By Ogunbowale, Tolulope Sobiye
Valentine’s Day is that time of the year when love floats in the air like a familiar melody. Shops glow in red and white, hearts decorate every corner, and sweet words travel faster than harmattan wind. From handwritten notes to surprise proposals, the season often reminds us that affection is not a luxury but a language we all long to speak. But this year, amid the roses and chocolates, another conversation has taken center stage, the government ban on cash bouquets which was announced on February 12, 2026. And so we ask, can love still bloom when naira notes are no longer folded into roses?
Valentine’s Day, named after Saint Valentine, has evolved far beyond its religious roots. In places like Nigeria, it has become a cultural festival of romance, friendship, and social display. Restaurants overflow, delivery bikes crisscross the streets and social media becomes a gallery of curated affection. It is the season when people “wear their hearts on their sleeves” and when even the shy attempt to break the ice. Who doesn’t want to feel special, to be seen, to be celebrated?
Yet, in recent years, the trend of cash bouquets, which is the arrangements of currency notes folded into flower-like shapes has become a flashy centerpiece of Valentine celebrations. For some, it is a creative gesture, for others, a symbol of extravagance. The government’s decision to ban cash bouquets, often justified on grounds of currency abuse and financial regulation, has stirred mixed reactions. Is it a necessary step to protect the integrity of the national currency or has the government gone too far into personal expressions of love?
On the one hand, there is beauty in the Valentine season that cannot be legislated away. Love is not measured by the thickness of a wallet. A heartfelt message can outweigh a million naira arranged in petals. A simple dinner cooked at home can speak louder than a five-star reservation. After all, isn’t it the thought that counts? When couples sit across from each other, sharing laughter and dreams, does it matter whether the bouquet is made of roses or banknotes?
Valentine’s Day, at its best, reminds society of empathy and generosity. It encourages charity, reconciliation and kindness. Many use the day to visit orphanages, support the vulnerable, or mend broken relationships. In a world often marked by tension and hardship, such gestures are like sunshine after rain. They soften hardened hearts and remind us that “no man is an island.” If love is the glue that holds society together, then Valentine’s Day is one of its annual bonding rituals.
However, every coin has two sides. Beneath the glitter lies a darker consequence. The pressure to impress can push individuals to “cut their coat according to another man’s size.” Young people may feel compelled to spend beyond their means, borrow recklessly or even engage in questionable activities just to keep up appearances. When love becomes a competition, sincerity takes a back seat. Must affection be proven with price tags?
The ban on cash bouquets, though controversial, highlights a broader concern: the commercialization of love. When currency notes are sprayed, folded or mishandled for aesthetic display, questions arise about respect for national symbols and economic stability. Money is not merely paper, it represents trust in a nation’s financial system. Should it be treated as decorative confetti? The government may argue that protecting the currency is not about suppressing romance but about maintaining order. In that light, the ban could be seen as drawing a line in the sand.
Still, critics contend that love finds expression in diverse ways and that banning one form does not address deeper societal issues. If the heart is willing, will it not find another creative outlet? Ban cash bouquets today and tomorrow people may invent digital money bouquets. Love, like water often finds its own level. The real question is not whether cash bouquets are legal but whether they define the essence of Valentine’s Day.
The dangers of the season also extend beyond financial excess. Reports of ritual crimes, exploitation and emotional manipulation sometimes spike around Valentine’s Day. Some individuals prey on the vulnerable, promising heaven and delivering heartbreak. “All that glitters is not gold,” the proverb warns. A grand gesture may hide insincerity. A lavish gift may conceal ulterior motives. Shouldn’t caution walk hand in hand with romance?
Yet, despite the pitfalls, the season remains a testament to humanity’s enduring desire for connection. Even in times of economic strain, people still find ways to express affection. A handwritten poem, a thoughtful call, a simple act of service—these cost little but mean much. Perhaps the ban on cash bouquets inadvertently nudges society back to the basics. Perhaps it reminds us that love cannot be wrapped in legal tender.
On the final note, Valentine’s Day is a mirror reflecting both our virtues and our vices. It showcases generosity and vanity, tenderness and temptation. The government’s ban on cash bouquets may curb excess but it cannot legislate the heart. Love, after all, is not a matter of currency but of character. So as the season unfolds, we might ask ourselves: are we celebrating love, or merely performing it? Are we building relationships or just building impressions?
When the roses wilt and the chocolates melt, what remains? If what endures is mutual respect, kindness and genuine care, then Valentine’s Day has served its purpose. Roses may fade and chocolates may melt, but true love stands the test of time. And if the ban on cash bouquets teaches us that love is priceless, perhaps it is a blessing in disguise. After all, isn’t the greatest gift one that money cannot buy? When love is real, even the simplest gesture feels like a grand celebration. Love speaks in whispers the heart alone understands. Happy Valentine’s Day!
