By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Gbenga Adewale , a Nigerian now based in the United Kingdom, emphasized the importance of building strong, enduring friendships that surpass romantic relationships. Speaking with KosofePost last weekend in Cheshire East, UK, Gbenga reflected on an incident involving a close friend in Nigeria, who turned him down during a time of need.
Gbenga shared that before leaving Nigeria, he reached out to his friend, requesting a loan of ₦500,000 without revealing the purpose, only to be declined due to economic challenges. In a surprising twist, Gbenga later learned that his friend had given his girlfriend ₦300,000, prompting the girlfriend to pressure him for the remaining balance. This revelation led to a fallout between the friends.
Rather than plead with his friend, Gbenga reacted with disappointment, questioning the strength of a friendship that could be sacrificed over a romantic relationship. His friend’s wife even stepped in to mediate, sensing the strain between the two men.
A year after Gbenga relocated to the UK, the same friend contacted him, seeking financial help after his business failed. Reflecting on the situation, Gbenga highlighted that true, lasting friendships weather difficulties, unlike many romantic relationships that, in his view, are often focused on short-term gains.
Through his experience, Gbenga urged people to value and empower friendships beyond the confines of romance, stressing that in times of hardship, a genuine friend is more likely to stand by your side.