VALENTINE O’CLOCK: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF QUEENITES.

 

BY; Oyewole Nimotalahi Dolapo

Valentine’s Day, usually celebrated on the 14th of February, is a day globally dedicated to love, romance, and heartfelt messages. The day, which started as a form of honoring a martyr named Saint Valentine, has evolved over the years, and it is celebrated uniquely depending on location and customs. In Japan and South Korea, women traditionally are the principal givers of chocolates to men on the 14th of February, while the men are required to reciprocate a month later on a day named White Day. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Valentine’s Day is an avenue to confess love, exchange gifts, shower affection, and enjoy romantic dinners. What actually qualifies as a beautiful Valentine’s Day? Is it the one with the delivery of gifts and a bouquet of flowers, or that with the saxophonist, tower of money cake, and gift boxes, or the matching red outfits, or a quiet candlelight dinner with that special someone? Of course, residents of Queen Elizabeth II Hall were not exempted from this day of celebration of love. 

While some found various ways to create memorable experiences for themselves, some saw it as another ordinary day overshadowed with classes, deadlines, lack of power supply, and heat. Patricia, a resident of D block said, "It was a class-free day for me sha, I spent most of it scrolling through people’s status and Instagram with plenty awwn and God when inside that heat.” When she was asked if she gifted a loved one or was gifted by a loved one, she said, "I’m single so I didn’t buy anything for anyone, but my elder brother sent me money.” Ifeyinwa, on the other hand, a fresher, claimed that she saw it as a normal Wednesday just like every other Wednesday. In her own words, “It’s my first Valentine’s Day in U.I. I wasn’t expecting anything. When I was still in secondary school, my classmates and I used to pair up and buy gifts whether you’re dating or not.” She hopes that her next year in U.I will be different. 

In the spirit of not expecting anything, Ewa shared that she "didn’t think he would come because I saw him a day before Val’s day, so I was surprised when I did after my class.” In situations, there are usually different angles to things; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ewa informed us that the gifts she received and the dinner date she had with her lover made her day. For Abike, it was not the best of Valentines. She mentioned that "my talking stage didn’t do anything to make me feel special jare,” and further explained that she couldn’t do anything about it because “I’m not really his babe.” Seeing as this year’s Valentine’s Day aligns with Ash Wednesday, the commencement of Lent, Mary, a member of the Catholic Church, said, “it was just normal. Ash Wednesday took precedence, and I was kind of happy it was on the 14th because of what I heard about the origin of Valentine.” According to Mariam, “there is nothing like Valentine in my dictionary. It is Haram, so I don’t even bother.” Although currently single, Mariam also opines that one day should not be a determinant of the level of love and affection in a relationship. She claims that personally, she would prefer to show love to the poor and needy on this day since it does not align with her faith. 

Although Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, many Nigerians tend to display this love in romantic relationships, forgetting that love can also be extended to roommates, classmates, family members, as well as the poor around us. Names used are pseudonyms to protect the identities of the individuals who shared their experiences.