Lifestyle

Unlearning the Relationship Myths We Grew Up With

Published

1 year ago

19 June 2025

From childhood to adulthood, we’ve been taught so many ideas about love and relationships—through our parents, religious teachings, cultural norms, and Nollywood. Some of these beliefs are helpful, but many are myths that lead to confusion, pain, and unrealistic expectations. In Nigeria, where love and family are held in high regard, it’s time we start unlearning the relationship myths we grew up with—and replace them with healthier truths.

“True Love Conquers All”

We grew up hearing that as long as you truly love someone, everything would somehow work out. But in reality, love by itself isn’t always enough. You can love someone deeply and still struggle with communication, clashing values, financial stress, or personal growth. Thinking love fixes everything can make you overlook real issues that need to be addressed. Yes, love is the foundation—but it needs honesty, respect, and effort to thrive.

“Marriage Is the Ultimate Goal”

In Nigerian society, Marriage is often seen as a final achievement or prize. Once a woman reaches a certain age, family members start asking, “When are you getting married?” But the truth is, marriage is not the end goal of life. It’s a journey shared with another person, not a final stop. Rushing into marriage to meet expectations or or avoid pressure can lead to unhappy unions. It’s okay to focus on personal growth, build your career, or take time to heal before choosing a life partner.

“You Must Marry Within Your Tribe or Religion”

This myth still persists in many homes. Some families believe love should only happen within your tribe or faith. But love often defies those boundaries. People from different backgrounds can have strong, happy relationships if they share the same values and are willing to respect each other’s differences. While family input is important, your happiness and peace should come first. Love should be about connection, not just culture.

“One Person Must Always Lead”

Traditionally, we’re taught that the man leads while the woman follows. But in today’s world, a relationship should feel like teamwork. Decisions should be made together, with both partners feeling heard. Whether it’s finances, parenting, or life plans, both voices matter. Respect and understanding make relationships stronger—not control.

“Jealousy Means You Care”

Many people mistake jealousy for love. Some believe if their partner isn’t jealous, then they must not care. But jealousy often comes from fear and insecurity, not love. Monitoring phones, interrogating, or arguing over harmless friendships can damage trust. Real love is built on trust, not control. If something is bothering you, have an open conversation instead of jumping to conclusions.

“Stay No Matter What” vs. “Leave at the First Fight”

We’ve often been stuck between two extremes. Some believe you should stay no matter what—even when it’s toxic. Others think that any problem means it’s time to leave. But the truth lies somewhere in between. Not every argument means the relationship should end, and not every relationship should be saved. The key is learning to tell the difference. If the issues are fixable, work through them together. If the relationship becomes harmful, it’s okay to walk away.

How to Unlearn These Myths

Unlearning doesn’t happen overnight. It starts by asking yourself where your beliefs came from and whether they’re still serving you in a healthy way. Talk with people you trust about what you’re discovering. Watch couples who have balanced and honest relationships—not perfect couples, but real, emotionally honest ones. Set clear boundaries for what you want in love, and communicate them with your partner. Listen more. Talk openly. When you both navigate conflict or tough conversations with more care, celebrate those moments.

Love is beautiful—but to truly enjoy it, we must unlearn the myths we’ve been told.

The truth is, every relationship is different. What works for others might not suit you—and that’s perfectly fine.

By letting go of beliefs like “love conquers all” or “marry before you run out of time,” you give yourself a better chance at finding real, lasting happiness. Choose what works for you.

Build a love that fits your heart—not just society’s script.

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Lifestyle

5 Beaches in Lagos for Your Next Staycation

Published

3 weeks ago

25 September 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@sunnyside.beach

A beach break does not always mean leaving Lagos. Residents looking for a change of scenery can find several coastal spots around Lekki, Ajah and Sangotedo for a day out or a weekend break. From Ziba Beach Resort’s overwater accommodation to Nautica’s mix of recreation and beachfront stays, and beach clubs such as KYMA and Kivu, these five locations offer different ways to enjoy a local getaway.

Ziba Beach Phase 3

Photo: zibabeachresorts.com

Ziba Beach Resort in Okun Ajah unveiled Phase 3 on September 11, 2026, with larger Grand Overwater Rooms, loft-style overwater accommodation and a dedicated wellness centre. The resort also has beach-facing rooms and suites, family rooms, a two-bedroom apartment and other overwater rooms for guests planning an overnight stay.

Facilities at the resort include a lagoon pool, adult and children’s pools, a games room, cinema, spa, gym, restaurant and bar. Ziba also lists activities such as beach picnics, beachside dining and dinners. Some packages have included quad biking, horse riding and massage treatments.

Nautica Beach Resort

Photo: nauticabeachresort.com

Nautica Beach Resort is located in Lekki and describes itself as an in-city leisure and lifestyle destination. It combines beach access with recreation, dining, entertainment, wellness and sports. Activities listed on its website include quad biking, paintball, volleyball, football, snooker and VR gaming.

For visitors who want to stay longer, Nautica offers beachfront accommodation, including private beach chalets and apartments. Its website says guests can buy beach access and pre-book activities through the Orbit Lifestyle App. The resort also hosts events and entertainment for visitors who want to spend more time at the location.

Sunny Side Beach

Photo: Instagram/@sunnyside.beach

Sunny Side Beach is located at Mopo Onijebu, off Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie Road in Sangotedo. Current listings describe it as a bar and grill, beach club and leisure spot. It is more suited to visitors looking for a beach outing with food and drinks than a conventional hotel-style stay.

