Sisterly Love: Kintan and Oluwatoyin
In this story, Kintan talks about her long-distance friendship with Oluwatoyin, and how it changed her mind about female friendships with Nigerian women. Read the first episode of Sisterly Love here.
‘I used to be team ‘female friends are not good friends’ and rather stuck with male friends. I started having the best female friends as I grew older and it has changed my entire view of what female friendships are.’
Kintan and Oluwatoyin
Can you share a memorable experience or story about your friendship? What made it so special? How has your friendship evolved overtime?
We started our friendship like we were getting into a relationship. It was the intentionality in getting to know each other for me. We've evolved a lot. We've moved from holding some views to not holding them anymore. We've grown from struggling to talk, to always wanting to give each other life updates.
How has your friendship influenced your sense of identity and belonging? Are there specific moments that come to mind?
Yes. She inspires me to want to be more. I struggle with thinking I'm not as I am. But she sees it and makes me want to be a better person. I was trying to get a job and I was telling her all the things I used to do and she scolded me about not talking about myself a lot.
Can you share any Nigerian or non-Nigerian female friendships, whether from real life, literature, or media that have impacted or inspired you?
FK and Jola
Can you describe a time when she played a significant role in supporting and empowering you? How did it affect your personal growth or journey?
Yes, always. She goes for what she wants and I'm always ready to do that. A trait I learnt and picked from her.
Have the cultural and societal expectations or beliefs in Nigeria shaped your female friendships in any way?
Yes, I used to be team ‘female friends are not good friends’ and rather stuck with male friends. I started having the best female friends as I grew older and it has changed my entire view of what female friendships are.
Have you ever faced a challenge or obstacle in your friendship? How did you overcome it?
I don't think so.
What advice would you give to Nigerian women who are navigating the complexities of forming and nurturing the female friendships in their lives, especially as adults?
Navigating them can be hard at first but nurturing them will make you a better person.
What's the most hilarious or unforgettable adventure you've had with your friend?
We are long distance friends *inserts crying emoji*
What would be the title of a Nollywood movie about your friendship? And who would play you and your friends?
Long Distance Friends. It would be Bisola Aiyeola and Bimbo Ademoye.
What's the soundtrack of your friendship? This could be a song that you and your friends enjoy, or a song that perfectly describes your friendship.
I'll be there for you.
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