‘Every Day Is Valentine’s Day for Me’ — Jide Awobona Opens Up on Love, Work and Relationships

Nollywood actor Jide Awobona has revealed that he does not subscribe to celebrating love on a single day, stating that he prefers to express affection consistently rather than on Valentine’s Day alone.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, the actor described himself as “not really a Valentine’s person,” recalling a university experience that shaped his outlook on the celebration. He recounted taking his then-girlfriend out to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, only for the outing to end in disagreement after he spent hours on a phone call with a family member.

“We went out one day and it ended horribly because throughout the day, I was on a call with one of my family members for hours. We actually went out to a restaurant to have a nice time, but at the end of the day, we fought and argued. It was not a good day,” he said.

Despite the unpleasant memory, Awobona noted that the incident did not significantly change his perspective on love. According to him, love should not be restricted to a specific date but expressed daily based on genuine feelings and connection.

“I don’t want to have a special day before I can show love. Every day is like Valentine’s Day for me. It depends on the vibe and the mood. I show love every day,” he explained.

The actor further stressed that love extends beyond romantic relationships, adding that it should be shown to friends, family, and even strangers. He described love as a broader value that supersedes intimacy or dating alone.

While clarifying that his stance is not rooted in disbelief in Valentine’s Day, Awobona said the nature of his profession often keeps him occupied during such celebrations. He noted that, like any other day, he would likely be working and entertaining audiences.

“As I’m speaking with you, I’m at work. If it’s not Valentine’s Day, I’ll still be at work entertaining people. That’s what I do,” he said, adding that excessive expectations around the day could create unnecessary pressure in relationships.

For this year’s celebration, the actor disclosed that he would be spreading love through his craft rather than focusing on one individual, saying he intends to bless people with his talent and creativity.

On the issue of love and financial stability, Awobona maintained that genuine relationships should not be built solely on material expectations. He described love as a mutual exchange of care and support, regardless of financial circumstances.

Reflecting on modern dating trends, he observed that some young people, particularly within Gen Z circles, tend to prioritise material benefits in relationships, a development he described as concerning.

Beyond romance, the actor also addressed misconceptions surrounding on-screen chemistry in the entertainment industry, explaining that audiences often mistake professional performances for real-life relationships. According to him, convincing love scenes are part of the job and do not necessarily reflect personal connections off-screen.