On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, researchers at the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab published a stating that about 31,400 more听 Nigerians could die from extreme heat between September 2026 and February 2027 because of El Ni帽o in Nigeria. This is the highest projected of any country on Earth, with global deaths estimated to be about 451,000.

Just to be clear, this is a projection of deaths above a normal year, not a confirmed toll. The lab itself says its full methodology is still awaiting peer review, but the researchers say the point is to that there might be fire on the mountain. But before we talk about what the Nigerian government is doing to quench that fire, let’s break down what El Ni帽o is and what it means for Nigeria and the whole world.

What is El Ni帽o and how long will it last?

is a natural warming of the Pacific Ocean that shifts weather patterns thousands of kilometres away. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it happens every two to seven years and lasts 9 to 12 months.

But this one鈥檚 a monster, according to the researchers. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that it would and last into early 2027. On Thursday, October 8, NOAA put the of the heat rising from strong to very strong through January鈥揗arch 2027 at over 83 per cent.

Why is Nigeria top of the list?

Nigeria is in the direct path of the heat. With , Nigeria is the most populous of the four Sahel countries facing the worst of it, so the same heatwave reaches far more people. The Sahel is projected to lose 66,800 people to heat, and nearly half of those deaths would be from Nigeria.

According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in the days leading up to Thursday, October 22, reached 41掳C in Nguru, Yobe State, and 34掳C in Lagos.

These numbers mean thousands of Nigerians are exposed to high risks at once, with older people, young children and people with existing health conditions most at risk. Heat doesn’t announce itself. It just takes the people with the least protection.

The heat is getting wesser

In February 2026, NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction, presented in Abuja by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, to a predominantly neutral ENSO phase, which simply means no El Ni帽o.

NiMet made an in its Seasonal Climate Prediction report on August 13, but that update said El Ni帽o’s temperature impact might not be significant between August and October.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency鈥檚 (NEMA) centred on the seasonal prediction and flooding. Its July 13 advisory covered flash floods in 26 states and the FCT. We found no national heat action plan, no public heat-alert system and no cooling or hydration points announced anywhere.

You have a role to play

You don鈥檛 have to wait for the government to do something before you act.

• Drink water regularly, especially if you work outdoors;听
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours;听
• Avoid walking under the sun for long hours if you can

Beyond personal habits, NiMet and the WHO have extended precautions to the institutional and community level. 

• Employers and schools are explicitly urged to provide shaded rest areas, ensure cross-ventilation, and mandate regular cooling breaks.听
• Communities are advised to protect local water sources from excessive evaporation and to plant trees proactively.听
• Check regularly on high-risk individuals, specifically babies, transport or construction workers, and neighbours managing high blood pressure or diabetes, as extreme heat rapidly worsens underlying cardiovascular and kidney strains.听

Know the signs of heat exhaustion

• 顿颈锄锄颈苍别蝉蝉,听
• Headache
• Nausea and
• Weakness
• Confusion, seizures or fainting could mean a life-threatening emergency. Get medical help immediately if you feel unwell.

El no no 

Heat deaths are preventable, and the Climate Impact Lab lists heat warnings, outreach to vulnerable people, cooling centres, hydration stations and worker protections as ways to cut them, so here’s what to demand from the government.

Ask NiMet, NEMA and the Federal Ministry of Health for a national heat action plan for El Ni帽o, and when it will be implemented and published.

When Damilola* (28) met Fade*(28) during NYSC camp, she had no idea their friendship would eventually lead her to her husband. But after marrying Isaac*, the man Fade had introduced her to, Damilola discovered that they had both kept a major secret from her.

For Sunken Ships, Damilola shares how discovering her husband’s (OCD) after their wedding affected their marriage, why she felt betrayed by the friend who played matchmaker, and how the experience changed the way she approaches relationships.

How did you and Fade become friends?

We met at NYSC camp in 2018 and became friends almost immediately. She was a church girlie like me, and we got along well. Even after camp, when we were posted to different local governments, we stayed in touch. We talked regularly and were quite close.

At some point, she found out that I was single and open to meeting new people. She offered to introduce me to one of her single male friends, Isaac*. 

Oh. And how did that go?

He was really sweet and charming. We hit it off after Fade introduced us, and soon we were talking on the phone almost every day. Things progressed naturally from there, and we started courting in 2019. 

I liked how deliberate he was about his cleanliness. He was particular about washing his hands and keeping his things sparkling clean. He took his faith seriously, too, which was important to me in a partner.

