,” says Grace, 29.
Example:
“Happy birthday, babe. You’re a star through and through. Wishing you the most perfect day ever because you deserve it!”
A well-crafted birthday message should look like:
Happy birthday, bestie! We’ve come a long way from being those tiny JSS 1 students, haven’t we? May today be as bright and joyful as your heart. Wishing you love, success, and many more amazing years ahead!
7 Questions about Birthday Wishes Nigerians Have
1. How can I send a birthday wish?
You can send birthday wishes through various platforms. What truly matters is that the celebrant reads your message and feels your appreciation.
Share your wishes on platforms they use regularly, such as Instagram, Facebook, Slack (for coworkers), WhatsApp, Snapchat, or X. After all, there’s no point in sending a message on Snapchat if they only open it once a year during Detty December.
For a thoughtful touch, consider delivering a handwritten letter or birthday card. The old-fashioned approach often earns many heartfelt “aww”s.
2. How long should a birthday wish be?
The length depends on your relationship with the celebrant. Short, sweet wishes are perfect for acquaintances or coworkers, maintaining a polite distance. However, if you send a one-liner to your partner, you might end up trending on Instablog — and deservedly so.
Save longer, heartfelt messages for family, close friends, or significant others. That said, a meaningful message doesn’t need to read like a novel. You can express your feelings without making the message a chore to read.
3. Who should you send a birthday wish to?
There’s no rule limiting who deserves birthday messages. While it’s understandable to skip your enemies, you can still send warm wishes to internet friends and acquaintances.
In Nigeria, it’s common to send heartfelt messages to family and friends, but acknowledging colleagues, mentors, managers, and bosses is also polite. Even a brief, cordial wish can brighten someone’s day.
4. What if the person didn’t send me a birthday wish on my birthday?
Not receiving a birthday wish from someone can sting, but it shouldn’t dictate your kindness. If you value the person, send your wishes anyway. They might have missed your birthday unintentionally. Besides, sending your wishes sets the tone for grace and goodwill
5. What makes a birthday wish special?
A truly special birthday wish highlights what you appreciate about the person, whether it’s their hard work, kindness, or your shared memories. Adding personal touches such as prayers, inside jokes, or unique well-wishes makes your message memorable and heartfelt.
6. Should you send a birthday wish every year?
Yes, o! Birthdays come once a year, and those closest to you — family, friends, and partners — will expect your wishes annually.
For acquaintances or former coworkers, a birthday message is thoughtful but not required. Overwhelmed because they’re popular? Don’t stress. One sincere message is enough. Just don’t double-text them paragraphs in the name of birthday wishes.
7. What should you avoid when sending a birthday wish?
Even though most birthday wishes are appreciated, some blunders should be avoided at all costs:
- Don’t lecture: It’s their birthday, not an evaluation session.
- Avoid offensive jokes: Humour should be lighthearted, not hurtful. Never joke about sensitive topics like family losses.
- No shouting in all caps: You’re not Odumodu, calm down.
- Spell their name correctly: Nothing ruins a wish like “Happy Birthday, Chinamza” instead of “Chinasa.”
- Put effort into it: “HBD, WULLP” won’t cut it. Use one of our simple birthday message templates instead.
- Don’t compare their birthday to others: Let them enjoy their special moment without comparisons.
If you don’t know what message to write for your Valentine, we’ve got you covered. See this article about 50 of The Sweetest Valentine Messages for Those You Care About.
