Valentine’s Day is often associated with expensive gifts and elaborate displays of affection. But what if you want to celebrate love without spending a lot of money? With the recent Naira redesign in Nigeria and economic difficulties facing many people, it can be challenging to navigate this Valentine. But with a little creativity and a focus on what really matters, it’s possible to celebrate love in February without breaking the bank.
The Naira Redesign Challenge
The recent redesign of the Naira currency has posed a very serious challenge for Nigerians as they race to beat the deadline for swapping the old notes for the new redesigned notes. Typical of our response to Government policies, there have been divergent opinions and positions on the Naira redesign and the whole cashless policy issue.
Our reality now is that most people have found it difficult to obtain the new currency notes and the few who have obtained it have it in trickles. Many were confused about which currencies are accepted at different businesses or vendors as the deadline of February 10, 2023 approached. Vendors accepted the old notes cautiously and some people indeed started rejecting the old notes as “change” especially if they had paid for goods or services using the new redesigned notes.
As we approach Valentines’ day, still with limited or near absence of the new Naira notes in circulation, deadline for the swap passed, and no word from the Central Bank of Nigeria, many are confused about which notes are accepted at different businesses or vendors. The challenge is further worsened by the refusal of some businesses or vendors to accept payments for goods or services via mobile transfer of cash. This situation has greatly impacted funds availability and capacity to spend.
Navigating the Naira Redesign as You Celebrate Love on a Budget
While the redesign may be challenging, there are some strategies that can help you celebrate love on a budget. One of the most practical is to use electronic payments whenever possible. Mobile banking, online transfers, and other electronic payment methods can be a convenient and secure way to handle transactions without the need for cash. Yeah, I know these too can present their own issues too especially with our poor internet infrastructure as well as the very limited NIBSS platforms.
If you do need to use cash, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and try to obtain the new notes in advance to avoid the incidence of rejection of the old notes. Plus this can help you avoid any last-minute scramble for cash and having to pay a “high premium” for your own cash at the POS. The POS operators are really having a “good time” exploiting Nigerians at the moment, but like the face mask and hand sanitizer vendors during the Covid-19 pandemic, this too will not last forever.
Last but not least, keep in mind that showing your partner or other special someone how much you care is the most important thing at this time, not necessarily having a large budget or access to huge cash to spend on gifts or a romantic dinner in a fancy restaurant. Focus on the simple things that really matter, and don’t worry too much about the material aspects of the holiday.
Embracing the Spirit of Love and Community in Challenging Times
While the Naira redesign and economic challenges facing Nigeria can make it difficult to celebrate love this February, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day is ultimately about more than just expensive gifts or elaborate displays of affection. At its core, Valentine’s Day is about expressing love and appreciation for the people in our lives, and that can be done in a variety of ways.
One way to celebrate the spirit of love and community in challenging times is to give back to others. Consider celebrating with the motherless children in an orphanage or the elderly in an old people’s home, or simply reaching out to someone who may be feeling lonely or isolated.
In addition to giving back, it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. Many Nigerians are facing economic challenges and uncertainty, and it’s important to show compassion and understanding to others who may be struggling. By embracing the spirit of love and community, we can come together to support one another and weather these challenging times.
Redefining Love Without Money
In conclusion, celebrating love without spending money is not only feasible, but it can also be even more heartfelt than giving lavish presents or making extravagant displays of affection. The focus can be shifted from material possessions to the values that really matter: compassion, generosity, and community by redefining love without money.
There are many ways to show love that don’t cost a lot of money, such as making a homemade gift, writing a sincere letter, or performing a small act of service. Let’s keep in mind that the relationships we have with the people in our lives are what matter most as we commemorate love throughout the month of February and beyond. We can create a more meaningful and fulfilling experience of love that celebrates the best of what it means to be human by giving these relationships the attention they deserve and by appreciating the small things that really count.
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!
Titilayo Okpor
About Titilayo
Titilayo Okpor is a successful entrepreneur and the MD/CEO of Martha’s Place, a thriving catering and gift business based in Lagos. With years of experience in the industry, Titilayo and her team have built a reputation for delivering high-quality services and products to a diverse range of clients in Lagos and beyond. Whether it’s catering for events or creating bespoke gift boxes and hampers, Martha’s Place is dedicated to helping people celebrate life’s special moments with style and creativity.
You can reach Titilayo by dialing +234 915 173 7864 (WhatsApp Only).