I鈥檓 guessing the relationship was a smooth ride.

It was good. We dated for about a year and a half, and I didn’t have any major concerns.

The only thing I found a little unusual was that he never allowed me to visit his house. I knew where he lived, and had even been to the gate of his building, but I never went inside. I didn’t think too deeply about it at the time because we were abstaining from sex until marriage. 

He proposed in 2021, and we began preparing for the wedding. That was when  I began noticing some strange things about him. He was very insistent on having a small ceremony and how certain things should be done. 

On the wedding day, for instance, he seemed visibly distressed when he couldn’t recite Psalm 91 over his new shoes twice before wearing them.  I thought he was just being dramatic, but I didn’t realise his behaviour might point to something deeper.

What was the actual marriage like, considering these little things you鈥檇 noticed?

 Isaac was difficult to live with. I realised that his need for things to be done a certain way went beyond being neat or particular. He had repetitive routines that he struggled to stop, and if something interrupted them, he鈥檇 become so anxious and panicked that he couldn鈥檛 sleep or sit still.

For example, cooking became one of our biggest problems. Whenever I used the gas cooker, Isaac wouldn鈥檛 take my word for it that I鈥檇 turned off the burners. He鈥檇 keep checking them and sometimes get out of bed in the middle of the night to check again. He said he was worried that a gas explosion could happen while we slept, but his constant checking kept me awake.

Eventually, I started buying food instead of cooking at home. It was frustrating, but I wanted to be able to sleep without being disturbed.

Did you try to talk to him about this?

Six months into our marriage, I became so frustrated that I begged him to explain why he behaved that way. That’s when he confessed that he had Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD). He said he hadn’t told me while we were dating because he was afraid I wouldn’t marry him if I knew.

Suddenly, some of the things I鈥檇 noticed during our courtship made more sense. It was a lot to take in. These weren’t occasional habits, they were part of his everyday life, and I was struggling to adjust to them. I hadn鈥檛 known what living with him would involve because I hadn鈥檛 known about his condition before we married.

I didn鈥檛 feel like I鈥檇 had the opportunity to understand his condition or consider what living together would look like before making a commitment as important as marriage.

Did you speak to anyone about what was happening?

I was worried about what people would think, so I turned to Fade first. I wanted to talk to someone I trusted who wouldn鈥檛 judge me for feeling frustrated with Isaac.

Surprisingly, she admitted that she鈥檇 known about Isaac’s OCD all along. She said she hadn鈥檛 told me because she wasn鈥檛 sure I could handle it and didn鈥檛 want the information to change how I saw him. She thought he was a good guy.

I couldn鈥檛 believe it. This was someone I considered a close friend, yet she鈥檇 known something so significant about the man she was introducing me to and said nothing. I felt betrayed. I also felt foolish for trusting them both without questioning whether there was something I needed to know.

Did this affect your relationship with Fade, though?

I withdrew from her after that conversation. I couldn’t get past what had happened. I felt she should have told me, regardless of whether she thought I could handle it or not. 

I should have had the information and been allowed to decide for myself whether I wanted to pursue the relationship.

What about Isaac? Did this affect your marriage too?

Yes, it did. I tried to make the marriage work, but living with his compulsions and routines became too difficult for me. I hadn鈥檛 expected marriage to be like that, and eventually, I realised I couldn鈥檛 continue.

I told my family about his OCD, and they supported my decision to leave. They agreed that Isaac and his family should have told me about his condition before the wedding so I could make an informed decision.

There was very little pushback from his family when I decided to leave. I moved back to my parents’ house in 2022, and our divorce was finalised in March 2026.

Has this experience changed how you approach relationships?

I still want to get married and settle down eventually, but I’m more cautious now. I want to take my time getting to know someone and make sure that we’re being honest with each other.

I understand that no marriage is perfect, but I believe there are certain things you should know about a person before deciding to spend your life with them. I don’t want to find myself in a situation where I’m discovering major secrets after I’ve made a big commitment.

Would you be open to reconciling with Fade?

No, she ruined whatever trust I had in her by keeping Isaac鈥檚 illness from me. I don鈥檛 want friends like that in my life.

Read Also: Sunken Ships: My Friend Used Our Business Savings to Fund His Relationship

In a society where women had to fight to have their voices heard, Margaret Ekpo was a pioneering activist who risked it all to ensure women鈥檚 voices became impossible to ignore.

