Entertainment
Lagos residents alarmed as price of condoms rises by over 100%
Some residents of Lagos have raised concerns about unsafe sex amid the rising cost of condoms in the country.
NAN reports that many are concerned the trend will lead to both unsafe sex and unintended pregnancies among citizens.
There are different types and brands of condoms and the best are often determined by their quality, durability, comfort, and protection.
Some popular condom brands among Nigerians include Durex, Fiesta, Kiss, Rough Rider, and Gold Circle.
However, checks at some pharmacies show that prices increased by 50 to 200 percent when compared to 2023 rates.
Some Lagos residents, NAN reports, say access to affordable contraceptives is critical in ensuring the health of partners, protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and planning the desired pregnancy
Felix Atuche, a banker, argued that the increasing price of condoms made him resort to the withdrawal method, hoping it wouldn’t lead to pregnancy.
“We got married two months ago and my wife and I are currently undertaking our master’s degree. So for us, pregnancy has to wait for about two years,” the banker said.
“I usually use the Durex Fetherlite Elite condom because it heightens the feelings between partners, just like skin to skin.
“I used to buy the pack for N1,900 but now it goes for N2,500 to N3,500, depending on the pharmacy I buy from.
“The cost is getting unaffordable for me because of the number of packs I need.
“I resorted to the withdrawal method but my wife has been avoiding sex with me because she’s scared of getting pregnant.”
Monisola Ajayi, a businesswoman, said she prioritised her sexual health by ensuring she used female condoms during intercourse.
“A few years ago, I contracted STIs from my husband. I got treated and forgave him, but the incident left a scar on my heart,” she said.
“So, I always ensure I use a condom to protect myself. Female condoms are available but more expensive than the male condoms.
“Ten pieces of Fc2 vaginal condom go for over N4,200 now, before it was around N2,000. If I don’t have a condom, then no show for oga except he buys it for me. The hardship in the country is negatively affecting our sexual health.”
Celestine Adesola, a youth corps member, was quoted as arguing that the rising cost of condoms is exposing many youths to unsafe sex.
“Valentine’s is this week, and some parents would be shocked if they know the unimaginable and risky practices that their teens and youths want to indulge in for fun.”
Commenting, Michael Achoji, a pharmacist, attributed the hike in the cost of contraceptives to rising inflation.
He said prices have also been affected by a general increase in production cost and a rise in foreign exchange rate.
Award-winning singer Tems has won the Best Recording of the Year award at the 17th Headies awards for her captivating single “Burning”.
The song, featured on her 18-track album “Born in the Wild”, showcases her exceptional artistry and musical prowess.
Tems was up against stiff competition, beating out fellow nominees Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr ft Giveon, Sarz, and Lojay.
The award, one of the most prestigious in Nigerian music, was announced and received by Tems’ mother.
Since its inception in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards, The Headies has grown into the most respected music award platform in Nigeria, celebrating the country’s biggest talents year after year.
Award-winning Afrobeat star, David Adeleke, also known as Davido won the Best Digital Artiste of the Year at the 17th annual Headies Awards.
A well-deserved crown, considering his outstanding influence across streaming platforms and online spaces.
Davido’s collaborative track, “Ogechi Remix” with Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel, also received multiple nominations.
The Headies, which celebrates excellence in the Nigerian music industry, held its 17th edition on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.
The event gathered some of the industry’s biggest stars in a night of high-profile performances and recognitions.
Other major winners included Zerry DL, Tems, Funke Akindele, and Rema.
