Valentine na one special day wey people dey celebrate love every 14 February. For Ebonyi State, the day don turn big cultural experience. From Abakaliki to Afikpo and Ikwo, everybody—couples, singles, even friends—dey find way enjoy the day. Make we yarn how Valentine dey go for the state, wetin people dey do, and the small wahala wey dey with am.
As February dey near, love dey everywhere. Markets like Amasiri International Market and Silverdown Market full ground with red balloons, roses, heart cards, teddy bears, and all kain Valentine gifts. Everywhere dey soft red and pink. People dey rush buy gifts for their lover, some even dey send cards to friends to show say dem care.
For Abakaliki, Valentine don turn proper festival. Hotels and clubs dey run “Valentine Nights” with DJs dey play correct love songs, romantic lights dey set the mood, couples dey dress sharp. Events dey start evening go till late night. Some couples even dey take picture for special corners wey photographers don set. Later, the pictures dey trend for social media.
Churches no dey carry last. Many people dey attend prayer with partner or single friends. Some churches dey run marriage programmes or love talks. Pastor go talk say love no be only gift and dinner, e dey about respect, goodness, and purpose. On Valentine morning, youth groups fit gather for crusade or love talk.
Restaurants, from pizza joints, grills, small chop spots, to local food joints, dey run special Valentine menu—jollof rice, fried rice, suya, amala and egusi, steak, cake, soft drinks. Couples dey book table early because everywhere dey jam. Some even carry love serenade come surprise their partner.
For students and young people, Valentine na time to flex. People dey post Instagram reels, TikTok videos, and stories—say dem go beach, hotel, park, or just dey chill for car dey listen love songs. Some single friends dey hold “Single’s Valentine Party” wey everybody go enjoy snacks, dance, and meet new people. E sweet some people, e touch some people too—if person never get partner, e fit dey feel somehow.
Valentine dey boost small business for Ebonyi. Flower sellers, gift shops, pastry makers, caterers, decorators, photographers dey make more money. Some people dey do pre-orders for cakes and flowers as early as February 1st. Local designers dey sew red and pink outfits for couples wey wan coordinate. Valentine na mix of love and business.
E no dey always smooth. Some people dey complain say celebration don expensive. If person no plan well, e fit spend plenty money on dinner, gifts, decoration, and pictures. Parents dey wonder why pikin dem dey rush go celebrate instead of focus on school or church. Some young couples fit face wahala with transport fare if party dey far. Others prefer lowkey celebration for house because dem no wan crowd.
For Ebonyi, Valentine no just mean boyfriend-girlfriend wahala. E dey about community, friendship, prayer, laughter, small business hustle, and show people say dem matter. Everywhere you go—market, club, restaurant—love dey full ground. Elder people dey remind say true love na respect and care. Youth dey use Valentine show affection with roses and music. Churches dey teach pure love. Businesses dey sell products and services.
At the end, Valentine for Ebonyi na time wey people fit celebrate love, show care, enjoy life, and make memories—no matter your age or relationship status.
As we dey bring you tori wey concern our yard every Saturday, remember say Tori for Yard na your space too. If anything dey happen for your area wey you wan make the world hear, send am come ENN — together, we go make sure every voice counts.