Born in 1914, during a time when Nigeria was under British rule and women were not allowed to vote, Ekpo completed her Standard Six education in 1934. Her dreams of entering teacher training were abruptly put on hold following the death of her father. To support herself, she entered the workforce as a pupil-teacher at local elementary schools.听

Joining her husband, Dr John Udo Ekpo, a medical practitioner, in Ireland in 1944 allowed her to further her education at the Rathmines School of Domestic Economy in Dublin, where she studied for a diploma in domestic science. Upon returning to Aba in Eastern Nigeria, her husband began working at Aba General Hospital, while Ekpo established her own domestic science and sewing training school. 

Ekpo鈥檚 introduction to politics was unexpected. Amid growing nationalist demands for independence from British colonial rule, local meetings were convened to protest widespread racial discrimination within the civil service. Her husband鈥檚 status as a government-employed doctor restricted his political involvement, leading Ekpo to attend these gatherings on his behalf. As the only woman present, she witnessed impassioned speeches by figures like and Herbert Macaulay, which inspired her to take action. Added to this was her observation of the rampant discrimination in the colonial medical sector, where Nigerian staff suffered unequal pay, inferior working conditions, and limited advancement opportunities. Colonial healthcare facilities were initially reserved exclusively for European officers, with access later extended to their local employees. Nigerian medical personnel, however, were prohibited from treating European patients.

Working alongside Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a key influence in Ekpo鈥檚 life, Ekpo actively advocated for women鈥檚 education, total independence from colonial rule, and universal adult suffrage. This advocacy was particularly crucial during the 1940s, an era when Nigerian women remained disenfranchised. It stayed this way even through 1951, when adult taxpayer suffrage was introduced, but it still excluded most women.听

The task before Ekpo was clear: mobilise the women in Aba and its surrounding towns. Her vision began with the creation of the Aba Township Women Association (ATWA)听 and an ingenious strategy using salt.听

Following the Second World War, Nigeria faced widespread commodity shortages, particularly of salt. Following her shrewd plan, Ekpo acquired the entire salt supply in the Aba Market and tied access to it to ATWA membership. Women seeking to purchase salt were required to join the association, rapidly consolidating local women into a cohesive socio-political organisation. ATWA would evolve into a formidable political force, collaborating with the Aba Community League and the Aba Market Women鈥檚 Association to advance anti-colonial discourse, promote civic participation, and successfully dismantle the male monopoly on local governance by electing female representatives to the Aba Urban District Council.听

In 1957, Ekpo鈥檚 own influence was formalised when she was appointed to the Aba Urban District Council Caretaker Committee. Despite making her mark locally, Ekpo had grander ambitions.

As a prominent member of the National Council of Nigerians and Cameroons (NCNC), Eastern Nigeria鈥檚 main political party, Ekpo served as the region’s sole female delegate at the London constitutional conference in 1953 and the Lagos constitution conference in 1954, ensuring women’s interests were represented throughout the nation’s constitutional negotiations. 

In January 1959, she achieved a historic breakthrough alongside Janet Mokelu, with their appointment as Special Members to the Eastern House of Chiefs, a traditionally male-dominated institution. 

Despite this and her significant influence among voters, when Ekpo sought nomination for the Eastern House of Assembly elections in 1957, the party hierarchy refused to endorse female candidates, blocking her candidacy. She persevered within the party structure, ultimately taking over the leadership of the NCNC women鈥檚 wing in 1960 鈥� the year that Nigeria celebrated its independence.

First, the setup was hard to miss. Neon accents, carefully arranged Gordon鈥檚 bottles and retro-inspired details gave the space its own personality. It was the kind of spot that made you want to look around, take pictures and see what else was happening.

The undisputed centrepiece of the activation was a massive, collaborative painting mural. Guests could pick up a paintbrush and add their own strokes to a large collaborative artwork. Instead of simply posing in front of an installation, they got to contribute to one, with each person adding something different to the final piece.

Of course, the cocktails were a big part of the experience. Mixologists served up Gordon鈥檚-based creations at the bar, giving guests different flavours to try as they caught up with friends and moved around the space.

Things got more competitive during the Gordon鈥檚 Mixologist Challenge, which brought Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and lifestyle creator Jima Emmanuel behind the bar. The two went head-to-head to show off their cocktail-making skills, while the audience watched and voted for the winner. Mike came out on top, earning the title of Chief Mixology Officer for the night.