The location’s current listings show afternoon-to-evening operating hours on its open days. This makes it an option for visitors who want to spend part of the day by the coast before heading home. For a Lagos staycation, it is better presented as a local beach outing, while claims about overnight accommodation should be avoided unless confirmed directly with the business.

KYMA Beach

Photo: kymabeach.com

KYMA Beach is located at Elegushi Private Beach in Ikate, Lekki. It operates as a beachfront club with private cabanas, dining and spaces for private events. Its signature restaurant, LYA, is open to both members and non-members by reservation, allowing visitors to combine a beach outing with a restaurant visit.

KYMA also accepts non-members through day passes, which provide access to the beach, restaurant and selected facilities. Its official website lists public access from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays closed. This makes it an option for people who want to spend the day at the beach without booking an overnight stay.

Kivu Beach

Photo: kivubeachclub.com

Kivu Beach is located at Oba Elegushi Beach in Lekki Phase I and is listed as a beach club and dining destination. Its location places it within one of Lagos’ coastal leisure areas, giving residents another option for a day by the water without travelling outside the city. Current listings describe Kivu as a casual dining restaurant serving international cuisine.

Kivu is better presented as a beach and dining option than an accommodation-focused resort. Visitors should confirm current access arrangements, opening times and charges with the venue before setting out, as these details can change.

For Lagos residents, a staycation can be as simple as choosing a coastal spot for a day or booking a resort for a longer break. Ziba and Nautica have accommodation options for visitors planning to stay overnight, while Sunny Side, KYMA and Kivu are more suited to beach outings, dining and leisure. The choice depends on whether the plan is a weekend away, a few activities, a meal by the beach or some time by the water.

Lifestyle

Ugo Ugochukwu Makes History With 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship Win

Published

4 weeks ago

15 September 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram/@fiaf3

Ugo Ugochukwu has won the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Drivers’ Championship, becoming the first American driver to claim the title in the current FIA Formula 3 Championship.

The 19-year-old secured the championship on Sunday, September 13, at the Madring circuit in Madrid. Driving for Campos Racing, Ugochukwu finished second in the second Feature Race behind MP Motorsport’s Tuukka Taponen. Freddie Slater, his main title rival, finished eighth for Trident.

Photo: Instagram/@fiaf3

The result put Ugochukwu on 159 points for the season, 14 points ahead of Slater, who finished second with 145. Taponen’s victory also moved him into third place in the final Drivers’ Championship standings with 109 points.

Ugochukwu’s title came in his second FIA Formula 3 season. He won the opening Feature Race in Melbourne, Australia, before taking another victory in the Silverstone Sprint Race. He also finished on the podium in Catalonia, at the Red Bull Ring, in Hungary and in Madrid.

Ugochukwu arrived in Madrid 15 points behind Slater. After the weekend’s earlier races, the pair were level on 141 points going into the final Feature Race. Ugochukwu started the race from second on the grid, while Slater started eighth. Ugochukwu held second to the finish, while Slater remained eighth, giving Ugochukwu enough points to take the championship.

Photo: Instagram/@fiaf3

Ugochukwu is the son of Nigerian fashion model Oluchi Onweagba. Born in New York, he moved from karting into single-seater racing in 2022, competing in British F4. He won the Euro 4 Championship in 2023 and the Macau Grand Prix in 2024.

He joined the FIA Formula 3 grid with PREMA Racing in 2025, finishing 16th in the championship and recording two podiums. He switched to Campos Racing for 2026 and began the year by winning the Formula Regional Oceania trophy.

He now joins former FIA Formula 3 champions including Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, who have gone on to compete in Formula One.

Lifestyle

Angélique Kidjo Makes History With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Published

2 months ago

19 August 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Getty images

Angélique Kidjo has become the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a significant moment for the Beninese singer whose career has taken African music to audiences around the world.

The five-time Grammy Award winner received the honour on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a ceremony in Los Angeles. Her star, the 2,854th on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was placed in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard.

Photo: Getty images

Kidjo was among the names selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026. The selection was announced in July 2025, with the Beninese singer included alongside several prominent figures from music, film, television and other areas of entertainment.

x.com/@MadamAfrika

The ceremony brought together several notable figures, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold and actor Djimon Hounsou were also reported to be among those who attended the occasion.

For Kidjo, the recognition is tied closely to where she comes from and the music she has carried across borders throughout her career. During her speech, she reflected on Africa’s contribution to music and the influence of the continent’s culture on sounds heard around the world.

“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world. Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” she said during the ceremony.

The 66-year-old singer has spent more than four decades in music, building a career that extends beyond recording and live performances. She has released numerous albums, worked with international artists and used her public platform to support social and humanitarian causes. Her collaborations have included musicians such as Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, Bono, Yo-Yo Ma and Burna Boy.

Photo: Getty images

Her Grammy history is another major part of that career. Kidjo has won five Grammy Awards, adding to a list of international honours that have established her as one of the most recognised African musicians working on the global stage.

The Hollywood recognition also came with a special declaration. August 18 was officially recognised as Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood, adding another distinction to the occasion.

The significance of the star goes beyond the name engraved on the famous boulevard. Kidjo’s achievement places a Beninese musician at a landmark that has long been associated with some of the biggest names in international entertainment. For African music, it is another visible acknowledgement of the artists who have carried sounds, languages and traditions from the continent into wider global audiences.