If you’re planning an event, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, baby shower, or even a casual hangout, one of your biggest jobs is making sure nobody is bored. 

You need vibes, and nothing brings people together like fun games. Games make people laugh, they break the ice, and they ensure that even that your shy friend who doesn’t like talking to people will feel at home.

So, instead of hoping your DJ’s playlist will do all the work, let’s help you upgrade your event with these fun games that will keep your guests entertained, engaged, and coming back for more.

1. Musical chairs

This one is a classic, but trust me, it never gets old. If you’ve never seen grown adults nearly fight over a chair, you haven’t lived.

How it works: Arrange chairs in a circle, with one less chair than the number of players. Once the music starts, everybody walks (or stylishly dances) around the chairs. The moment the music stops, everybody must sit down. Whoever is left standing is out! Remove one chair and keep going until one person is left.

Watching people almost break their bones just to sit down is peak entertainment, wouldn’t you agree?

2. Who’s the better dancer?

Nigerians love to show themselves, especially when it comes to dancing, so, a dance-off is a must!

How it works: Pick a few people (or let volunteers step up), play different genres of music, and watch them battle for dance supremacy. Afrobeats? Check. Amapiano? Bring it on. Leg work? If you know, you know. 

The crowd decides the winner by cheering.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

ALSO READ: 6 activities you can do this weekend without spending a dime

3. Truth or drink 

This one is for the bold and brave. If your event is filled with adults who don’t mind a little bit of fun, this is the game for them.

How it works: One by one, players must answer a juicy, slightly controversial question (e.g., “Have you ever been caught cheating?” or “Who here do you think is the worst dressed?”). If they refuse to answer, they must take a shot of whatever you’re serving.

Why it works: The tea that will be spilled! The shocking confessions! The moment someone’s ex side-eyes them across the room! It’s premium entertainment.

4. The whisper challenge 

This game is simple but very funny, especially when people start saying complete nonsense.

How it works: One person puts on loud headphones. Another person whispers a phrase to them, and they have to guess what was said. Imagine trying to guess “Rice and stew is better than Jollof” but what you hear is “Rat and shoe go enter Jollof.”

The ridiculous guesses people would come up with will have everybody laughing. Plus, watching someone scream their answer like it will help them hear better? Priceless.

ALSO READ: 26 Couple Games For A Fun, Romantic Date Night

5. Couples’ quiz 

Perfect for weddings and romantic gatherings, this game will test who really knows their partner.

How it works: Ask each couple a set of questions, e.g., “What’s your partner’s favourite food?” or “Who apologises first after a fight?” Each partner writes their answer down without showing the other person. If the answers don’t match, wahala!

This game is a fun way for couples to bond and for single people to take notes.

6. Charades

This is another classic that never fails. If your guests are a mix of drama kings and queens, they’ll love it.

How it works: Players pick a word or phrase from a bowl and must act it out without talking while their team tries to guess what it is. Simple, right? Until someone is acting like a confused masquerade because they picked “Superman” but now don’t know how to fly.

Why it works: People gesturing like their life depends on it? Instant comedy gold.

7. The “no laughing” challenge

This is for people who think they have self-control. Spoiler alert: They don’t.

How it works: Players must keep a straight face while others try to make them laugh. The first person to laugh is out! People can tell jokes, make funny faces, or even dance awkwardly, anything to break the other person.

Watching someone fight for their life trying not to laugh while everyone is doing nonsense around them? Too funny.

At the end of the day, parties are about people, not just food and music. If you want your event to be the one everybody talks about for months, add some fun games into the mix.

ALSO READ: What games can you play at your next house party?

My boyfriend sponsored my university education, but I can’t marry him because he is uneducated and local.

Dear Pulse,

I met my boyfriend at a popular market in Enugu when I was 18. He was 25 at the time, selling spare parts, while I was learning tailoring because my family couldn’t afford to send me to university.

ALSO READ: ASK PULSE: My girlfriend beats me but I can’t let go

We started dating, and a year into the relationship, he shocked me with a question: “Do you want to further your education?” I was stunned and he was willing to pay for it.

I wrote JAMB and got into UNN to study Economics and he covered everything from my JAMB registration, school fees, house rent, monthly allowance, clothes, shoes, and food. When I wanted to start a business in school, he refused. He wanted me to focus on my studies and graduate with at least a 2:1 and I did.

Now, I’m serving in Abuja, and through a friend I met at NYSC camp, I secured a government job that pays ₦400,000 monthly. My boyfriend wasn’t happy at first, but he supported it since there were no job offers in Enugu. Now, he wants to get married.