And because a good time doesn鈥檛 have to be all about cocktails, for guests looking for a deviation from the standard cocktail menu, Gordon’s introduced a dedicated ice cream bar. The station served up artisanal ice cream creations loaded with custom toppings and rich sauces, effortlessly blending the worlds of premium spirits and gourmet desserts

.

As the evening went on, the space took on a party mood. The photo area gave guests another reason to bring out their cameras, while disco lights and music set the tone for the after-party. What started as an afternoon of cocktails, art, and friendly competition, it carried on into the night, giving guests more time to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.

From the cocktails and collaborative mural to Mike鈥檚 mixology win and the after-party, Gordon鈥檚 Corner offered plenty beyond the usual stop at the bar. At Lagos Cocktail Week, there was room to try something new, show off a creative side, cheer on a favourite and make a few memories along the way. And really, what鈥檚 a good time without a story to tell afterwards?

For Global Handwashing Day 2026, the theme is 鈥淏e a Handwashing Hero鈥�. Being a hero doesn’t always require you to wear a cape; it means consistently practising proper hand hygiene to protect against illness and inspiring your squad to do the same.

Here are seven ways Dettol and Reckitt are backing you up to build healthier, germ-fighting families.

Catch them young with Hygiene Quest 

Kids are sponges, both for knowledge and, unfortunately, for germs. Through the, children are learning that handwashing is not a punishment, but a superpower. By delivering practical hygiene education in schools and communities, the 2026 programme aims to reach 750,000 school children. They are turning the simple act of washing hands into a lifelong, healthy habit.

Supporting the ultimate superheroes: Moms. 

Mothers are the original hygiene enforcers. Recognising this, Dettol鈥檚 New Mums Programme has been equipping expectant and new mothers with practical hygiene education. Since 2021, Dettol has reached over 1.2 million children and mothers in Nigeria, and the 2026 goal is to empower an additional 90,000 mothers to keep their homes protected.

Bringing the action directly to schools 

You can’t just tell kids to wash their hands; you have to show them. Dettol teamed up with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for Global Handwashing Day activities across Lagos and Abuja. Through interactive group sessions, presentations, and handwashing demonstrations led by Reckitt employees, students actively learned how germs spread. To keep the momentum going, participating schools were equipped with handwash stations.

Seeing changes in student health 

When communities actually practice good hygiene, the results speak for themselves. Following hygiene interventions, participating schools reported reductions in communicable diseases among students of 34% in Abuja, 22% in Kwara and 16% in Lagos. While these outcomes cannot be attributed to handwashing alone, they show the important role hygiene education and improved hygiene practices can play in creating healthier school environments.

Breaking down the access to water barrier

All the hygiene education in the world won鈥檛 work if the taps are dry. Access to soap, clean water, and sanitation facilities is essential to sustain good hygiene. Moving beyond Dettol’s educational programmes, Reckitt has partnered with Water.org to address these practical barriers in homes and communities. This broader partnership has already reported reaching 8,900 people with improved access to water and sanitation.

Making big money moves for sanitation

Fixing infrastructure requires a lot of money. Through its partnership with Water.org, Reckitt is stepping up to improve access to financing for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. There is a proposed WASH financing facility through Sterling Bank.

Funding local innovators for local problems 

Sometimes the best solutions are homegrown. Reckitt Catalyst is investing heavily in local social entrepreneurs who are tackling hygiene and sanitation challenges from the ground up. Since its launch in Nigeria in 2023, the programme has supported more than 10 social entrepreneurs with over N85 million in seed funding. One standout result is a modular public sanitation facility commissioned by MN Environmental Services in Lagos. The facility is expected to serve over 30,000 commuters monthly, proving that local solutions are vital to addressing community needs.

Keeping your kids germ-free is a full-time job, but as Dettol and Reckitt鈥檚 initiatives show, you don鈥檛 have to tackle it all on your own. 

Being a Handwashing Hero isn’t done in a day; it involves you making proper hand hygiene a consistent, everyday habit and encouraging your whole family to do exactly the same. So, the next time you have to march your kids back to the sink for the third time before dinner, just remember you are doing the Lord鈥檚 work or, better yet, the hero’s work. Grab that soap, turn on the tap, and keep saving the day, one wash at a time.

