The good news is that you don鈥檛 have to be available every day to run a business. Some businesses work with pre-orders, bookings, scheduled deliveries or weekend fulfilment.

Here are some business ideas that you can consider.

Digital stationery and templates

If you鈥檙e good at Canva and know what people need, you can turn useful templates into a business.

• What you can sell: Budget trackers, planners, CV templates, invoice templates, social media calendars, study planners.
• How it fits a 9-5: Create products in batches and sell them online without having to fulfil every order manually.
• Who might buy: Students, small business owners, job seekers and professionals.
• Watch out for: Making templates nobody actually needs. Test demand before creating 50 versions of the same planner.

Perfume sales and decanting

Not everyone wants to buy a full bottle of perfume before knowing whether they鈥檒l like it. That鈥檚 where decants come in.

• What you can sell: Full-size perfumes, perfume oils, body mists and 5ml or 10ml decants.
• How it fits a 9-5: Take orders online and package or arrange deliveries after work or on weekends.
• You can also offer: Fragrance discovery sets and curated perfume bundles.
• Watch out for: Fake or poorly sourced fragrances. Your supplier can make or break this business.

Event setup and party decoration

People will always find something to celebrate, and many of them would rather pay someone else to make the venue look good.

• What you can offer: Balloon setups, backdrops, picnic setups, birthday decorations, bridal showers and intimate dinner setups.
• How it fits a 9-5: Most events are booked ahead, so you can plan setups around your work schedule.
• Best time to focus on: Evenings for consultations and weekends for installations.
• As you grow: Bring in assistants so you鈥檙e not personally carrying every balloon stand to every event.

Gift curation and corporate gifting

Some people want to give a thoughtful gift but don鈥檛 have the time or creativity to put one together. Businesses have the same problem, especially during festive periods.

• What you can sell: Birthday boxes, anniversary gifts, graduation boxes, employee welcome packs and corporate hampers.
• How it works: Source products from different vendors and package them into a finished gift.
• How it fits a 9-5: Take orders in advance and handle sourcing and packaging in batches.
• Big opportunity: Corporate orders can mean dozens or hundreds of gift boxes from one client.

We surveyed 5,000 workers across Nigeria鈥檚 formal and informal sectors to examine what Nigerians earn, where the money goes, and whether hard work actually translates to financial security. This is what we found. Download the 糖心原创 State of Income Report.

Event equipment rentals

You don鈥檛 have to decorate an event to make money from one. You can make money from the things people need to hold it.

• What you can rent: Chairs, tables, canopies, cocktail tables, coolers, food warmers, chafing dishes and PA systems.
• How it fits a 9-5: Customers book equipment ahead of time, while you schedule delivery and collection around your availability.
• What you鈥檒l need: Storage space, reliable transportation and clear rental terms.
• Important: Collect deposits and have a system for damaged or missing equipment.

Laundry services

Busy professionals don鈥檛 always have the time or energy to deal with laundry. You can build a business around taking that chore off their hands.

• What you can offer: Washing, ironing, folding, dry cleaning coordination and pickup/drop-off.
• You don鈥檛 have to own a laundry shop: You can partner with an existing laundry and manage the customers, orders and deliveries.
• How it fits a 9-5: Schedule pickups and deliveries for evenings or weekends.
• Biggest concern: Find a laundry partner you can actually trust. One missing white shirt can become your problem very quickly.

Customised merchandise and branded souvenirs

There is always somebody ordering T-shirts for an event, mugs for a company or souvenirs for a wedding.

• What you can sell: T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, notebooks, pens, bottles, keyholders and other branded items.
• How it works: Take the order, get the design and specifications, then outsource production to a printer or supplier.
• How it fits a 9-5: Most orders are placed ahead of events, giving you time to coordinate production.
• Potential customers: Businesses, schools, churches, event planners, couples and organisations.
• Pro tip: Don鈥檛 promise a delivery date until your supplier has confirmed theirs.

Online thrift store

You don鈥檛 need a physical shop to sell clothes. Your Instagram or TikTok page can be your storefront.

• What you can sell: Dresses, jeans, shirts, bags, office wear, vintage pieces or a combination of carefully selected items.
• How it fits a 9-5: Source and photograph your stock on weekends, then schedule drops for the week.
• A good way to stand out: Pick a clear niche instead of becoming the page that sells absolutely everything.
• What matters: Good pictures, accurate measurements, honest descriptions and reliable delivery.

Cleaning services

You don鈥檛 necessarily have to be the person holding the mop to own a cleaning business.

• What you can offer: Home cleaning, office cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning and short-let cleaning.
• How it works: Hire or partner with cleaners, take bookings and manage the jobs.
• How it fits a 9-5: Your cleaners can handle weekday jobs while you manage bookings and supervision around your work.
• What matters most: Reliability, trust and quality control. Nobody wants a cleaner who arrives three hours late.

Content creation for businesses

Plenty of businesses know they should be posting online but don鈥檛 have the time to create content consistently.

• What you can offer: Reels, TikToks, product photos, graphics, captions and monthly content packages.
• How it fits a 9-5: Batch content shoots on weekends and edit or schedule content during your free time.
• Who to target: Restaurants, fashion brands, beauty businesses, small retailers and other businesses that need regular social media content.
• The trick: Start with a few clients and clearly define what each package includes. Otherwise, your side business can quickly become a second full-time job.

Before you start

You don鈥檛 need to launch all ten. Pick one that fits your money, skills, available time and access to customers.

Start small, test whether people will actually pay, then put more money into the business once you鈥檝e figured out what works. Your goal is extra income, not accidentally creating another 9-5 for yourself.

But some health conditions can develop without obvious symptoms. High blood pressure, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and early changes that can lead to cervical cancer can go unnoticed without appropriate testing.

You don鈥檛 have to wait until something feels wrong before paying attention to your health. Here are 12 to consider getting before you turn 40, why they matter, and when you might need them.

1. Blood Pressure Test

This measures the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. It鈥檚 usually done with an inflatable cuff around your arm and takes only a few minutes.

Why you need it: High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if left uncontrolled.

When to take it: Get your blood pressure checked regularly during routine healthcare visits. If your readings are high, your doctor may recommend repeat measurements or home monitoring.

Price Range: 鈧�0 鈥� 鈧�5,000

2. Blood Sugar Test

A blood sugar test measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Depending on the test, you may need to fast beforehand. An HbA1c test can also estimate your average blood sugar over the previous few months.

Why you need it: Diabetes can develop gradually without obvious symptoms. Testing can identify high blood sugar before complications develop.

When to take it: Ask about screening if you have a family history of diabetes, PCOS, previous gestational diabetes, or symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Price Range: 鈧�2,000 鈥� 鈧�25,000

3. Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screening checks for high-risk HPV or abnormal cells in the cervix that could eventually become cancer. Depending on what鈥檚 available, it may involve an HPV test, Pap smear, or another approved screening method.

