There is a popular perception that women tend to celebrate Valentine?s Day more than men. And the reason for this is that the holiday is heavily marketed towards romantic gestures and traditionally seen as a day for men to show affection through gifts and grand displays, with women traditionally expected to be the recipients. Also, it is believed that women are more likely to anticipate and enjoy the benefits of the season, though surveys conducted recently by various bodies have revealed that the gap is not as significant as people believe.

Indeed, some studies indicate that some men have deeper feelings about valentine than women and place more emphasis on Valentine?s Day than women. But it is a fact that Valentine?s Day marketing heavily targets women with romantic imagery and gift ideas, potentially creating the perception that they are more invested in the holiday.

Also, societal norms may place more pressure on men to plan elaborate Valentine?s Day gestures, which can lead to women appearing more excited about the holiday and being on the receiving end of gifts and pampering.

And while it is not all women that celebrate Valentine?s Day with enthusiasm, the day is one depicted as one for women to celebrate love and gratitude with their partners and friends.

Men in romantic relationships are expected by societal norm to make their women feel special by putting in effort and beyond romantic love, many women use Valentine?s Day to celebrate friendships and social bonds, further enhancing its significance.

While these factors contribute to the perception that women make Valentine?s Day important, it?s essential to recognise that people of all genders can value and celebrate the day in various ways.

And for commemoration of events like birthday or anniversaries and of course, Valentine, money bouquet is a hit as a gift and a norm. But do you know that Valentine?s Day bouquet can land you in prison. Giving or receiving money bouquet may actually land you in trouble at this period. Why? Money bouquet contradicts the laws on handling of money in Nigeria.

Of all gifts, money bouquets can earn you prison time in Nigeria, so while it is beautiful, it may not be the best idea. Why? In February 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that money bouquets and money cakes are forms of Naira abuse and a criminal offence under Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007 with a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 for anyone found guilty.

Another offence is spraying money so when the surprise band is sent to celebrate you with paranran, be careful of being sprayed money because this is a punishable offence. And it is no longer an ordinary law on paper without effect; an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, was recently sentenced to six months in prison after being arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after a video of her spraying and stepping on the new naira notes circulated on the internet on February 1, 2023.

Also, the CBN, in a tweet accompanied by a flier, had previously cautioned Nigerians against making money bouquet, calling it a criminal offence, adding that spraying, selling, squeezing and defacing remains an abuse of the naira.

The CBN said it is the civic duty of all Nigerians, to protect the naira and report naira abuse. It even provided toll-free hotlines through which the CBN could be reached to report the abuse on the naira.

Omoseyin?s offence according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), contravenes Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007. This section states that ?A person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000 or both such fine and imprisonment.?

So, with the innovative packaging of love and celebration gift items in the society today, especially with the vogue of money bouquet or money cake, many people may be getting into trouble on Friday.

This is contained in the Central Bank?s Act (2007) in Section 21 which gives guidelines to regulate tampering of the Nigerian note or coin. S. 21(2) defines tampering of a note or coin to include impairment, diminishing or lightening of a note or coin otherwise than by fair wear and tear or has been defaced by stumping, engraving, mutilating, piercing, stapling, writing, tearing, soiling, squeezing or any other form of deliberate and willful abuse whether the coin or note has or has not been thereby diminished or lightened. The penalty for such action is an imprisonment term not less than 6 months or a fine not less than N50,000 or both.

As you celebrate on Friday and you want to show affection and love to your val, it may be time to avoid money cake or money bouquet model because while it is in vogue and appears cute and romantic, you don?t want to be made a scapegoat to teach others a lesson. It can lead to a jail term or fine or even both.

Remember that the naira is a sacred national symbol and must be treated as such. So as this year?s Valentine Day draws near, so is the likelihood of a jail term for some people; it is important to watch the gift you send or receive. (Nigerian Tribune)

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