As part of this year鈥檚 Hennessy Cypher campaign, music producer Sarz created an open verse using the beat he produced for the Hennessy Cypher2026, inviting emerging artists to showcase their lyrical abilities and creativity. Following the submission period, entries were reviewed by Sarz and judges who selected five finalists, with Oladips emerging as the overall winner receiving 鈧�1,000,000. 

The winners were announced at Hennessy x Sarz and Friends, an exclusive gathering hosted by Sarz in collaboration with Hennessy on October 20 at Atrium by Sora, Trinity Towers, Lagos. The event brought together notable figures from Nigeria鈥檚 music and entertainment industry for an engaging celebration of music, creativity and culture. Guests in attendance included Grace Ladoja, Neo Akpofure, Niniola, Director Pink and Darey Art-Alade, alongside other industry personalities. 

Beyond the cash prizes, the five finalists had the opportunity to meet Sarz, take photographs with the acclaimed producer and receive a complimentary bottle of Hennessy. The experience offered the emerging artists a chance to connect with an established industry figure and gain recognition for their talent. 

Through the Hennessy Cypher and its collaboration with Sarz, Hennessy continues to create platforms that celebrate hip-hop, champion individuality and spotlight emerging talent. By connecting rising voices with established creatives, the initiative underscores the importance of providing opportunities for the next generation to express themselves and contribute to the evolution of Nigerian music. 

With Oladips taking the top spot, this year鈥檚 Open Verse Challenge celebrated the depth of talent within Nigeria鈥檚 hip-hop scene and the creative energy driving its growth. As the genre continues to evolve and make its mark on the global music landscape, Hennessy remains committed to championing the artists, sounds and cultural movements shaping its future. 

About Hennessy 

Founded in 1765, Hennessy is one of the world鈥檚 leading cognac houses, renowned for its heritage, craftsmanship and enduring connection to art, music and contemporary culture. Present in more than 160 countries, the Maison continues to build on its legacy through

creative collaborations and cultural experiences that connect generations and celebrate artistic expression.

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.

Children say the darndest things, but sometimes, what they reveal about their families is enough to leave an adult speechless. 

We asked seven Nigerian teachers about the shocking, disturbing and heartbreaking family secrets their students have revealed in the classroom. Here鈥檚 what they had to say.

鈥淢y student knows all his dad鈥檚 girlfriends names鈥� 鈥� Lola*, 27

I was teaching my students about monogamy and polygamy during a Social Studies class when one boy challenged my explanation.

I explained that polygamy involves being married to more than one spouse. He raised his hand and said his daddy brings different women home all the time, but he hasn鈥檛 married any of them. So, he wanted to know if that counts as polygamy too.

Before I could even respond, he started listing their names.I went quiet, trying to process what was happening while he carried on talking about his father鈥檚 bribes too. 

This boy is in BASIC 3! I genuinely didn鈥檛 know how to approach that conversation. 

鈥淗is father doesn鈥檛 work, but he has somewhere to be every day鈥� 鈥� Adejuwon*, 30

There鈥檚 a  boy in my class whose family situation during a lesson on family roles. I told the children how I used to go to the farm early in the morning with my mother,  then  asked if they knew what their parents did for a living. 

Everyone answered until this seven-year-old boysaid his daddy doesn鈥檛 work. His mummy lives abroad and feeds them, while his father spends his days sitting in a woman鈥檚 shop until night.

I tried to soften the situation by saying at least his daddy cared for them at home, then he corrected me. He said grandmother bathes them and cooks for them.

鈥淎 student casually talked about his abusive dad鈥� 鈥� Solomon*,28

It was around 7 a.m., before assembly. I was rushing through my lesson notes when a little boy from KG came running into my classroom.

I smiled and greeted him. He did the usual little-kid things,  ran around, drummed on my table, then walked up to me and said, 鈥淯ncle, my daddy beat my mummy yesterday.鈥� I immediately froze. He continued, demonstrating with his hands. 鈥淗e blow her eyes like this.鈥� What made it more awkward was that his mother was always giving relationship advice and talking about how loving her husband was. There I was, sitting with a lesson note in my hand and trying to process what this child had just told me. Then he burped and ran out.

鈥淚 had to teach an SS1 student that beating your wife isn鈥檛 love鈥�  鈥� Sunday*, 33

I remember an incident with some SS1 students who were arguing about family and love. They were debating whether treating your wife well made her respect you less.

One boy insisted that women needed to be beaten occasionally whenever they misbehaved, just to remind them who鈥檚 in charge. He used his parents as an example, explaining that his father disciplined his mother whenever she messed up. Yet, she remained devoted to his father and never complained.