Why you need it: Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause changes in cervical cells that may eventually develop into cancer. Screening can detect these changes or high-risk HPV before cancer develops.

When to take it: WHO recommends routine screening from age 30 for the general population, with earlier screening for women living with HIV. Depending on availability and guidelines, screening may involve an HPV test, Pap smear, or visual inspection. HPV vaccination does not eliminate the need for recommended screening.

Price Range: 鈧�4,000 鈥� 鈧�30,000+

4. Breast Examination

A breast examination involves checking the breasts and surrounding areas for unusual lumps, swelling or other changes. A healthcare professional can perform a clinical breast examination, and imaging, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, may be recommended based on your age and risk.

Why you need it: Breast cancer can occur in younger women, too. Knowing what is normal for your breasts can help you recognise changes that need medical attention.

When to take it: Discuss your breast health and personal risk with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Routine mammograms are not necessary for every woman under 40, but women at increased risk may need earlier screening. Report new lumps, skin dimpling, or bloody nipple discharge promptly.

Price Range: 鈧�5,000 鈥� 鈧�30,000

5. HIV Test

An HIV test checks your blood or another sample for evidence of HIV infection. Different tests detect the virus or your body鈥檚 response to it.

Why you need it: HIV can remain undetected for years. Knowing your status helps you access treatment early and protect your health.

When to take it: Consider testing if you have never tested before, after a possible exposure, or when you have ongoing exposure risks. If a possible exposure occurred within the last 72 hours, seek urgent medical attention to discuss post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Price Range: 鈧�2,000 鈥� 鈧�8,000

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6. STI Tests

STI screening checks for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis. Depending on the infection, testing may require a blood, urine, or vaginal/cervical swab.

Why you need them: Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis can occur without symptoms. Untreated infections can cause complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems.

When to take them: Consider testing after a possible exposure, when starting a new sexual relationship, if a partner tests positive, or if you develop unusual discharge, sores, or painful urination. The appropriate tests depend on your sexual history and possible exposure.

Price Range: 鈧�3,000 鈥� 鈧�30,000+

7. Full Blood Count (FBC) and Iron Tests

A full blood count checks different components of your blood, including haemoglobin and red blood cells. Iron tests, such as ferritin, can assess your body鈥檚 iron stores.

Why you need it: Anaemia can cause persistent tiredness, dizziness, weakness, and shortness of breath. Women with heavy menstrual periods may be particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency.

When to take it: Ask your doctor about an FBC if you experience persistent fatigue, heavy periods, or other symptoms suggestive of anaemia. Additional tests, such as ferritin levels, may be needed to assess your iron stores.

Price Range: 鈧�4,000 鈥� 鈧�20,000

8. Cholesterol Test

A lipid profile is a blood test that measures different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood.

Why you need it: High cholesterol usually has no symptoms but can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

When to take it: Discuss a lipid profile with your doctor, particularly if you have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. How often you need testing depends on your risk factors and previous results.

Price Range: 鈧�8,000 鈥� 鈧�25,000

9. Hepatitis B Test

This is a blood test that checks whether you currently or previously have hepatitis B and whether you have immunity.

Why you need it: Hepatitis B affects the liver and can cause chronic infection, liver damage, and liver cancer. Some people have no symptoms for years.

When to take it: Ask about testing if you have never been screened, have a possible exposure, or are pregnant. If you are not vaccinated, ask about hepatitis B vaccination, too. Testing identifies your status, while vaccination helps prevent infection.

Price Range: 鈧�3,000 鈥� 鈧�12,000

10. Thyroid Function Test

Usually starting with a TSH blood test, thyroid testing checks whether your thyroid gland is producing the right amount of hormones.

Why you need it: Thyroid problems can affect your energy levels, metabolism, menstrual cycle, and fertility. Symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, and unusual sensitivity to heat or cold may warrant investigation.

When to take it: Ask your doctor about a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test if you have suggestive symptoms, a thyroid condition in your family, or certain fertility or pregnancy-related concerns. Routine testing is not necessary for every healthy woman.

Price Range: 鈧�20,000 鈥� 鈧�50,000

11. Pregnancy and Fertility-Related Tests

This isn鈥檛 one single test. Depending on your situation, fertility assessment can involve tests such as an ultrasound, hormone tests, ovarian reserve testing or semen analysis for a male partner.

Why you need them: There is a lot of misinformation about fertility, particularly about age. If you鈥檙e trying to get pregnant and haven鈥檛 conceived, testing can help identify possible reasons.

When should you take them: You don鈥檛 need a fertility test simply because you鈥檙e approaching 30 or 40. If you鈥檙e under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, or 35 or older and have been trying for six months, speak with a healthcare professional. Seek advice sooner if you have irregular periods, known reproductive conditions or other concerns.

Price Range: 鈧�8,000 鈥� 鈧�65,000+

12. Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your reproductive organs, including your uterus and ovaries. Depending on the situation, it may be done through the abdomen or with a transvaginal probe.

Why you need it: It can help investigate problems such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain or certain fertility concerns.

When should you take it?
This isn鈥檛 a routine test every woman needs. Your doctor may recommend one if you have persistent pelvic pain, unusually heavy or irregular bleeding, infertility concerns, or symptoms that suggest fibroids, cysts or another reproductive health issue.

Price Range: 鈧�8,000 鈥� 鈧�25,000

Next Read: What Type Of Feminist Are You?

Before You Spend Money on These Tests

You don鈥檛 necessarily need all the tests at once, and most are not tests you need to repeat every year.

Start with a general health check, discuss your medical and family history, and ask which screenings are appropriate for your age and risk factors. If you have symptoms, don鈥檛 wait until a routine screening is due before seeking medical attention.

Also, remember that an abnormal screening result does not automatically mean you have a serious illness. It may simply mean you need another test or further assessment.

The goal isn鈥檛 to become anxious about every possible health problem. It鈥檚 to catch what you can early, protect your future health, and stop treating hospital visits as something you only do when you鈥檙e already sick.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Screening recommendations vary, so consult a qualified healthcare professional about the tests you need.

Whether you鈥檙e a student working on your final-year project, a freelancer juggling multiple clients, or a remote worker who needs a reliable machine, finding a laptop that can keep up with your workload without emptying your savings is important.

From affordable options for everyday tasks to powerful machines built for multitasking, HP offers laptop models for different budgets and needs.

Here are 10 of the you can buy for under 鈧�1 million, ranked from most to least expensive.

Note: Prices are indicative estimates for the Nigerian market and may vary depending on the seller, specifications, condition, and availability.

1. HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8

Estimated price: 鈧�850,000 to 鈧�980,000

If you want a laptop that looks and feels expensive, the EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is worth considering.

It has a 360-degree hinge, a touchscreen, and a design that allows you to use it as either a traditional laptop or a tablet. Depending on the configuration, you can also get an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, making it suitable for demanding everyday work.

