Getting feature stories done in Nigeria comes with its own unique drama and experience; it can even make a story of its own. Almost six months ago, we needed to do a story on Nigeria's first female online sex store. It is being run by a lovely lady but circumstances made it really difficult for us to get the shoot done. First, it was the fact that we missed covering an element for the story and then she had to travel. It was crazy as there was just one issue or the other. We finally got her part done. Iheoma Obibi, the creative director, "Intimate Pleasures-Desires of the heart" operates an online sex store in Nigeria's most populous city. This business is one that many dare not venture into because of the fact that our society is too culturally inclined and are not open to such things. Many buy the products but to go into the business of selling them.....hmmmm, that's another story. I also found out that many are reserved about the use of sex toys; some cite religious reasons. One or two persons who had shops in Lagos had to shut down due to lack of customers. How many people want to be seen walking into a store with the aim of purchasing a sex toy? There are stores that make reasonable profits from the business. With the lack of physical shops that sell sex toys across the country, entrepreneurs are now racing to satisfy an increasing demand from residents in the West African country via online platforms. The online store, 'Intimate Pleasures' has a variety of adult sex toys for those who wish to explore their sexuality. Clients who are too shy to physically purchase sex products from a physical store are able to place their orders online without attracting raised eyebrows. As a result of her line of business, Iheoma has received death threats and has been told she is running the devil's business. Some blogs refused her from advertising on their sites.This has not deterred her but challenged her to create an environment for discussions on sexual fulfillment. To balance the story, we tried to film a physical shop with no luck. Twitter to the rescue. I asked Gidi Traffic for help, God bless him, he retweeted it to his followers. Many thought I was trying to buy one. One follower said I didn't need one as he was available- lol. Others said it was easier to buy online and even provided the web link. One of them sent an address. Crew headed to the Ikeja address but was unable to locate the shop. Crew set out again another day after a friend at Punch Newspapers was able to give us a better description and on getting there, the lady was so adamant about us not filming, she rudely told us she didn't want to see our cameras in her shop. The only good thing I remind myself about in regards to the trip to her shop were the oranges we bought outside the complex. Those were the best oranges I have ever had. We did interview Nigerians on their thoughts and some are all for sex toys and many are not. Some feel ladies will get addicted to it. So that begs the question, what are your thoughts on sex toys? Have you ever had one or do you plan on buying one and why? Kindly share your thoughts.
Click on link below to watch the story:
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