Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has sparked public discourse with his candid analysis of why many Nigerian women remain unmarried in their thirties, pointing to lifestyle choices and relationship patterns during their younger years as critical factors.
Speaking during a recent interview with News Central, the respected actor shed light on what he perceives as a growing social phenomenon, particularly focusing on the impact of young women’s dating preferences during their university years and early twenties.
Kanayo describes a common scenario where female university students, typically between ages 18 and 20, become involved with wealthy, often married older men. These relationships, he suggests, create a lifestyle expectation that leads young women to reject potential matches with partners closer to their age.
The actor painted a vivid timeline of how these choices evolve, noting that material benefits such as cars and houses from wealthy older partners can create an illusion of success that masks the long-term implications for marriage prospects. These relationships, according to Kanayo, often establish patterns that continue through a woman’s mid-twenties.
Drawing from his observations of Nigerian society, Kanayo outlined what he sees as a crucial transition period in these women’s lives. He suggests that by age 25 or 26, many find themselves unmarried, having consistently turned down advances from younger men who might have been suitable marriage partners.
The situation becomes more challenging as women approach their late twenties and early thirties, Kanayo argues. He notes a significant shift in dynamics, where what was once considered a lifestyle choice becomes a source of concern. The actor uses a striking progression to illustrate this transformation: what he describes as “flex” at 23 becomes a “prayer point” by 28.
Particularly notable in Kanayo’s analysis is his assertion that by age 33, many women find themselves in what he terms a “state of emergency” regarding marriage prospects. This characterization reflects broader societal pressures and expectations in Nigerian culture, where marriage is often considered a crucial milestone in adult life.
The actor’s commentary touches on deeper social issues within Nigerian society, including changing relationship dynamics, evolving gender roles, and the impact of economic factors on marriage patterns. His observations highlight the complex interplay between personal choices, societal expectations, and long-term life outcomes.
While Kanayo’s perspective has generated significant discussion, it also raises questions about evolving social norms and whether traditional views on marriage timing remain relevant in contemporary Nigerian society. His comments reflect ongoing debates about relationships, marriage, and social expectations for women in modern Africa.
The actor’s insights come at a time when conversations about marriage, relationships, and gender roles are increasingly prominent in Nigerian public discourse. His status as a respected figure in Nollywood lends weight to his observations, though they represent one perspective in a complex social discussion.
These observations have sparked varied reactions across Nigerian social media platforms, with some supporting his analysis while others question whether such traditional views on marriage timing remain relevant in contemporary society. The discussion highlights broader debates about changing social norms, women’s choices, and the evolving nature of relationships in modern African society.
As Nigerian society continues to evolve, with increasing educational and career opportunities for women, Kanayo’s comments contribute to an ongoing dialogue about how traditional expectations of marriage and relationships intersect with contemporary realities and personal choices.