Best for: Professionals, consultants, and content creators who want a portable laptop for presentations, research, and multitasking.

2. HP Envy x360 13

Estimated price: 鈧�750,000 to 鈧�900,000

The HP Envy x360 13 is for people who want their laptop to look good and do moderately heavy work.

Its convertible design, touchscreen, and compact build make it a practical option for people who move between workspaces. Depending on the model, it comes with Intel or AMD processors and can handle writing, research, light photo editing, and everyday creative work.

Best for: Freelancers, writers, and content creators who want a stylish, portable machine.

3. HP Pavilion 15

Estimated price: 鈧�700,000 to 鈧�850,000

Sometimes, you just need a laptop that can handle work without making everything feel like a group project.

The HP Pavilion 15 offers a larger screen and, on many configurations, a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad. It is useful for people who spend their days working with spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and multiple browser tabs.

Models with 12th- or 13th-generation Intel Core i5 processors can offer solid everyday performance, though exact specifications vary.

Best for: Accountants, office workers, students, and remote workers who prefer a larger display.

4. HP ProBook 450 G8/G9

Estimated price: 鈧�650,000 to 鈧�800,000

The HP ProBook 450 is a practical option for people who care more about getting work done than having a laptop that looks good in an Instagram picture.

These business-oriented laptops typically offer a comfortable keyboard, a 15.6-inch display, and configurations that allow some RAM and storage upgrades. They are suitable for everyday office work, research, coding, and multitasking.

Best for: Small business owners, developers, and professionals who need a dependable work laptop.

5. HP EliteBook 830 G8

Estimated price: 鈧�650,000 to 鈧�780,000

If your laptop travels with you everywhere, its weight matters more than you might think.

The EliteBook 830 G8 is a compact 13.3-inch business laptop with an 11th-generation Intel processor in common configurations. Its smaller size makes it easier to carry between lectures, meetings, coworking spaces, and home.

It is a sensible choice for people who need a portable laptop for writing, research, video calls, and everyday multitasking.

Best for: Students, consultants, and remote workers who prioritise portability.

6. HP EliteBook 840 G7

Estimated price: 鈧�520,000 to 鈧�650,000

You do not always need the newest laptop to get good value for your money.

The EliteBook 840 G7 is an older business laptop that typically comes with a 10th-generation Intel Core processor, a 14-inch display, and a sturdy business-oriented design.

For writing, browsing, legal research, managing social media accounts, and working with spreadsheets, it can still be a capable machine when properly configured.

Best for: Social media managers, virtual assistants, students, and professionals working with a mid-range budget.

7. HP 15s

Estimated price: 鈧�450,000 to 鈧�580,000

If you prefer buying a brand-new laptop rather than a UK-used business model, the HP 15s is worth checking out.

Depending on the configuration, it comes with Intel or AMD processors and is designed for everyday computing. It can handle assignments, document editing, online classes, video calls, and general office work.

It is particularly useful for people who need a straightforward laptop without paying extra for premium business features.

Best for: University students, writers, and entry-level professionals.

8. HP EliteBook 845 G8

Estimated price: 鈧�400,000鈥撯偊550,000

With AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U configurations available, this is a much more compelling option for multitasking, research, writing, and everyday professional work. Look for a model with 16GB RAM and a 256GB or larger SSD.

Best for: Students, content creators, and remote workers.

9. HP EliteBook 840 G6

Estimated price: 鈧�400,000 to 鈧�500,000

For buyers who need a capable laptop but cannot justify spending 鈧�700,000, the EliteBook 840 G6 is worth a look.

It typically features an 8th-generation Intel Core processor, a 14-inch display, and a business-class design. With the right configuration, it can handle everyday productivity, browsing, research, and moderate multitasking.

It is also a useful option for buyers who want a more premium build without paying for a newer model.

Best for: Budget-conscious professionals, undergraduates, and freelancers.

10. HP ProBook 440 G8

Estimated price: 鈧�350,000鈥撯偊500,000

This business laptop is a more sensible entry-level recommendation, particularly with an 11th-generation Intel Core i5, 8GB or 16GB RAM, and an SSD. It’s suitable for university work, office applications, browsing, and moderate multitasking.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need a dependable everyday laptop.

So, which HP laptop should you buy?

The most expensive laptop on this list is not automatically the best one for you. Your workload, budget, and the laptop鈥檚 actual condition matter more than the name on its cover.

Here is a quick guide:

• For demanding work and multitasking: Look for a well-configured EliteBook x360 1040 G8 or ProBook 450.
• For portability: Consider the EliteBook 830 G8.
• For writing, research, and social media work: The EliteBook 840 G7 offers a practical balance of features and price.
• For a tighter budget: Consider the EliteBook 840 G6, provided it is in good condition.
• For basic schoolwork: An HP 15s or ProBook x360 may be suitable, depending on the specifications.

Before paying, physically inspect the laptop, test its ports and keyboard, check the battery, verify the specifications, and ask about the seller鈥檚 return policy. If possible, have a technician inspect a used unit.

Most importantly, do not spend your entire budget on the laptop itself. You may still need money for a charger, repairs, accessories, or a replacement battery.

NEXT READ: 10 Best iPhones to Buy in 2026, Ranked From Best Deal to Least Worth It

But what does it mean to be hyper-religious? It goes beyond simply being devoted to your faith. It describes an intense approach to religion in which religious beliefs heavily influence how a person sees the world, sometimes to the point where their interpretation of religious teachings becomes the standard everyone else is expected to live by.

In conversations about gender, this can mean treating traditional expectations of women as unquestionable religious obligations.

Of course, being deeply religious does not automatically make someone anti-feminist. But when some hyper-religious women talk about feminism, conversations about women鈥檚 rights quickly become conversations about women鈥檚 duties. This answers the question of why women who are also affected by gender inequality sometimes defend the very expectations feminism challenges.

When Submission Becomes a Virtue

For some women, religion and womanhood are so closely connected that questioning traditional gender roles feels like questioning their faith. They have been taught that a good woman is submissive, accommodating and willing to put her family first. If you grow up hearing that these qualities make you a godly woman, feminism can easily sound like an invitation to become the opposite.

This becomes more complicated when traditional gender roles are presented as God鈥檚 instructions rather than interpretations of religious teachings. If submission is framed as a divine obligation, questioning why a wife must defer to her husband can sound like challenging God Himself.

But who decides what these teachings mean, and why are interpretations that preserve men鈥檚 authority so often treated as unquestionable?

Next Read: 10 Nigerian Women On Why They Need More Than One Source Of Income

Is Feminism Really Destroying Marriages?

One of the most common arguments against feminism is that it makes women difficult to marry. Apparently, once women start earning their own money, expressing their opinions and expecting their partners to contribute to domestic responsibilities, they become too demanding.

A woman wanting an equal say in her marriage is somehow a bigger problem than a marriage where she has very little say at all.

