The story of a woman who moved from Sokoto to Katsina and then to Kogi state after an online “talking stage” connection went viral on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Identified only as @Awelewa, the user posted a detailed account of the trip, noting that her family believed she was heading to Kogi, while she actually set out from Sokoto and passed through Katsina before reaching her destination.
The journey and its outcome
In a series of posts, @Awelewa explained that she travelled interstate to meet a potential suitor she had been speaking with online. She said her family assumed the trip would be to Kogi state, but she first stopped in Katsina, where she spent some time before continuing onward. The X user wrote, “The main thing is, I went, I saw, I conquered, left Katsina State safe and sound, and arrived in Kogi State safely.”
Her narrative makes clear that she never actually made contact with the person she intended to meet. “I had no contact with him, suggesting that the visit did not end as expected,” she added, implying that the meeting did not happen as planned. Despite the lack of a reunion, the woman emphasized that the journey itself was a triumph, highlighting the distance covered and the safe arrival in Kogi.
Public reaction on X
The post quickly attracted attention from other X users, who flooded the comment section with a mix of humour, sympathy and moral reflections. One user, Soja of Lagos, wrote, “Nah God dey save us. Although e fit sup anywhere at anytime even without travelling but we have all encountered it as well in one way or the other, sometimes u want to take a risk at times u want to explore and most times to see ur loved ones.”
Another commentator, Ogundele Deborah, simply said, “Honestly, thank God for his protection always.” Qmax added, “Now, I have no doubt that love is truly blind,” while Zoe Ademola observed, “You must really be in love and a lover babe.” The range of responses shows how quickly personal stories can spark broader conversations about love, risk and safety on social media.
In Nigeria, the term “talking stage” has become common slang for the early phase of a romantic connection that occurs mainly through digital platforms. Young people often use messaging apps, Twitter, Instagram and dating websites to get to know each other before meeting in person. While the practice offers a way to screen potential partners, it also carries risks, especially when the parties decide to travel long distances without meeting face‑to‑face first.
Travel across state lines in Nigeria can be time‑consuming and sometimes costly. The woman’s route, from Sokoto in the far northwest, through Katsina, and finally to Kogi in the central region, covers several hundred kilometres. Such journeys are usually undertaken by road, and safety concerns are common, particularly for solo female travellers.
The viral nature of @Awelewa’s account show how many Nigerians resonate with the experience. The online community’s quick engagement reflects both empathy for the traveller and a cautionary note about the uncertainties of online dating.
What comes next
Following the surge of comments, the X user has not posted any update indicating whether she will attempt another meeting or abandon the pursuit altogether. Her original post remains accessible, continuing to draw attention from users who are tracking the story. As the conversation unfolds, the broader dialogue about online courtship and the precautions needed for inter‑state travel is likely to keep the topic alive on social platforms.
The episode also serves as a reminder for anyone considering similar trips to verify arrangements and stay connected with trusted friends or family. While @Awelewa’s journey ended without the intended meeting, her safe arrival in Kogi and the public’s supportive response highlight both the challenges and the resilience that accompany modern romance in Nigeria.
