I've Never Been an Advocate for Marriage - Uzor Arukwe

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has said he has never been a strong advocate for marriage, arguing that women bear heavier responsibilities in the union.

Arukwe stated this during an interview on the In My Opinion podcast, where he spoke about societal expectations around marriage and the pressure often placed on women.

He said women go through pregnancy and childbirth, take their husbands’ surnames and shoulder other responsibilities linked to building a family.

Arukwe explained that these demands have shaped his perspective on the institution.

He added that society is gradually recognising that a woman’s identity and worth are not defined by her marital status.

"I’ve never really been an advocate for marriage because I feel like it is more tasking for the woman. She’s the one who bears the children, takes the man’s last name, and has to deal with a lot of things. So, I feel society is now beginning to catch on to the fact that marriage doesn’t define or make a woman," he said.

Arukwe noted a shift in attitudes compared to when he was growing up, when people were questioned for not being married at 25 or 30 and reminded that others already had five children at that age.

He said some women now choose a different path.

"Now, there are even women who don’t want to have children. I’ve met at least two or three," he said.