Feminism is often presented as a threat to marriage because it challenges the idea that a husband should automatically have more authority than his wife. But feminism does not mean every woman has to reject marriage, motherhood or traditional gender roles.

There is nothing inherently wrong with wanting a marriage where a husband provides or choosing to be a homemaker. The problem begins when a personal preference becomes a rule for everybody else, or when women who make different choices are treated as less godly, less feminine or less deserving of marriage.

If a woman freely chooses a traditional marriage, that is her business. But why should another woman have to justify wanting a different arrangement?

The Pressure to be a 鈥淕ood Wo尘补苍鈥�

In some religious communities, women are praised for enduring difficult marriages, making sacrifices and putting everyone else first. Meanwhile, women who question these expectations risk being called rebellious, disrespectful or too influenced by Western ideas.

Being accepted as a good woman can depend on how well she follows these rules. She is expected to be patient when a man is difficult, forgiving when he hurts her, and accommodating even when the relationship demands more of her than it does of him.

Over time, these expectations can become tied to morality. A woman who tolerates more is considered virtuous, while one who insists on being treated fairly risks being labelled difficult.

When a community teaches that conformity is virtuous, it becomes easier to understand why some women get defensive when someone questions the rules. Challenging them can mean risking the approval, identity and sense of belonging they have spent years building.

But being a good woman should not require accepting unequal treatment.

Women Can Uphold Patriarchy, Too

Women are not immune to patriarchy simply because they are women. They can absorb the same beliefs about gender that disadvantage them, defend those beliefs and pass them on to other women.

Sometimes, women defend traditional gender roles because they genuinely believe in them. Other times, they have learned that conforming to these expectations offers security, social acceptance or a sense of control over their lives.

A woman who has built her identity around being an obedient wife might struggle with an ideology that asks her to reconsider what she has always believed. A woman who has gained recognition for meeting traditional expectations may also find it difficult to understand why another woman would want to challenge those expectations.

This does not mean every woman who rejects feminism is brainwashed, or that choosing a traditional life makes a woman anti-feminist. There is a difference between choosing a life for yourself and insisting that every other woman must live the same way.

The issue is not that some women want traditional marriages. It is that women who make different choices are sometimes treated as if they are failing their faith, their families or their gender.

Can Religion and Feminism Coexist?

Plenty of religious women are feminists, and plenty of women who reject the feminist label still believe women deserve equal rights. Religious people also interpret their faith differently, including questions about marriage, leadership and gender roles.

The conflict is not necessarily between religion and feminism. It can also be about who gets to interpret religious teachings and whether those interpretations should be beyond question.

When women are told that wanting financial independence, equal decision-making or freedom from restrictive gender expectations makes them bad wives or bad believers, it becomes worth asking whose interests these expectations serve.

A woman can be devoted to God without agreeing with every traditional expectation placed on women. She can value marriage without believing her husband should have the final say in everything. She can choose to be a homemaker without believing that women who pursue careers are neglecting their responsibilities.

Ultimately, women should have room to make these decisions without being judged by a single standard of womanhood.

If a woman wants to submit to her husband, that is her choice. But another woman should be free to reject that arrangement without being called rebellious or immoral.

Why should being a good woman mean living by rules that women are rarely allowed to question?

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The conversation around the iPhone 18 series has also raised a bigger question: do you really need the latest iPhone, or would an older model give you almost everything you need for less?

For many buyers, especially those shopping in Nigeria, an older iPhone can offer most of what they need at a much better price. So we asked iPhone users and vendors which models are actually worth spending money on in 2026.

Here are the 10 iPhones that made the cut, ranked from best value for money to least.

1. iPhone 17 Pro Max – 鈧�1.7m – 鈧�2.7m 

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: It has the full package: excellent cameras, strong battery life, a big display and enough power to handle pretty much anything. If you鈥檙e spending serious money on an iPhone, this is one of the few that can justify the price.

Best for: Content creators, heavy users and people who want the best iPhone without jumping to the newer 18 series.

2. iPhone 17 Pro – 鈧�1.8m – 鈧�2.2m

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: You get most of what makes the 17 Pro Max great, but in a smaller phone. It鈥檚 a good option if you want premium cameras and performance without paying for the biggest iPhone.

Best for: People who want a Pro iPhone but prefer a smaller phone.

3. iPhone 16 Pro – 鈧�950,000 – 鈧�1.1m

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: It鈥檚 no longer the newest Pro model, which is exactly why it鈥檚 worth considering. You get a premium camera system, great performance and a high-end display without paying current-generation prices.

Best for: People who want Pro features but don鈥檛 want to spend 17 Pro money.

4. iPhone 15 Pro Max – 鈧�800,000 – 鈧�950,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: The 15 Pro Max still has the big screen, strong cameras and performance you鈥檇 expect from a Pro Max. Its age also means you can find it at a much more attractive price than newer Pro Max models.

Best for: Content creators and buyers who want a Pro Max without paying top dollar.

5. iPhone 16 – 鈧�770,000 – 鈧�900,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: You don鈥檛 need a Pro to have a great iPhone. The 16 handles everyday use comfortably and gives you a newer phone without the extra cost of Pro features.

Best for: Everyday users who want a modern iPhone without spending too much.

6. iPhone 15 – 鈧�600,000 – 鈧�700,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: The iPhone 15 is still a solid everyday phone, especially if you find it at a good price. It gives you a capable camera, USB-C and enough performance for most people鈥檚 needs.

Best for: People who want a reliable iPhone on a tighter budget.

7. iPhone 14 Pro Max – 鈧�630,000 – 鈧�850,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: You can get the Pro Max experience for considerably less than you鈥檇 pay for a newer model. Its big display, Pro camera system and premium design still hold up.

Best for: Buyers who want a Pro Max but don鈥檛 have the budget for a newer one.

8. iPhone 14 Pro – 鈧�600,000 – 鈧�770,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: It packs many of the features people love about the Pro Max into a smaller phone. If you鈥檙e not bothered about having the latest model, it can be a great deal at the right price.

Best for: People who want Pro features without the Pro Max size or price.

9. iPhone 14 Plus – 鈧�450,000 – 570,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: If your priorities are a big screen and good battery life, you don鈥檛 necessarily need to pay for a Pro Max. The 14 Plus gives you both without the extra Pro premium.

Best for: People who care more about screen size and battery than camera features.

10. iPhone 13 – 鈧�385,000 – 鈧�450,000

Why it鈥檚 worth your money: The iPhone 13 is an affordable way to get into the iPhone ecosystem without spending a fortune. It鈥檚 still capable of handling everyday tasks, social media, photography and streaming.

Best for: Students, first-time iPhone buyers, and people on a smaller budget.

So, which one should you buy?

If money isn鈥檛 the biggest concern, the 17 Pro Max is the clear pick. But if you鈥檙e more interested in getting the most out of every naira, there are plenty of older iPhones that still make sense in 2026.

The trick is to figure out what you actually need from your phone, then spend accordingly.