I don鈥檛 even remember when I smacked the back of his head and told him to shut up.  Then I gave the entire class a lesson on domestic violence, respect, and what love actually means.

鈥淚 asked about his black eye, and he gave me a family update鈥�  鈥� Nelly*,21

This is really not funny, but funny in the most disturbing way.

A child came to school with a black eye, and when I asked him about it in class, he said, 鈥淢iss, my daddy give my mummy gboza! He hit her head on the wall, and when I went there, he just blow me in my eye.鈥�

He said it so casually, like he was recounting the latest episode of Power Rangers. 

And that鈥檚 the part that gets me. This is somebody鈥檚 reality, but to him, it was just another thing that happened at home.

鈥淗is mother was scamming his dad鈥�  鈥� Jo*, 31

A student once told me that whenever the school sent his mother a bill, she created  another version with extra charges and sent it to his father. His daddy has no idea. 

He told me he wanted to expose his mother, but his father barely came home, checked their books or tookan interest in their studies.

All I could do was listen to a child wrestle with whether to expose his mother鈥檚 dishonesty or not since the father barely showed  up. A lot of parents don鈥檛 know that children notice more than we think. 

鈥淢y student smiled through hunger so nobody would worry鈥�  鈥� Ayo * 27, M

There was a boy in my class who always dressed very nice, brought lovely meals, and excelled in everything. His father used to pay three terms鈥� school fees at once, and that had been the arrangement since KG.

Then, in Primary One, everything changed. The boy became slimmer, unkempt, and stopped bringing lunch sometimes. Whenever I asked why, he鈥檇 smile and  say he forgot his lunchbox at home. 

One afternoon, he came to me during lunch and whispered that he was hungry. He confessed he hadn鈥檛 forgotten his lunchbox;  there simply wasn鈥檛 any food at home. He鈥檇 had pap for breakfast and nothing the night before. He told me his dad had sold his car, and his sister needed surgery.

He was just a little boy, telling me things no child should have to worry about. I started buying him food and his mother cried when she found out.  The school and I helped however we could.

Then the family disappeared, I don鈥檛 think they could keep up in Lagos. I still think about them, and I wonder if he鈥檚 okay now. 

Read Next: Ask Z: My Husband Is Battling Brain Cancer, and I Want to Leave Him

The launch by participating financial institutions marks another significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital payments journey, providing consumers with a simple and secure way to pay using their Android devices. By adding their eligible Visa cards to Google Wallet, users can tap to pay in stores, make purchases online, and enjoy a seamless payment experience across Google’s ecosystem. 

Google Pay uses tokenization technology to help protect payment information. Instead of storing or sharing a customer’s card number during transactions, a unique digital token is used, providing an additional layer of security while maintaining a fast and convenient checkout experience. 

As consumer demand for digital-first payment experiences continues to grow, the partnership between Visa and Google, working alongside Nigerian financial institutions, aims to support contactless payment adoption and provide Nigerians with more ways to pay securely wherever Visa contactless payments are accepted. 

“At Visa, we are committed to advancing the future of payments by delivering innovative, secure, and seamless payment experiences for consumers across Nigeria and beyond.

“Through our partnership with Google, we are pleased to support our financial institution partners as they bring Google Pay to their cardholders, combining the security of Visa’s global payment network with the convenience consumers increasingly expect in a digital-first world. Helping more people pay with confidence using their mobile devices supports digital commerce, financial inclusion, and the continued growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.” said Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, Visa West Africa. 

“We are delighted to bring Google Wallet to Nigeria, a market at the forefront of financial innovation in Africa. Google Wallet makes everyday transactions faster and safer while removing the friction of carrying physical cards. By working alongside Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, we are expanding access to modern digital payment tools for millions of everyday consumers.” 

Olumide Balogun, Country Director, Google West Africa 

About Visa 

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at 听

This curated look at his recent roles reveals that Uzor Arukwe is so much more than a stereotype.

10. (2025)

Runtime: 2h 24m

Director: Funke Akindele

Genre: Drama

In this movie, Uzor Arukwe plays Victor, a soon-to-be Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the loyal best friend to the wealthy Ronke Fernandez (Scarlet Gomez). He鈥檚 her trusted legal counsel and confidant, standing firmly by Ronke as she reaches her breaking point under the stressful financial and extortion of her entitled family.

.

