what does val mean to you?

 The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian Martyr. The emperor’s name was Claudius II and the Christian was Valentinus.

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians, but Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned.

    During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentinus for lessons. She had been blind since birth. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind.   Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

One day, Julia asked him "Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" 

"Yes, my child, He hears each one."

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night?  I pray that I might see.   I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!"  She knelt and grasped his hand.

     They sat quietly together, each praying.   Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell.   Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see!  I can see!"

"Praise be to God!"  Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.

On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God.   He signed it, "From your Valentine."  His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world."

     Valentine’s Day celebration in Nigeria has always been awesome! The day means so much to every fun seeker. It is one of the few occasions when people actually try to forget the so many problems associated with living in a country where the citizens cannot even enjoy the basic necessities  of life.In preparation for this year’s celebration, the entire streets, hotels, stores, restaurants of major cities in the country are covered in red, pink and white streamers, with big heart shaped signs wishing passer bys a Happy Valentines Day. Fancy and fast food restaurants are filled with couples eating out for the occasion.

     Some of the people interviewed on what Valentine day celebration means to them and the best way to celebrate have these to say:

Akinpelumi owonifari, an engineer said Valentine day means so much to him because it was on this day five years ago he wedded his wife. He added that every Valentine day was his wedding anniversary and the best way of celebrating this for him and his wife has been going back to God to rededicate their marriage and later stay alone for a whole day without any disturbance from families or friends. He concluded by saying “Valentine day is our day of new honey moon.”

Jude Ebube, an accountant viewed Valentine day celebration as what has to be done with caution. He argued that there won’t be any Valentine day if the man Valentinus did not stand and died for what he believed was right. 

Tina Akande, a fashion designer, said that the country’s economic situation had called for cautious spending

Chike Chukwumerije, a teacher, said Nigerians were fun-seekers but the current economic situation was affecting Valentine celebrations across the country.

“Majority of Nigerians crave for fun but your pocket has to dictate to you, how you seek fun at this trying time,’’ he said.

He urged Nigerians to remember the less-privileged and the orphanage homes during the Valentine season.

    Meanwhile, relaxation spots and business owners in Ikorodu, witnessed low patronage of fun-seekers.

Observers noted that preparation for the general election was responsible for the poor patronage during the Valentine’s Day celebration.

Ohimai daniel