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Every year, people gather in Ile-Ife, Osun State, for Olojo Festival, one of the celebrations that keeps Yoruba history, culture and traditions alive.

The festival is rooted in the history and spiritual traditions of Ile-Ife, widely regarded as an important centre of Yoruba civilisation. Its name is commonly translated as 鈥淭he Day of the First Dawn鈥�, and the celebration is associated with Ogun, the Yoruba deity of iron and warfare.

However, Olojo is more than its history. It is a living celebration, bringing together traditional institutions, families, young people and visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.

It Is More Than A Festival

Olojo festival provides a space for people to experience culture in ways that go beyond reading about it in history books. From fashion and food to language and music, different parts of Yoruba identity come together during the celebration.

It is also a time for families to return home, reconnect and celebrate together. For people living away from Ile-Ife, the festival can provide a reason to return to their roots and reconnect with the traditions that connect them to home.

鈥淥lojo Festival brings us closer to our heritage and home. It is a time when families come together, enjoy themselves, celebrate and reunite,鈥� says Inyang Mary Oluwafunmilayo, a UK-based administrator who attended the festival.

That sense of connection is part of what makes cultural festivals important. They create opportunities for traditions to be experienced rather than simply remembered.

Passing It On

Keeping a tradition alive also means making sure younger generations have opportunities to understand and participate in it. For the Olojo festival,聽 that means creating spaces where young people can engage with the cultural values and heritage of Ile-Ife.

Education is another part of that conversation. Through the HCBBO Foundation鈥檚 scholarship initiative, students are encouraged to pursue academic excellence while remaining connected to the cultural values of their community.

鈥淓ducation is the key and the scholarship initiative by the HCBBO Foundation is a way to continually encourage students to keep up the excellent work. The festival helps students and young ones to continuously imbibe the good cultural values and heritage of the land,鈥� says Osedimilehin Dele Johnson, coordinator of the HCBBO Foundation.

For younger people, this makes Olojo more than an annual celebration. It becomes one of the spaces where culture can be learnt, experienced and passed from one generation to another.

Seaman鈥檚 and the Spirit of Tradition

For traditions to remain visible and relevant, the celebrations around them also need support. This is where brands and organisations can play a role, helping create platforms where people can continue to experience and celebrate their heritage.

Seaman鈥檚 Schnapps has positioned itself around this idea with its Spirit of Tradition platform. The brand has supported cultural celebrations across Nigeria, and in 2026, it is among the sponsors of Olojo Festival.

For Seaman鈥檚, its involvement goes beyond simply being present at the festival. The brand is supporting different activities that allow people to experience the celebration through some of the things that make culture feel alive: food, music, games and community.

鈥淥lojo Festival is not just any event. It is a time where we showcase our culture through fashion, our food, our language and even music. Seaman鈥檚 is championing this by providing various platforms for this showcase. Our partnership for this edition includes games, music, food and other activities,鈥� says Nnenna Uche Onyenacho, Senior Brand Manager at Seaman鈥檚 Schnapps.

That involvement also reflects the communal nature of Olojo. The festival attracts people from within Nigeria and from abroad, creating a space where cultural celebration and community come together.

According to Bukola Adediran, a Seaman鈥檚 distributor in Osogbo, 鈥淥lojo Festival is a cultural festival where people home and abroad come to use Seaman鈥檚 products to celebrate the Ooni of Ife.鈥�

For a festival rooted in history and tradition, this continued participation is part of what keeps Olojo relevant. The celebration may be tied to longstanding customs, but the people who attend, participate and support it continue to give those customs a place in contemporary life.

Keeping Heritage Alive

Olojo Festival is ultimately about continuity. It brings together the traditions of the past with the people who are living them today.

For families, it is a time to return home and reconnect. For young people, it is an opportunity to learn and participate. For people living abroad, it can be a bridge back to their heritage. And for organisations like Seaman鈥檚 Schnapps, supporting the festival provides a way to contribute to the spaces where Nigerian culture continues to be celebrated.

Because culture does not stay alive simply because it existed once. It survives because people keep showing up for it, sharing it and passing it on.

, according to various dictionaries, refers to the voluntary agreement to engage in a specific activity or to allow something to happen. It is a mutual understanding that requires clear communication and respect for individual autonomy.

It sounds simple. Almost embarrassingly simple. Yet somehow, when sex is involved, people become determined to make it complicated.

The conversation around the is a good example. A former Cornell student, identified as 鈥淛ane Doe鈥�, alleged that what began as consensual sex with two men changed as more men became involved. She has said that she was given ketamine, alongside alcohol and marijuana, and became increasingly intoxicated and unable to make decisions. Her lawsuit alleges that the incident involved seven men and lasted about seven hours, from late on October 19, 2024, into the early hours of October 20. The men named in the lawsuit have denied wrongdoing. A criminal investigation initially resulted in no charges but has since been reopened, and the case remains subject to legal proceedings.

But what stood out in the public conversation was not only the allegations. It was how quickly people returned to the same argument…but she agreed to a threesome.鈥�

This is where the average person鈥檚 understanding of consent seems to collapse, particularly when the person involved is a woman. Agreeing to a threesome is not agreeing to every person who subsequently enters the room. Agreeing to kiss someone is not agreeing to have sex with them. Agreeing to sex is not agreeing to every sexual act that person might want. And agreeing to something at 10 p.m. does not mean agreeing to it at 10:30 p.m.

Consent is specific. It is ongoing. Most importantly, it can be withdrawn. This should not be a radical concept. Most women already understand it because they have had to.

A woman can agree to go home with a man after a date because she wants to spend more time with him. They can kiss. They can make out. She can even initiate some of it. Then she can decide she does not want sex and say so. At that point, the conversation should be over.

Instead, this is where the negotiation often begins.

鈥淏ut why did you come here?鈥�

鈥淏ut you were kissing me.鈥�

鈥淵ou knew what I wanted.鈥�

鈥淪o you got me turned on for nothing?鈥�

鈥淎re you serious? After all this?鈥�

Suddenly, the woman is no longer exercising a boundary. She is being accused of creating a problem.

Sometimes the man does not physically force anything. He just keeps asking. He sulks. He gets angry. He becomes cold. He makes her feel guilty. He tells her she has wasted his time. Eventually, she says yes because continuing to say no has become exhausting.

Consent is not simply the existence of the word 鈥測es鈥�. It is about whether the person was actually free to make that choice. If someone has to weigh the consequences of saying no before deciding whether they want sex, there is already something wrong with the situation. This is where many women recognise themselves in conversations about consent. 

The boyfriend who gets angry every time his girlfriend refuses sex.

The man who keeps asking until his partner gets tired.

The person who treats a woman鈥檚 previous sexual history as evidence that she cannot possibly reject him.

The man who interprets flirting as consent.

The person who thinks going to his house means sex is guaranteed.

