Veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker Kanayo O. Kanayo is under fire after making controversial remarks about unmarried women over the age of 30 during a recent interview.
Speaking on the SIL Show, the actor offered his take on why many women remain single in their 30s, sparking widespread criticism on social media.
According to Kanayo, many women who are unmarried past 30 refuse the advances of younger men in their 20s because they are attracted to wealthier, older, and married men.
He claimed that these women often receive lavish gifts such as cars and houses from wealthy men, which leads them to dismiss the more modest proposals from men their age.
Kanayo suggested that by the time these women reach their 30s, they find themselves less attractive to men their own age, eventually becoming “a prayer point.”
The actor’s statement quickly went viral, drawing backlash from many social media users who criticized him for generalizing and passing judgment on women’s personal choices.
Several people expressed their discontent, labeling his comments as outdated and insensitive.
Many pointed out that there are numerous reasons women may remain unmarried, which are far more complex than Kanayo’s oversimplified analysis.
Kanayo further stirred controversy by describing women in their early 30s as being in a “state of emergency,” implying that their chances of finding a partner were slim.
His remarks were met with a wave of rebukes, with many questioning his understanding of the challenges women face in relationships and marriage.
Netizens Reactions…
@mayowa_gbemila said: “I think this man should just stick to ritual and sacrifice.”
@ezeobi_ifeoma said: “I am 33, this isn’t my story and I am not in any state of emergency.”
@jennybrightening_star said: “It’s not true for all, only in some cases, right from when I was 18 my mum has been clamoring early marriage I myself liked the idea, even thought i’ld be married by 23 but I’m 26 now and not even in a serious relationship.”
@henri_buchi said: “Nigerian 50+ men seems to know so much why women in their 30s are not married yet forgetting that they are the same 50+ men they make reference to in their speech. Which kind hypocrisy be this?”
@call_mi_didi said: “There’s no blue print to these things.. people get married at 40.”
@unity_is_here said: “Not all women are going to get married as well hope he knows.”
@mima_the_1st said: “Why don’t you guys push marriage for men like you do for women, is marriage gender based?”
@vasilissa_c asked: “This is the most pressing problem in Nigeria, right.”
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