Valentine’s Day isn’t just another holiday—it’s an opportunity for brands to build deeper connections with their audience. Beyond the usual “Happy Valentine’s Day” posts, smart brands tap into emotional storytelling to create campaigns that truly resonate.
Why? Because emotions drive engagement. People remember stories, feelings, and experiences more than they remember ads. And in a world where brands compete for attention, authentic storytelling is what makes a campaign stand out.
This year, five Nigerian brands leveraged brand storytelling, relatability, and audience engagement to make their Valentine’s campaigns more than just marketing—they made them memorable. Here’s how they did it.
1. Bama
Bama went straight for the heart by teaming up with real-life couples like Daniel Etim Effiong & Toyosi, Kunle Remi & Tiwi, and Tobi Bakre & Anu. Instead of just pushing products, they focused on what truly matters—creating memories.
By showcasing love in everyday moments, Bama made their campaign feel genuine and relatable. It wasn’t just another ad—it was a reminder that love is in the small things.
2. Chisco
Chisco took a different approach by turning acts of kindness into their Valentine’s campaign. With #WillYouRideWithMeThisValentine?, they offered free rides to people in the community, making Valentine’s about giving, not just receiving.
This wasn’t about flashy promotions. It was about showing love in simple, real ways—a reminder that sometimes, the best gifts aren’t bought, they’re given.
3. PiggyVest
Not everyone has a Valentine, and PiggyVest understood that. Their #LoveYourself campaign shifted the focus from romantic love to self-care and financial wellness.
They reminded their audience that one of the best ways to love yourself is to secure your future, whether by saving, investing, or just making smarter financial choices. It was a refreshing take—because self-love matters too.
4. Zenith Bank
Instead of just posting a generic Valentine’s message, Zenith Bank got people talking. They asked, “What’s the ideal Valentine’s gift for you?” —a simple but effective way to encourage engagement.
This led to real conversations and giveaways for their most engaged followers. It wasn’t just about banking—it was about connecting with their audience in a meaningful way.
5. Cowrywise
Cowrywise flipped the script on traditional Valentine’s gifting with their #GiftsByCowrywise campaign. Instead of chocolates or flowers, they encouraged people to invest in not just themselves, but also their partner’s future—because long-term financial security is a gift that keeps on giving.
With an engaging video and design posts explaining the campaign concept, they made financial planning feel personal—like an act of love for your future self.
What These Campaigns Teach Us About Emotional Storytelling
At the end of the day, people connect with emotions, not just products. These brands understood that and created campaigns that felt real, human, and relatable.
- Bama: Love is about shared moments
- Chisco: Kindness is a love language
- PiggyVest: Self-love is just as important
- Zenith Bank: Conversations build connection
- Cowrywise: The best gifts last beyond Valentine’s
The best marketing doesn’t just sell—it makes people feel something.