I’m not surprised, I mean we’ve been together for six years. But here’s the problem: I met another man in Abuja.

He’s educated, sophisticated, and takes care of me. He also wants to marry me. My Enugu boyfriend, though uneducated and “local,” cares for me deeply. With the Abuja man, I see fancy trips and a luxurious life. With my Enugu boyfriend, I see stability and care, but on a more modest level.

Now, my Abuja boyfriend is asking me to tell my Enugu boyfriend to name his price so he can compensate him and “clear the way” for our relationship.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

ALSO READ: ASK PULSE: I once dated my girlfriend’s mother: should I confess?

Should I do it? Would money soften the pain of a breakup? Or should I just end things respectfully? What should I do?

— Chinaza.

Dear Chinaza,

This is a tough situation, and here’s my honest advice:

• Money Can’t Buy Closure – Offering your Enugu boyfriend money might seem like an easy way out, but it could be deeply hurtful. Paying him off reduces your relationship to a financial deal, which it was never meant to be.

• Be Honest and Take Responsibility – If you no longer want to be with him, you owe him honesty. A breakup will hurt, no matter what, but it’s more respectful to have a mature conversation rather than trying to compensate with money.

• Ask Yourself: What Do You Truly Want? – Are you leaving him because you’ve outgrown the relationship, or are you just tempted by the material comfort the Abuja man offers? Long-term happiness isn’t just about luxury—it’s about emotional connection, respect, and compatibility.

• Be Fair to Yourself and Both Men – It’s important to make a decision that aligns with your values, not just your circumstances. If your heart is no longer with your Enugu boyfriend, don’t drag the relationship on out of guilt. But if your Abuja boyfriend is only appealing because of lifestyle perks, consider whether that’s a solid foundation for marriage.

• End Things with Grace, Not Guilt – If you choose to leave, do it with gratitude and respect. He has been a huge part of your journey, and his kindness should be met with appreciation, not just a payout.

Whatever you decide, make sure it’s a choice you can live with without regret.

— Pulse.

ALSO READ: ASK PULSE: I have sex with my husband 3 times a day yet he still cheats

Getting locked out of your house is frustrating, embarrassing, and, depending on the time of day, even a little scary. 

But before you start thinking about breaking the door, there are smarter, safer, and more practical ways to get back inside.

Here’s what you can do if you ever find yourself locked out without a key.

1. Stay calm and check all doors & windows

First things first, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and check if any other entry points are unlocked. Try all the doors, even the back door or garage, just in case. 

Also, check for any slightly open windows that you might be able to slide open safely. 

ALSO READ: 5 harsh truths about moving abroad no one tells you

2. Call someone who has a spare key

Do you have a roommate? A family member who lives nearby? A trusted neighbor who holds a spare? Now’s the time to call them. If you gave a friend or relative an extra key, this is the moment that decision pays off.

3. Try the credit card trick (only works on certain locks)

If your door has a simple spring latch (not a deadbolt), you might be able to use a plastic card to pop it open. 

Here’s how:

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

• Pick a sturdy card (an old Cowry card is better than your actual credit card).

• Insert it between the door and the frame where the latch is.

• Wiggle and push the card downward while applying pressure to the door.

This trick doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying before moving to more drastic options.

4. Use a shoelace if you have a doorknob lock

Got sneakers on? If your door has a knob lock with a push-button mechanism, you might be able to use a shoelace or thin string to unlock it:

• Tie a small loop in the middle of the shoelace.

• Slide it between the door and frame above the lock.

• Work it down and try to loop it around the knob’s lock mechanism.

• Pull tight and gently wiggle the door open.

This trick takes patience, but it’s worth trying.

ALSO READ: What to do if you accidentally put too much salt in your food

5. Call a carpenter when all else fails

If nothing works, it’s time to bring in the professionals. A carpenter can get you back inside quickly. Yes, it’ll cost you, but it’s better than breaking the door down and paying for repairs.

Pro tip: If you rent, call your landlord before the carpenter. Some buildings have master keys.

How to prevent future lockouts 

Once you’re back inside, take steps to make sure this never happens again:

• Hide a spare key – Keep one in a safe spot outside (not under the doormat; that’s too obvious).

• Give a spare to a trusted neighbor or friend

• Get in the habit of checking for your keys. Before stepping out, always do a mental “keys, phone, wallet” check.

ALSO READ: 5 shocking facts about prison life in Nigeria nobody talks about