These experiences do not always look dramatic from the outside. Sometimes there is no screaming, no struggle or obvious moment that makes everyone in the room immediately understand that something is wrong. Sometimes, there is simply a woman becoming increasingly uncomfortable while a man decides that her discomfort is not important enough to stop.

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This is also why the question 鈥淲hy didn鈥檛 she leave?鈥� is so frustrating. 

It assumes that every woman in an uncomfortable sexual situation has clarity and a safe way out. She may be drunk or frightened. She may be surrounded by people she does not trust or may be trying to avoid making the situation worse. She may freeze or may simply not know what to do.

Women are constantly taught to prepare for these situations. Watch your drink. Don鈥檛 walk alone. Share your location. Don鈥檛 go to his house. Don鈥檛 drink too much. Don鈥檛 trust strangers. Don鈥檛 trust familiar men either. Be careful with what you wear. Be careful with who you date. Be careful, be careful, be careful.

Women are taught to anticipate male behaviour so thoroughly that when something happens, the first question is often what the woman could have done differently.

Why did she go there?

Why did she drink?

Why did she flirt?

Why did she agree initially?

Why did she not fight?

Why did she not leave?

At some point, the questions stop being about the person who crossed the boundary and become an investigation into why the woman failed to prevent him from doing it.

There is a particularly strange double standard in the way consent is understood. 

Men generally have no difficulty recognising that they can change their minds about sex. A man can agree to a date and decide he does not want anything physical. He can kiss a woman and decide he does not want sex. He can agree to sex and change his mind halfway through. He can go to someone鈥檚 house and decide he would rather sleep on the couch. Nobody asks why he went there. Nobody says, 鈥淏ut you knew what she wanted.鈥� Nobody tells him that because he had already agreed; he owed her consistency.

His no is understood as a boundary. A woman鈥檚 no is too often treated as the beginning of a negotiation.

This is what makes this conversation so frustrating. The problem is rarely that people genuinely do not understand what consent means. Most people understand it perfectly when they are the ones exercising it. A man does not need to scream, fight or provide a five-minute explanation before his refusal becomes valid. His discomfort is enough. His decision is enough. His no is enough.

Women deserve the same standard.

A woman can be attracted to a man and still not want sex. She could have slept with him yesterday and not want to tonight. She can agree to one thing and refuse another. She can change her mind halfway through. None of these things is contradictory. They are simply examples of a person deciding what happens to their own body.

An average man does not necessarily misunderstand the definition of consent. He understands that he can reject someone. He understands that he can stop. What becomes difficult is accepting that the same freedom belongs to women.

Genuinely understanding consent means accepting rejection. It means understanding that being turned on does not create an obligation for someone else to have sex with you. It means accepting that someone changing their mind is not an attack on your masculinity. She does not have to scream, cry or explain herself. Sometimes she simply does not want to. That should be enough.

Perhaps the most important part of this conversation is what happens when consent is absent. 

Rape is not caused by alcohol. It is not caused by flirting. It is not caused by a short dress, a late night, a sexual history or a decision to go home with someone. None of those things rape a person.

A rapist does.

Yet whenever a woman is raped, the conversation somehow becomes an investigation into what she could have done differently. Why did she go there? Why did she drink? Why did she trust him? Why did she not leave? Why did she not fight? Why did she not scream?

There is something deeply wrong with a society that can produce an entire list of things a woman should have done to prevent her rape before asking the person who raped her why he decided to violate her.

A woman is allowed to make a bad decision without forfeiting her right to safety. She is allowed to flirt, drink, trust the wrong person, go home with someone, have sex and change her mind. None of these choices gives permission for someone else to violate her.

The responsibility belongs to the person who crossed the boundary.

It was never the dress. The drink. The location. The flirting. The previous yes. It was the person who chose to ignore the no.

Maybe that is the simplest way to understand consent: a woman鈥檚 imperfect choices do not make her body collateral damage.

She does not have to be perfect to deserve bodily autonomy. She only has to be a person! 

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A woman gets a great job, and suddenly someone wants to know who recommended her. A woman starts a successful business, and the first question is where the money came from. A woman gets an opportunity people have been fighting for, and somebody will eventually ask about who she is dating, who her parents know or who is 鈥渞eally鈥� behind the whole thing.

There always seems to be another explanation. She couldn鈥檛 possibly have just been good.

This is especially obvious when the woman is doing something in a space traditionally dominated by men. There is suddenly a need to inspect the achievement from every possible angle. How did she do it? Who helped her? Was it actually difficult? Was she lucky? Did she really build it herself?

Somehow, the answer is rarely allowed to simply be: she did it.

The conversation around has been a particularly interesting example of this.

For those who somehow missed the internet鈥檚 latest obsession, is a virtual game created by Shalom Rayhamen that lets players experience a version of Lagos through their screens. This was inspired by her experience playing The Sims while growing up. Since its launch, the game has attracted a huge audience and generated serious conversations about what it could become.

Naturally, people have opinions. That part is normal.

A game can be criticised. Its design can be called basic. Its technology can be questioned. Its business model can be analysed. Nobody is above criticism because they built something that people like.

However, there is a particular kind of criticism that starts sounding less like an assessment of the product and more like an investigation into whether the woman behind it deserves the success.

One recurring argument has been that Lagos Life was 鈥渧ibe coded鈥� with AI.

There is something funny about the way this gets used as an insult.

AI is a tool. Developers use tools. Writers use tools. Designers use tools. Businesses use tools. The existence of a tool does not magically mean the person using it contributed nothing.

If anything, the interesting question should be what someone was able to create with the tools available to them.

Instead, the conversation often becomes, 鈥淲ell, AI did it.鈥�

As if the AI woke up one morning, decided to build a game about Lagos, figured out what Nigerians would find funny, created the product, launched it, attracted players and then started dealing with the inevitable chaos that comes when thousands of people descend on something you made.

Apparently, the machine did all of that, and the woman just happened to be standing there.

Then there are the people who insist the game is basic. Again, it is perfectly fine to think a game is basic, but there is a funny thing about the word 鈥渂asic鈥� when it is used to explain away something that is clearly working. A product does not have to be technologically revolutionary to be successful. Sometimes people just want something fun. Sometimes the simplest idea is the one people understand immediately. Sometimes a product does not need to impress developers to entertain the people actually using it, and that last part seems particularly important here.

While some people are busy explaining why Lagos Life isn鈥檛 impressive enough, others are playing it. Lots of people. And that should count for something. All of this was just criticism until the $100,000 offer came into play.

Someone offered to buy Lagos Life for $100,000, and the creator鈥檚 reaction was almost as interesting as the offer itself.

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The offer was presented with the kind of condescension that suggested $100,000 should have ended the conversation immediately. As though anyone who had built something successful should be grateful that somebody had finally arrived to tell them what it was worth. But what happens when the person who built it disagrees? What happens when she says, 鈥淣o. I think this is worth much more鈥�

Apparently, that is where things get interesting because Shalom has spoken publicly about valuing Lagos Life at $1 billion.

