Didn’t know when the first tear dropped while writing this. Had to pause to cry hard for the dads we’ve lost, the uncles who stood in their place, and for our brothers who will one day carry the weight of being men.
Nigerians, let’s be real, the men in our lives don’t hear “thank you” often enough. It’s not because we don’t care, but how do you tell someone “You’re my hero” when you’re too busy shouting “Oga, light no dey!”
Today, on International Men’s Day, this is for the men we don’t celebrate enough. The ones who show up, hold it down, and keep going even when the world doesn’t say “thank you.”
These letters are a tribute to them funny, heartfelt, and honest. Because men deserve their flowers too, not just responsibilities. So, are you brave enough to send this to the men in your life.
Feel free to copy, and send or just use it to gist them later.
To the Hustler Who Never Rests
Guy, na wa o! You’re working like Nigeria’s entire economy is on your back. We see the late nights, the endless hustle, and the sacrifices, even though you’ll brush it off with, ‘It’s nothing.’ Truth is, it’s everything. Remember, you’re not a machine; take care of yourself too. Nobody will carry the load if you break down. Rest small o!”
To the Guy Who Always Has Jokes (and Finishes the Jollof)
We can’t lie, you’re funny! But it’s how you lighten up every room that really gets us. Whether NEPA takes light or the fuel queue is as long as Third Mainland Bridge, you always find a way to make it less stressful. Just one small issue: must you always finish the Jollof rice at every gathering?
To the Quiet Protector
You don’t make noise about it, but we see what you do. You’re always looking out for everyone, handling wahala quietly like it’s your full-time job. It’s like you’re Batman, but without the billionaire budget. Oga, you’re basically the family’s own EFCC, protecting our peace. You’re appreciated, even when we forget to say it.
To the Egbon Adugbos (Neighborhood Big Bros)
Ah, Egbon! You’ve been looking out for us since the days of football on the street and free lifts on your okada. Thank you for being the ‘big brother’ who knows when to crack jokes and when to give us that serious ‘oga, do better’ talk. Egbon, you’ve been our unspoken guide, the one who taught us how to hold our heads high and handle life’s small battles. From giving us free advice (even if we didn’t ask) to making sure nobody on the street crosses the line with us, you’ve always been there. You might not wear a suit and tie, but you’re the CEO of protection and pride in our neighborhood. Respect, sir!”
To the Man Figuring Life Out
Adulting in Nigeria? No manual. No fuel subsidy. It’s pure survival. But you’re navigating it like a pro, even when it doesn’t feel like it. If nobody has told you lately, you’re doing amazing. And yes, it’s okay to ask for help, nobody wins alone, abeg.
To the Father Figures When The Biological Ones Died
Not all heroes wear agbada. When our biological dad died or couldn’t be there, you stepped in without asking for anything in return. You showed us love, protection, and guidance, even when it wasn’t your responsibility. You are proof that fatherhood is a role of the heart, not just blood.
To the Uncle Who No Dey Disappoint
Ah, Uncle Reliable! We know we can always count on you. Whether it’s paying school fees last minute or showing up at family meetings to fight for our rights, you’ve been solid. Thank you for being more than just ‘uncle from the village.’ You’re family in every sense of the word.
To the Guy Who Always Comes Through for Urgent 2K
Omo, where do we even start? You’ve probably saved more lives with your quick transfers than Red Cross. Whether it’s ‘urgent 2K’ for fuel, data, or that thing we can’t explain, you always find a way to say, ‘No wahala.’ You’re not just a lifesaver; you’re a legend. My gee, if there’s an award for ‘Most Reliable Human ATM,’ you’ve already won it, twice. You never make us feel bad about asking, and somehow, you always find a way to come through even when it’s the third ‘urgent’ request in a week. May your alerts be plenty and your balance be heavy.
To the Dreamer
You dream not just for yourself, but for the future. Your quiet ambitions, even the ones you don’t voice, inspire us. We hope you know that your dreams are valid, and your passions deserve the same energy you pour into others.
To the Stepdads Who Never Took Advantage of Us
Let’s give it up for the real MVPs! stepdads who stepped up and never made us feel like second-class citizens. You loved us like your own, respected our boundaries, and showed us what it means to be a real man. Thank you for setting the standard high and being our bonus blessing.
To the Guys Who Are Always There
You show up for us, even when it’s inconvenient, even when your own plate is full. You’re the guy we call when our tyre bursts on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or when NEPA strikes mid-champions league match
Whether it’s dashing us small transport fare or coming through when NEPA takes light during our most important Zoom call, you’re dependable in ways that matter. You may not wear a cape, but you’re the hero of the little things and those things add up. We dey hail you!
To All the Men Holding It Down in Silence
We know it’s not easy. This country will frustrate even the calmest of minds. But somehow, you show up, carry the weight, and still find time to make us laugh. If no one has told you today: We see you. We appreciate you. We’re proud of you.
To every man reading this, thank you for showing up in your own way. Whether you’re the quiet provider, the loud hype man, the reliable go-to guy, or the one just trying to figure life out, we see you. You are appreciated more than words can ever express.
To the rest of us, let’s make today special for the men in our lives. Send them one of these letters, give them their flowers, or just remind them they’re loved and seen. Because if there’s one thing we all know, life is tough especially when you’re expected to carry so much in silence.
Happy International Men’s Day to the real MVPs!
All my love
JD