Aphrodisiacs or sex enhancement drugs are quite popular in Africa. They have been traditionally used by men to last longer in bed with their partners. For many years, aphrodisiacs have been sold in the market and other spaces largely by uneducated men and women.
However, in recent years, the trend has changed and more elite men and women have joined the aphrodisiac economic space with their own ‘modern’ brand.
According to Nigeria’s Punch Newspaper, there is a booming market for aphrodisiacs thanks to the rise of social media. Aphrodisiac sellers are mostly women who are under the age of 30, the newspaper said, adding that modern aphrodisiacs sellers are making fortunes from their trade.
Below are some of the top names in the Nigerian industry.
Hauwa Saidu Mohammed
Hauwa Saidu Mohammed started her business in 2010 and is known for selling a local aphrodisiac called Kayanmata. She is arguably the most known aphrodisiac seller in Nigeria. Her influence spreads across multiple social media channels. On her verified Instagram account, she has over 1 million followers and over 400,000 followers on YouTube.
Her business has earned her multiple nicknames like Queen Jaaruma, P Sweetener, or The Luxurious Big Girl. Also, Jaaruma is known for flaunting her wealth on social media and giving out cash gifts. According to The Punch, she has a net worth of $2m.
Akinola Oluwatomiwa Balqees
Akinola Oluwatomiwa Balqees completed the University of Ilorin where she obtained a degree in electrical engineering. Popularly called Miwa Signature, Balgees says she got into her trade after her parents separated following 13 years of marriage.
She vowed to trade in a space that will allow her to assist people with marital issues. She started her aphrodisiac business in 2016 and has become an influential player in the industry. Her business page on Instagram has over 500,000 followers.
Unlike some of her peers who display their wealth, Balqees appears to be the conservative type. Nonetheless, her clothes, jewelry, designer bags, and wigs show that she is truly a big girl, according to The Punch.
Deborah Erioluwapo Ajayi
Nicknamed Omashola, Deborah Erioluwapo Ajayi reportedly started selling aphrodisiacs when she was only 12 years old. She has grown her business to include other ventures. She reportedly owns a farm in Abuja.
She also owns a body enhancement spa, a salon, and a body spa in Dubai known as HBG Beauty Lounge. Ajayi is often seen flying private jets and in 2020, announced a tour of West Africa to popularize her trade.
She is also influential on social media, with over 500,000 followers on Instagram. In her bio, the 24-year-old describes her craft as a “unique blend of day spa and sexual wellness spa stepping in to meet the challenges of today’s major skin and sexual crises.”
Oji Oghenetejiri
Oji Oghenetejiri ventured into the aphrodisiac business only three years ago but has made a dramatic rise to the top.
Her product has received the endorsement of Nigerian celebrities like Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo; former Big Brother Naija contestant, Wathoni, and Bobrisky.
Known as Teji Gold, she has a verified Instagram account with over 200,000 followers. Before venturing into aphrodisiacs, Oji was into the beauty, cosmetics, and make-up business. According to her, the best decision of her life was dumping her previous trade.