Full list of winners:
Rookie of the Year
Zerry DL — Winner
Taves
Kaestyle
Llona
Soundtrack of the Year
“Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ and Abbey Wonder (A Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack) — Winner
“Eledumare” – Teledalase (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)
“Lose to Gain” – Kaline (Breathe of Life)
“Kill Boro” – Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan (Kill Boro)
“Orisa” – Beriola (Orisa)
“Emotions” – Tiwa Savage and Asa (Water and Garri)
Best Recording of the Year
“Burning” – Tems — Winner
“Different Patterns” – Seyi Vibez
“Higher” – Burna Boy
“Last Heartbreak Song” – Ayra Starr and Giveon
“Billions” – Sarz and Lojay
Best Vocal Performance (Male)
“Billions” – Lojay — Winner
“Moving” – Omah Lay
“Gratitude” – Anendlessocean
“For You” – Johnny Drille
“Ke Na Ke So” – Timi Dakolo
Best Vocal Performance (Female)
“I’m Done” – Liya — Winner
“Last Song Heartbreak” – Ayra Starr
“Level” – Niniola
“Stranger” – Simi
“Tomorrow” – Yemi Alade
Special Recognition Award Recipients
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos
Alex Okosi
Amaju Pinnick
Songwriter of the Year
“Vision” – Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi) — Winner
“Stranger” – Simisola Kosoko (Simi)
“Can’t Breathe” – Michael Ajuma Attah (Llona)
“Family Meeting” – Emoseh Khamofu (Bloody Civilian)
“Stages of Life” – Fuayefika Maxwell (Wizard Chan)
Humanitarian Award Recipients
Temitola Adekunle Johnson
Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
Producer of the Year
“OZEBA” – London — Winner
“Happiness” – Sarz
“Basquiat” – Magicsticks
“HEHEHE” – Rema, Producer X, Cubeatz, Deatz and Klimperboy
“Different Patterns” – Dibs
Afrobeats Album of the Year
HEIS – Rema — Winner
Stubborn – Victony
Work of Art – Asake
The Year I Turned 21 – Ayra Starr
Jiggy Forever – Young Jonn
Music Video of the Year
“EGWU” – Director Pink — Winner
“Charm” – Rema, Perliks and Folarin Oludare
“Metaverse” – Jyde Ajala
“Like Ice Spice” – Perliks and Emeka Shine Shine
“Ojapiano” – Mattmax
“Showa” – TG Omori
“Na Money” – Dammy Twitch
Afrobeats Single of the Year
“Big Baller” – Flavour — Winner
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Twe Twe Remix” – Kizz Daniel
“Egwu” – Chike (feat. Mohbad)
“Remember” – Asake
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
Headies’ Viewers’ Choice
“Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad — Winner
“Big Baller” – Flavour
“Big Big Things” – Young Jonn (feat. Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez)
“Ogechi Remix” – Hyce, Boypee, and Brown Joel (feat. Davido)
“Showa” – Kizz Daniel
“Different Pattern” – Seyi Vibez
“OZEBA” – Rema
“Love Me Jeje” – Tems
“Cast” – Shallipopi (feat. Odumodublvck)
“Dealer” – Ayo Maff (feat. Fireboy DML)
Headies Next Rated
Odumodublvck — Winner
Qing Madi
Shallipopi
Ayo Maff
Nasboi
Best Digital Artiste of the Year
Davido — Winner
Ayra Starr
Rema
Shallipopi
Tems
Kizz Daniel
Asake
Best East African Artiste of the Year
Juma Jux (Tanzania) — Winner
Bien (Kenya)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Azawi (Uganda)
Music legend 2Baba has officially introduced his new partner, lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, to his family in a video that has since gone viral.
The introduction follows a rocky chapter in 2Baba’s personal life, including a widely publicised breakup with his longtime partner, Annie Macaulay, and an emotional plea from his mother urging Natasha to distance herself from the singer.
Earlier this year, 2Baba’s mother, Rose, made headlines when she tearfully appealed to Natasha to “release” her son from what she described as a troubling relationship.
“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son,” she stated.
The matriarch’s heartfelt message sparked widespread attention, with many wondering if the family would ever accept Natasha as a part of 2Baba’s life.
However, it appears that Rose has had a change of heart.
According to recent videos, Natasha met with 2Baba’s family, including his mother, in a private gathering that seemed to signify a new chapter in their relationship.
The meeting also included other key family stakeholders.