Now, $1 billion is an enormous valuation. It is also completely fair to question it. Perhaps it is too ambitious. Perhaps the market will eventually prove otherwise. Perhaps there are things about the company鈥檚 current numbers that do not justify it. Those are legitimate conversations.

But somewhere along the line, questioning the valuation became calling her a fraud, and that leap says a lot. 

Because women are constantly told to know their worth. Negotiate. Ask for more. Stop accepting the first offer. Build something valuable. Take yourself seriously.聽 Then a woman actually does it, and suddenly everyone wants to teach her a lesson in humility.聽

There is a very specific discomfort that appears when women are confident about the value of their own work. Confidence becomes arrogance. Ambition becomes delusion. Negotiation becomes greed, and being unwilling to accept less than what you believe something is worth becomes evidence that you don鈥檛 understand your own business. It is almost as if women are allowed to succeed as long as they remain sufficiently surprised by their own success.

This feels familiar outside tech. Every woman knows what it’s like to do something well and have someone search for the part she couldn鈥檛 possibly have done herself.

鈥淪he got the job because of someone.鈥� 鈥淪he got the opportunity because of someone.鈥� 鈥淪he looks that good because of something.鈥� 鈥淪he got that far because somebody helped her.鈥�

An invisible person is always credited for a woman鈥檚 visible achievement. And yes, women get help. Everybody does. Nobody builds anything completely alone.

However, there is a difference between acknowledging support and refusing to believe that a woman could have been the driving force behind her own success. That is where the Lagos Life conversation becomes bigger than Lagos Life. The issue is not that every criticism of the game is misogynistic. It isn鈥檛. The issue is the pattern.

When the product succeeds, some people immediately reach for luck. When AI is involved, they reach for 鈥渟he didn鈥檛 really build it.鈥� When the product is simple, they reach for 鈥渋t鈥檚 basic.鈥� When someone offers money for it, they decide she should take it. When she says what she thinks it is worth, they reach for 鈥渇raud.鈥�

At some point, the question stops being whether the game is good enough. The question becomes why some people seem so committed to finding a reason; the woman behind it cannot simply be good at her job.

Perhaps that is the most uncomfortable part of women succeeding in spaces never designed with them in mind.

It forces everyone watching to confront a possibility they would rather avoid. Maybe there was no shortcut. Maybe there was no mysterious man behind the scenes. Maybe she was not particularly lucky. Maybe she used the tools available to her and made something people wanted. Maybe the game really is that simple.

And maybe, just maybe, a woman built something that worked. There does not always have to be another explanation.

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Yes, your degree can absolutely get you those jobs. However, Mass Communication teaches you more than how to write a news story or present on TV. You learn how people consume information, how to communicate ideas clearly, how audiences behave and how to tell stories that get people鈥檚 attention.

Those skills can take you beyond traditional media and into tech, research, the creator economy, HR and other industries you probably didn鈥檛 consider when you picked your course.

Here are 10 career paths you can explore with a Mass Communication degree.

UX Writer

UX writers craft the words people interact with when they use an app or website. Think error messages, buttons, onboarding screens, notifications and instructions.

Your Mass Comm background in writing, audience understanding and clear communication can come in handy here.

What you need:

• Learn the basics of UX writing, content design and user experience through free courses, articles and videos.
• Start paying attention to the copy in apps you already use. When you see confusing instructions or error messages, rewrite them and explain why your version works better.
• Learn the basics of Figma so you can put your writing into actual app screens instead of submitting a document full of text.
• Create 2鈥�3 case studies from apps or websites you already use. Show the original experience, what you would change and why.
• If you鈥檙e still in school, volunteer to write or improve the copy for a student organisation, campus platform or small business with a digital product.
• Put your projects in a simple portfolio and start applying for UX Writer, UX Content Writer, Content Designer and Product Content roles.

Content Designer

Content designers figure out what information users need and how to present it clearly within a digital product. They work closely with writers, designers, researchers and product teams.

Your Mass Comm training in communication, storytelling, and audience understanding gives you a useful starting point.

What you need:

• Learn the difference between content writing, UX writing and content design.
• Learn basic UX research, information architecture and user-centred design.
• Pick an app you use regularly and identify where users might be confused by its content.
• Redesign the experience and explain your decisions in a case study.
• Learn the basics of Figma and practise working with real screens.
• If you鈥檙e in school, look for opportunities to work with a campus tech community, student startup or organisation that has a website or digital product.
• Build a portfolio with 2鈥�3 strong case studies and start applying for Content Designer, UX Content Designer and Product Content roles.

Audience Development Specialist

Audience development specialists help media companies grow and retain their audiences. They study what people read, watch, search for and share, then use those insights to improve how content reaches them.

What you need:

• Learn SEO, social media analytics, audience research and content distribution.
• Get comfortable with Google Analytics, Google Search Console and the analytics dashboards on platforms you already use.
• Start paying attention to how Nigerian media platforms package stories for Instagram, TikTok, X, Google and newsletters.
• Pick a publication and create a mock audience-growth strategy. Explain what you think they鈥檙e doing well, what isn鈥檛 working and what you would change.
• If you鈥檙e still in school, volunteer to manage the social media or newsletter for a student organisation, campus publication or small media platform. Track the results.
• Build a portfolio that showcases your strategy and results, then apply for Audience Development, Audience Engagement, Growth, or Digital Publishing roles.

Creator Partnerships Manager

Creator partnerships managers work with content creators, influencers and brands to develop campaigns and partnerships. They may help brands find creators, manage campaigns or build long-term relationships with creators.

What you need:

• Learn how influencer marketing, creator campaigns and brand partnerships work.
• Start following Nigerian creators and brands and pay attention to the campaigns they run together.
• Practise creating hypothetical creator campaigns. Pick a brand, choose three creators and explain why you鈥檇 pair them together and what campaign you鈥檇 run.
• If you鈥檙e in school, offer to help a small creator, student creator, or small business organise brand collaborations or manage campaign deliverables.
• Learn basic campaign reporting to understand metrics such as reach, engagement, clicks, and conversions.
• Keep your best work as case studies and apply for Creator Partnerships, Influencer Marketing, Talent Partnerships and Creator Success roles.

We surveyed 5,000 workers across Nigeria鈥檚 formal and informal sectors to examine what Nigerians earn, where the money goes, and whether hard work actually translates to financial security. This is what we found. Download the 糖心原创 State of Income Report.

Employer Branding Specialist

Employer branding specialists help companies communicate what it鈥檚 like to work there and why people should want to join. They can work on employee stories, recruitment campaigns, career pages, social media and workplace content.

