When it comes to birthdays, the fancy and loud way isn’t the Nigerian man’s way.

If a Nigerian man isn’t avoiding attention on his birthday or completely quiet about it, he’s spending doing any one of these things:

Making a subtle post

The only clue you’ll get is a simple “+1” or “another trip around the sun” or “happy birthday to me” without pictures. Sometimes, he just changes his profile pic on WhatsApp to “1+” and move on.

Talking to friends

Early in the morning, his friends’ calls and messages congratulate him on his new age while hailing him and asking what the birthday 411 is. 

Reluctantly posting and sending pics

Someone might ask, “guy, you no even post one picture. Send, make I post you now,” before  he’d send a 3-year old photo. Don’t you just love Naija men?

Being moody

It’s almost like birthdays are success review days for some men. He stays brooding about how he’s not getting any younger, and when he’ll make like 30 billion. A new age is important, but being a big boy is importanter.

Trying to spark joy

The realization of “it’s hard everywhere and there’s only one life to live” hits him and he finds something better to do; he eats his favourite meal or plays video games to spark joy.

ALSO READ: 50+ Unique Birthday Messages You Can Send a Friend

Hanging out with friends

He then calls up friends to link up at a cool spot in the evening. No dress code or anything special. They just drink, gist, banter and laugh. Everyone’s happy.

Having alone time

Some like to keep themselves. No disturbances or jumping up and down. He just sits or sleeps. Outside chops too much money anyways.

Forgetting and having a regular day 

Some Nigerian men don’t even remember it’s their birthday. He’ll put an excuse on his work or other responsibilities. Thankfully, his loved ones are there to remind him.

OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.