Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tochi Okechukwu has reiterated his stance against early marriage, saying it often robs young women of the chance to discover themselves.
In a post on his Instagram story, Tochi said early marriage forces young girls to settle down before they figure out who they are or what they can achieve.
‘I have always been an advocate against early marriage for women. It often forces young girls to settle down before they even get a chance to figure out who they are or what they can achieve. When a young woman is pushed into marriage and having babies too early, her dreams usually have to take a back seat,’ he wrote.
He noted that many promising girls lose their identity to marriage and motherhood.
‘A girl who could have grown up to become a doctor, a successful businesswoman, or a leader ends up having her entire life reduced to just being known as ‘the wife of Chima Solar Enterprise.’ Her name, her talent, and her future disappear behind her having kids and her husband’s life,’ he added.
Tochi, however, said marriage remains a good institution but emphasised that timing is key.
‘Marriage is a good thing, but timing matters. Girls need time to finish school, learn a skill, and stand on their own two feet first. When we let young women grow up and build their own lives before getting married, the whole community becomes stronger for it,’ he said.