People say men don’t talk, don’t help, and don’t show emotion. But that’s not the full story.
Beneath the banter and the “bro code,” there are quiet acts of care; of men showing up for one another in moments that often go unnoticed.
So, we asked a few men across the Heirs Holdings Group to share two simple things: a time they helped a fellow man, and a time another man showed up for them.
The answers? Honest, funny, and full of heart.
Abisola Amuda, Heirs Insurance Group
Nice thing I did: I cooked a feast for my guy for no particular reason.
Nice thing they did: My friend once took me to the hospital and spent the entire day there with me.
Theophilus Emmanuel, Redtech
Nice thing I did: I once lent a friend something important without hesitation, not because I’m overly generous, but because I trusted him.
Nice thing they did: Someone once quietly covered my lunch without saying a word. That kind of simple gesture goes a long way.
Temitope Adonis-Adeotoye, Heirs Insurance Group
Nice thing I did: I unknowingly helped a friend out of a serious situation — debt, school fees, rent. I was just glad to be there when it mattered.
Nice thing they did: Someone gave me shelter for 18 months in Lagos without asking for a dime.
Adeoye Falade, Avon HMO
Nice thing I did: I helped a friend get a job. I saw an opening, shared it, cleaned up his CV, and worked with him through every interview stage; redesigning his presentations, doing mock interviews, the works. He got the job, and it felt amazing.
Nice thing they did: Years ago, I was stranded in Ibadan while sorting out my clearance after gaining admission for my Master’s. I’d travelled in from Lagos, expecting to be done by noon so I could return to the office. Unfortunately, things did not work out as planned and I was asked to come back the next morning. After making a few calls, a friend introduced me to her classmate who graduated that year. This was someone I’d never met before, but he offered to house me that day and whenever I came in from Lagos to attend classes which was every Tuesday and Wednesday. It became my safe place for the entire duration of my programme, and I didn’t have to pay rent.
Emmanuel Ekwueme, Africa Prudential
Nice thing I did: I had a close friend going through a season of shege —premium-grade suffering. People didn’t really understand, but I’d been there, so I knew it wasn’t just “normal stress.”
I pulled him close, had one of those deep heart-to-heart talks where guys suddenly turn philosopher and therapist, and helped him out financially. Used a few of my connections too. He’s doing much better now, and I’m patiently waiting for his wedding day to remind him how I helped him survive his shege era.
Nice thing they did: When I got my first job after NYSC, I ran out of transport fare before payday. No money, no miracle, and it looked like rain was coming to finish the job.
A colleague noticed, teased me about trekking home in my suit, then quietly slipped me urgent 2k and said, “Brotherly, survive first. E go better.” That small gesture meant a lot. He didn’t wait for me to ask, he just understood. That’s real bro code.
Ifedayo Kehinde, Avon HMO
Nice thing I did: A friend once called to borrow money during a tough period. I sent it. When it was time to repay, I told him not to bother. He was shocked because it was a lot but I was happy to let him have it.
Nice thing they did: Back then, my apartment was practically empty. I just had a bed on the floor. Out of the blue, a friend called and asked me to come pick up his newly made TV console, bed frames, and washing machine. Those items were barely a month old. I was speechless.
Tolu Adetutu
Nice thing I did: Back in 2021, a friend connected me to one of Nigeria’s top OAPs, who put me on his show spotlighting underground musicians. It was a peak moment for me. After the show, I told him, “Baba, I get person wey you fit put on too, he’s a dope artiste.”
That’s how I got my friend a radio appearance to talk about his craft. He couldn’t stop thanking me. It felt great because truly, we rise by lifting others.
Nice thing they did: In university, I didn’t have a phone for a long time (student sapa) was real, LOL. Then one morning, a friend called and said, “Check your account, I just sent you something to buy a phone. You need it.” That gesture still touches me today. He still sends me the occasional gift from abroad.
These stories remind us that strength isn’t only about endurance; it’s also about empathy. Every small act of kindness helps redefine what brotherhood looks like. Because in the end, real men don’t just endure; they show up for one another.