What you need:

• Learn the basics of employer branding, recruitment marketing and corporate communications.
• Follow companies with strong employer brands and study how they talk about their employees and workplace culture.
• Practise creating content for a hypothetical recruitment campaign, such as an employee story, a LinkedIn post, career-page copy, or a 鈥渄ay in the life鈥� series.
• If you鈥檙e in school, your school鈥檚 career office, student organisation, or internship can offer opportunities to create recruitment or organisational content.
• Learn the basics of Canva, social media analytics, and content strategy.
• Build a small portfolio and apply for Employer Branding, Talent Marketing, Recruitment Marketing, People Communications and Employee Experience roles.

Internal Communications Specialist

Internal communications specialists communicate with an organisation鈥檚 employees. They can write newsletters, company announcements, executive communications, employee campaigns and crisis updates.

What you need:

• Develop your writing, editing and corporate communication skills.
• Learn how organisations communicate with employees through email, newsletters, Slack, Microsoft Teams and internal platforms.
• Practise turning complicated information into short, clear communication.
• Take on communication roles in student organisations, NGOs, clubs or other groups you鈥檙e already involved in.
• Save your best work, such as newsletters, announcements, campaign plans or internal communications, and turn them into portfolio samples.
• Look for internships in communications, HR, corporate affairs, or employee engagement, then search for roles in Internal Communications, Employee Communications, and Corporate Communications.

Community Manager

Community managers build and maintain communities around brands, products, creators or organisations. They keep members engaged, organise activities, moderate conversations and help the organisation understand its community.

What you need:

• Start with a community you already have access to. This could be a student organisation, WhatsApp group, newsletter, online community or campus initiative.
• Learn community management, moderation, engagement and basic analytics.
• Don鈥檛 just manage the community. Track what you actually achieve, such as membership growth, event attendance, engagement or retention.
• Organise an online or offline event and document the process.
• Learn how to create community guidelines and engagement strategies.
• Put your experience and results into a portfolio, then apply for Community Associate, Community Manager, Community Engagement and Community Operations roles.

Consumer Insights Researcher

Consumer insights researchers study what people think, want and do so brands can make better decisions. They can conduct interviews, surveys and focus groups and analyse the results.

What you need:

• Learn qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Get comfortable creating surveys using tools such as Google Forms.
• Learn the basics of Excel or Google Sheets so you can organise and analyse responses.
• Start small. Survey students about something you鈥檙e genuinely curious about and turn the results into a short insights report.
• Learn how to conduct good interviews and focus groups without leading respondents toward your preferred answers.
• Add your research projects to your portfolio and look for Research Assistant, Market Research, Consumer Insights and Audience Research roles.

Media Intelligence Analyst

Media intelligence analysts monitor news, social media and online conversations to help organisations understand what people are saying about their brand, competitors or industry.

What you need:

• Learn media monitoring, social listening, research and basic data analysis.
• Start monitoring a brand you already know. Track mentions across news sites and social media for a week and identify the biggest conversations around it.
• Learn Excel or Google Sheets to organise the information you鈥檙e collecting.
• Practise turning your findings into a simple weekly media-monitoring report.
• Learn the basics of sentiment analysis, reputation management and crisis communication.
• If you鈥檙e still in school, this can become a portfolio project or something you do during a communications internship.
• Apply for Media Intelligence Analyst, Media Monitoring Analyst, Social Listening Analyst, Communications Intelligence and Reputation Analyst roles.

Digital Content Strategist

Digital content strategists figure out what content a brand should create, who it鈥檚 for, where it should live and what it鈥檚 supposed to achieve. They sit somewhere between content creation, audience strategy and marketing.

What you need:

• Learn content strategy, SEO, audience research and basic digital marketing.
• Pick a brand and audit its existing content across Instagram, TikTok, its website and other platforms.
• Create a content strategy that outlines its target audience, content pillars, platforms, formats, and goals.
• Start applying the strategy to a real project. This could be your personal page, a student organisation, a small business or a friend鈥檚 business.
• Track the results so you can show that your strategy actually made a difference.
• Build a portfolio with your audits, strategies and results, then apply for Content Strategist, Digital Content Strategist, Content Marketing Associate and Content Strategy roles.

started as a game, but somewhere between paying rent, chasing money and trying to build a better life, it became a surprisingly good lesson in how money works in the real world. From inflation and the illusion of wealth to lifestyle inflation, entrepreneurship and the value of listening to your audience, there鈥檚 more to learn from Lagos Life than how to survive its virtual economy.

Here are 12 money lessons the game and the story behind it can teach us about making, spending and building wealth in real life. 

You don鈥檛 always need a completely new idea

Shalom Rayhamen, the game鈥檚 founder, didn鈥檛 invent the life simulation genre. She took a familiar concept and made it feel Nigerian. Sometimes the opportunity is in taking something that already works and making it relevant to a specific audience.

Your local knowledge can be an economic advantage

The things that feel ordinary to you might be exactly what someone else wants. Understanding your culture, environment and audience can give you an advantage that someone outside that context simply cannot replicate.

You don鈥檛 have to wait for perfection before you start

Lagos Life got into people鈥檚 hands while it was still being developed. That gave the creator real user feedback and insights into what to improve. Sometimes the fastest way to build something better is to launch the imperfect version first.

Feedback is free market research

When people repeatedly ask for something, they are telling you where demand exists. Instead of taking every criticism personally, learn to look for patterns. Your customers can tell you what to build next.

Taking a quick, calculated risk can be more valuable than waiting for certainty

There was no guarantee people would care about a Lagos-based life simulator. It was still built and released. You can research forever and still never know whether people want something until you actually put it in front of them.

Build something people want to return to

Getting someone鈥檚 attention once is one thing. Giving them a reason to keep coming back is another. Consistent updates and improvements can turn initial curiosity into a community, and retention is valuable in almost every business.

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Your product can become bigger than its original purpose

A game can become a platform for advertising, partnerships, premium features and other revenue streams. Once you have an engaged audience, you have more opportunities to create and capture value.

Don鈥檛 just build income. Build assets

Your salary pays you for your labour. A product, audience, brand, intellectual property, or business can continue to create value beyond the hours you personally put in. Wealth becomes easier to build when you start owning things that can grow.

Specificity can be a competitive advantage

The appeal of the game comes partly from how specifically Nigerian it is. You don鈥檛 always need everyone to care about what you鈥檙e building. Serving a particular audience exceptionally well can be a better business strategy.

An idea is easy to copy. An ecosystem isn鈥檛

Anyone can copy the concept. It is much harder to copy the community, brand, audience, data, relationships and trust built around it. Your advantage shouldn鈥檛 just be the idea. It should be everything you鈥檝e built around the idea.

You can start building wealth with more than money

Skills, creativity, knowledge, relationships and an audience are all forms of capital. You don鈥檛 need to be wealthy to start creating valuable things. Sometimes your first investment is becoming capable of building something people will pay for.

The real skill is learning to spot opportunities

Beyond building a popular game, the interesting part is that someone looked at an existing category, saw a gap and thought, 鈥淲hy doesn鈥檛 this exist for us?鈥� Wealth creation often starts with seeing an opportunity others overlooked and actually doing something about it.

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