Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

In a country known for its conservative and deeply religious values, Nigeria’s sex toy industry is experiencing an unexpected boom Punch Newspapers reports.

Despite the taboo nature of discussing sex openly, sales of products like dildos are on the rise as citizens embrace new ways of exploring sexual satisfaction amid economic difficulties, reports Victor Ayeni.

For business owner Niniola (surname withheld), most days are spent catering to a diverse clientele visiting her adult entertainment store, which features a wide selection of intimate products, including lingerie, vibrators, and BDSM kits.

Niniola, who holds a degree in microbiology, started the business in 2020 after completing her National Youth Service Corps.

Operating from a discreet location in Ogudu, Lagos, Niniola has found success in providing anonymity to her customers.

“Many prefer online transactions,” she says, adding that orders placed via social media and messaging apps help maintain customer privacy.

Her clients include both married and single individuals, as well as those separated from their partners, all in search of the ultimate pleasure.

She regularly showcases the store’s offerings on her social media accounts, often encouraging potential buyers to connect with her privately for details and purchases.

The surge in demand for products like dildos and vibrators during the pandemic highlighted changing sexual behaviors in Nigeria.

“The lockdown period was our busiest time,” Niniola explains, noting how the absence of physical intimacy led many to seek alternatives for satisfaction. Today, sales remain strong, indicating that regardless of economic conditions, people prioritize sexual satisfaction.

For many, including Mrs. Bunmi Awoyemi (not her real name), using sex toys was initially a struggle due to cultural and religious reservations.

However, facing dissatisfaction in her marriage, she decided to try sex toys instead of considering infidelity. Her experience, shared with a media, reflects a broader trend in which both married women and single individuals turn to sex toys for fulfillment. For others, such as hairstylist Cynthia, dildos offer a safer option compared to casual sexual encounters.

The appeal of dildos goes beyond their practical use, as they have a rich cultural history. Evidence of their existence dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks creating their versions for both ceremonial and sexual purposes.

Today, Nigeria’s market reflects a diversity of types, from basic models to those with advanced features like remote control.

Vendors across Lagos, including Sandra in Lekki and Faith in Surulere, highlight the wide range of products available and the profits being generated, despite the conservative climate.

“We sell millions in just a few months,” says Faith, emphasizing the demand from across social strata.

Globally, the sex toy market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with billions of dollars in revenue expected.

In the US, a 2022 survey showed 82% of female consumers owned a sex toy, especially popular among those aged 25-29.

Despite the booming business, the use of sex toys remains controversial in Nigerian society. Some public figures have embraced and even promoted them.

For instance, actress, Nkechi Blessing distributed dildos as event souvenirs, while media personality, Toke Makinwa openly advocates for vibrators as tools of sexual empowerment.

Experts also note the psychological and physical benefits of using sex toys. Medical practitioners like Dr. Olusina Ajidahun and James Lekwauwa have outlined how sex toys can aid in sexual therapy and release hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, enhancing overall well-being.

However, they also caution against potential risks, such as infection from shared use and over-reliance, which can affect natural sexual experiences.

Although attitudes toward sex toys are shifting, many people still grapple with societal stigma.

Mental health experts, such as Kelechi Okwaraji and Olubunmi Onipede, have raised concerns about the potential negative effects on social interaction and sexual health.

They urge users to be cautious about hygiene and to avoid unrealistic expectations in relationships.

Fawaz Adebisi

The Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Abdulhakeem Abdulmajeed, popularly known as Hon Iyepe has said that lack of submission to Allah’s will is the reason for Nigeria’s suffering.

Hon Iyepe made this statement on Wednesday at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY during the Faith Assurance Gathering, FAG organized by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN.

Speaking on the theme, Discovering My Faith, and title; My Story of Connection, Contribution and Change, he denoted that lack of submission and being obedient to the Almighty is equivalent to being ungrateful.

In his words, being ungrateful is the greatest sin to Allah (S.W.T), clarifying that ungratefulness births Shirk, associating a partner with HIM.

He said, “Nigeria is suffering today because of a sin, a sin that made Allah destroy a nation with hunger and insecurity.

“That sin is being ungrateful and without being submissive to Him, without obeying Him, we can’t appreciate Him, and that’s why you see many prostrating to stick, irons, images/portraits and many more.

“It’s only when you know there’s only one God you won’t have to bow to another god, being ungrateful leads Shirk.”

In the same vein, Hon Iyepe stressed the need to be humble.

Dwelling on the theme, he explained how human beings came from dust and would return to dust.

Urging students to thread softly, he stated, “you came from sand, build from sand, eat from sand, wear from sand, walk on sand and will return to sand.

“Everything taken from sand shall return to sand, this is Allah’s promise to sand during the first creation of Adam. So why not? We should be humble.”

He also added that Allah has cursed whoever is arrogant in the Quran.

He therefore urged Muslim students to be grateful to their Lord by being submissive totally to Him.

He also urged them to learn Arabic for easy understanding of the Quran, preach Islam and obey the words of Allah for better living in this world.

Misturah Olatunji

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, has invited Muslim faithfuls across the institution to her Mega Faith Assurance Gathering programme.

The programme, which has been scheduled to take place at 11am on Wednesday, 25th September, 2024, is set to hold at the institution’s motion ground, opposite the school library/adjacent the bus shed.

The programme themed, ‘Discovering My Faith: My Story of Connection, Contribution, and Change’ will be discussed by the guest lecturer of the day, Hon. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, chief Imam Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Amir/President of MSSN MAPOLY, Muhammad Alonigbeja said, “this programme is an inspiring initiative designed for Muslim faithfuls on and off campus, in order to foster spiritual growth, develop leadership skills, personal development, and community engagement”.

The chairman, Mega FAG Planning Committee, AbdulHakeem Cisse said, “We encourage all Muslim faithfuls to seize this valuable opportunity to develop their leadership skills, critical thinking, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth, by Allah’s willing. Amīn.”