Let’s face the fact – Nigeria is already hard enough for many of us, and the last thing we want is a stressful relationship. There’s way too much on the line for you to settle for less.

So, whether you’re dating for marriage, commitment, or just fun, you want to make sure you’re with the right person. But how can you know a person is not right for you?

Well, this is where red flags come into play. But apart from the obvious red flags—lying, cheating, gaslighting—some subtler, culturally flavoured red flags often fly under the radar.

You deserve to know them and avoid them in your relationship. Here are some of them.

ALSO READ: 10 men share the red flags they watch out for when dating a woman

We’ll Talk About the Future Later

If someone keeps dodging conversations about the future – marriage, kids, career alignment – it’s not just a sign of shyness. In Nigeria, where long-term goals often dictate dating choices, refusal to talk about where it’s all going is a big red flag. Translation? They might be keeping their options open or just with you for fun.

Constantly Demanding Unrealistic Standards 

If they’re constantly reminding you of what their mom, pastor, or village aunties think a good partner should be, run. You’re not in a relationship – you’re in an audition. Your identity is valid, and anyone who wants to mould you into someone else is a walking red flag with tribal print.

Disrespect for Your Hustle

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, 9-to-5er, or small business owner, your partner should respect your hustle. If they belittle your work, say things like “you and this your small business,” or don’t support your ambition, that’s a loud red flag wrapped in sarcasm. Watch out for statements like this in arguments and jokes. If they say it, then it’s been in their mind.

Family Overinvolvement

Yes, family is huge in Nigeria, but when mummy or big uncle has a say in everything – from what you wear to where you work – it becomes a group relationship. And unless you signed up for “Big Brother: Relationship Edition,” it’s best to address it or back away slowly.

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The “Let Me Fix You” Complex

ALSO READ: 15 relationship red flags Nigerians are tired of ignoring

They see you more as a project than a partner. Whether it’s your accent, your dress sense, your dreams, or even your complexion – if someone is always trying to “upgrade” you without appreciating you first, they don’t love you. They love their idea of you.

So you see? It’s not hard to know when a person exhibits these red flags. You just have to pay attention to patterns, not just words of mouth. You deserve love that brings all the peace in the world, not chaos.

Have you ever wondered about a scenario like this? No data, no WiFi, no Google maps, no social media. Just you, nature, and your phone that suddenly becomes nothing better than a calculator.

What if I told you that was my reality for four days? I had travelled to my village for my brother’s traditional marriage. Since the event was at the bride’s village, we had to stay in a place without a mobile network.

While we all panicked at first, we soon found ourselves adjusting to the harsh realities we had to face. But something surprising happened—we lived!

Who would have thought I’d survive without social media?

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Let me share what I learned from my experiences. Trust me, I had a lot to write in my diary.

1. Our Brain Actually Works Without Google

At first, I wanted to Google everything: “Is this edible?” “How to wash bitter leaf without crying?” But without the internet, I started doing something that’s worked for centuries – asking people. Conversations turned into mini-lessons that made me discover how intelligent the elderly aunties around me were. They’re living encyclopedias.

2. Time Slows Down – and That’s Not a Bad Thing

Without the constant ping of notifications, I noticed birds, sunrises, laughter, and silence. Time no longer slipped through my fingers – it strolled beside me. I learned to enjoy stillness. Who knew boredom could be so beautiful? I even used the opportunity to reflect deeply about life’s true essence.

3. You Can’t Curate Real Life

In the city, we filter everything. Online, even our meals need soft lighting and symmetry. But in the village, life is messy, unfiltered, and refreshingly real. I helped pluck chickens. I had a sunburn. I wore the same wrapper for three days. And I felt free.

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4. People Talk. Like, Actually Talk

Evenings weren’t for Netflix or expensive dinner hangouts. They were for stories under mango trees. The village kids told ghost tales, and elders shared family histories. There were laughs, debates, and moments of pure connection. They didn’t tell these stories for likes or retweets. It was just vibes and beautiful memories.

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5. Not Everything Is Urgent

One of the biggest lies the internet tells us is that everything needs our attention right now. In the village, I learned that missed emails won’t end your career. I came back and replied to them days after they were sent. And guess what? It didn’t change anything.

6. Nature Is the Ultimate Reset Button

Without screens, I synced with the sun. I woke up with the crow of a rooster and slept under a sky filled with stars, not LED lights. My eyes rested, my skin breathed, my soul exhaled. I connected with nature and life itself. It was finally good to learn that there’s life outside the daily chaos we’re used to in most urban areas.

I get it, you want to become a content creator. I mean, you’ve watched creators blow up on TikTok, seen skit-makers turn into celebrities, and watched people make money just by talking to their phone camera.

Becoming a Nigerian content creator – Starter guide for Gen Z

Welcome to the content economy – a new goldmine that doesn’t need permission from any gatekeeper. Just vibes, value, and consistency.

But we’ll, it’s not as easy as it looks. There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes before anybody makes it big in content creation.

ALSO READ: A day in the life of a Nigerian working-class babe

Whether you’re dreaming of going viral, building a brand, or just trying to express yourself, here’s your ultimate starter guide to becoming a content creator in Nigeria (Gen Z edition).

Identify Your Niche

The first step to becoming successful as a content creator in Nigeria, or anywhere else is to identify your niche. This involves focusing on a specific topic or area. To identify your niche, start by exploring your passion and personal interests. Ask yourself what topic you are most excited about and how well you understand the topic. Finding a niche is an ongoing process. It may take a lot of time and experimentation. Don’t get tired on the way. You’ll soon find the perfect niche for you.

Your Phone Is Enough (For Now)

Don’t wait for a ring light, tripod, or a fancy mic. That iPhone 7 or Android phone can do magic for now – at least until you find your footing. So don’t delay any further. Simply clean your camera lens, use natural light, and start filming. Most viral content are unplanned and weren’t shot in a studio. Just pull out your camera and do your thing.

Know Your Platforms

There are so many social media platforms out there, and each platform has its vibe. So it makes sense to have where want to conquer in mind before going in. Remember, your choice platform will determine how you approach your content creation journey.

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• TikTok: Fast-paced, trend-driven, and perfect for creative chaos.

• Instagram: Great for aesthetics, reels, and building a personal brand.

• YouTube: Long-form, storytelling, vlogs, tutorials.

• X (Twitter): Hot takes, viral moments, banter – if your words are sharp.

• Threads & Snapchat: Emerging vibes – depends on your crowd.

Engage Like a Human, Not a Robot

Reply to comments. Repost fan reactions. Thank your followers. Go live. People follow people, not content machines. So do everything possible to make your audience build a connection, and of course, trust in your brand.

Learn Basic Editing

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Good editing takes your content from “meh” to memorable. There are many editing apps and software out there. Most of them are easy to learn. Just go on YouTube and search for tutorials that can help you master them. Whatever the case, keep your videos short and exciting to make people fall in love with them.

Monetisation Is Real – But Be Patient

Yes, Nigerian creators are cashing out – through brand deals, affiliate marketing, digital products, YouTube ads, and sponsored posts. But the money comes after the consistency. Build the audience first, then the bag.

You see? Being a content creator is not all that difficult. But of course, you must work. Tell us when you want to start and I may give you a follow.