The day my childhood friend Emeka used my ₦500k to fund a wedding party instead of his business

Last year around this time, my childhood friend Emeka came to me with a business plan. Logistics startup. He had the route mapped out, the contacts, everything. All he needed was capital. I ran the numbers, it looked solid. So I gave him ₦500,000. No contract, no interest, just a handshake. That's what 15 years of friendship gets you.

Fast forward three months. I call him, nothing. Text him, seen zone. I start hearing rumours from mutual friends that Emeka is planning a big traditional wedding. I laugh it off, e be like say na small talk. Until I see the wedding invitation. Eko Hotel. Open bar. White lace and gold gele everywhere.

I attend the wedding. Smile for pictures. Eat the food. When I finally corner him at the reception, he pulls me aside and says, 'My guy, I will pay you back. Small small. Just enjoy today.'

Na wa. I calculated the opportunity cost of that money. ₦500,000 at the time was about $370. If I had put it in a decent mutual fund or even a savings account, it would have grown. Instead, I paid for someone else's celebration.

It's been over a year now. I've received exactly ₦50,000 in repayments. The lesson I learned is simple: if you want to help someone, give what you can afford to lose. And if they ask for a business loan, ask to see the receipts. Love is not a repayment plan.