9. (2026)

Runtime: 2h 13m

Director: Uyoyou Adia

Genre: Musical

In this musical drama, Uzor Arukwe takes on the role of Kola, a former star-making manager and struggling gambling addict desperate for a second chance at glory. Entangled with a dangerous loan shark, Kola sees the management of a fallen, arrogant Afrobeats singer (Osas Okonyon) as his golden ticket to clearing his mounting debts and reclaiming his status. Uzor skillfully portrays a man whose desperation and addiction deeply impact the protagonist鈥檚 fragile journey, adding a complex layer of opportunism and flawed humanity to a story about the harsh realities of the music industry.

.

8. (2025)

Runtime: 2h

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Genre: Action

Uzor Arukwe stars as Akinbode, a warrior tasked with destroying a monstrous threat believed to be born of a rival community, the Red Tribe. He鈥檚 raised on prejudice and inherited myths, but his steadfast convictions are shattered when he encounters Moremi (Osas Ighodaro), a woman from the same tribe he was trained to hate. Uzor charts his character鈥檚 internal problem as an unforeseen romance forces him to confront the propaganda and tribalism that have defined his worldview.

.

7. (2025)

Runtime: 2h

Director: Great Valentine Edochie

Genre: Drama

Uzor Arukwe plays Rugged, an influential and street-smart prison inmate. In prison, he becomes the unlikely protector and guide to a tech bro who鈥檚 adapting to life behind bars. Though he isn鈥檛 the main character, Uzor鈥檚 character adds colour and comic relief to this tale of betrayal.

.

READ NEXT:听10 Times Daniel Etim Effiong Displayed Range On Our Screens

6. (2026)

Runtime: 1h 30m

Director: Sulaiman 鈥淪potlyt鈥� Omotola Ogegbe

Genre: Horror

Uzor steps into the role of Badu, an imposing and skeptical ex-convict who forcefully appoints himself the leader of a terrified group of survivors during a zombie outbreak. Trapped inside a police station, Badu鈥檚 stubborn denial of the undead threat and his ego-driven decisions repeatedly jeopardise the group鈥檚 safety. Uzor takes on the challenge of playing this domineering villain, portraying a man whose desperate need for authority undermines their collective survival in this apocalyptic thriller.

.

5. (2022)

Runtime: 1h 37m

Director: Lyndsey F. Efejuku

Genre: Romance/Drama

As Fred, Uzor navigates a volatile romantic entanglement with the captivating Sarah (Beverly Naya) and his own trusted friend (Bucci Franklin). Far from a simple battle for affection, this movie explores the underlying themes of deep-seated trauma, systemic sexism, and the enduring scars of abuse.

.

4. (2024)

Runtime: 1h 47m

Director: Biodun Stephen

Genre: Family Drama

Uzor shines as Naeto, a devoted single father piecing his life back together after his wife abandons the family over money troubles. Just as he secures a sense of peace and a promising romance with Momiwa (Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze), his ex-wife鈥檚 unexpected return destabilizes everything, forcing a painful choice between his past and his future.

.

3. (2022)

Runtime: 1h 56m

Director: Dolapo Adigun

Genre: Family Drama

Portraying a pragmatic engineer Kobi, Uzor Arukwe commands the screen as a husband desperate for his wife (Jemima Osunde) to land a lucrative career and ease their financial burdens. When an unexpected pregnancy derails her job hunt, Kobi鈥檚 mounting resentment morphs into toxic emotional abuse that severely fractures their union.

.

2. (2024)

Running time: 1h 55m

Director: Akay Mason

Genre: Drama

Uzor Arukwe steps into the shoes of Pastor Raymond Njoku, a respected clergyman famous for his teachings on faith and marriage. But his reputation is jeopardised by an extra-marital affair with a manipulative sex worker (Uche Montana). When his agonising lapse in judgment leads to vicious blackmail and eventually a shocking murder, Raymond finds himself as the prime suspect in a police investigation.

.

1. (2022)

Runtime: 2h

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan

Genre: Crime Drama

This is Uzor鈥檚 compelling portrayal of Joseph who juggles multiple jobs. He lands a lucrative debugging assignment from a fellow developer (Temi Otedola), only to find his straightforward side gig spiraling into the dark centre of a startup heist. The actor delivers a versatile role of an overworked genius stretched thin across roles in banking, driving, and coding to keep his family afloat.

.

ALSO READ:听10 Nollywood Actresses To Watch Out For Before The End of 2026听