After criticizing the increasing practice of substituting cash for flowers as a romantic gesture in relationships, a Nigerian man sparked online discussions.

The man contended in a widely circulated statement on social media that giving flowers is supposed to represent deliberate love and affection rather than monetary assistance.

He claims that the moment people started using cash instead of flowers indicated a more serious issue in the dating industry.

“The moment una start to remove flower put am money, na there I know say problem don dey our relationship dating space,” he said. He explained that flowers are meant to represent intention and emotional commitment, rather than material value.

He went on to trace the origins of flower-giving to Western cultures, pointing out that although Nigeria adopted the gesture, its meaning had changed. “They start am because the oyibo wey start am.” When we get to Nigeria, people take out the flowers and put money inside,” he continued.