Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has advised women to prioritize self-development and independence before entering marriage.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Agu emphasized that a woman’s identity and sense of fulfillment should not hinge on marital status. He encouraged women to achieve mental, spiritual, and financial stability before tying the knot.
Speaking amid ongoing discussions about gender roles and financial independence, Agu explained that his message is meant to inspire women to find stability and fulfillment beyond societal expectations of marriage.
“The best advice I can give you as a lady before you embark on the journey of marriage is to be a complete woman before you marry. Establish yourself as a woman before you marry. Make sure you are mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially stable. Emphasis on being financially and spiritually stable.
It is not marriage that completes you as a woman. Your work, identity, or sense of completeness does not depend on being married. You don’t need marriage to feel whole, valuable, or fulfilled. Marriage should complement you, not complete you. Marriage should be a beautiful addition, not a missing piece,” Agu said.
He also urged women to invest in their own dreams and skills, warning against total reliance on a spouse.
“Before you marry, build yourself up. Even if you are not financially stable, at least make sure you have something to do—a handwork, a business idea, or proper insight into independence.
God forbid if you marry into a family where your in-laws are hostile and you have nothing to offer, then you will struggle. God forbid if your husband divorces you over a small misunderstanding and you are not stable in any way, you’ll have to start life all over again. God forbid your husband dies and you have nothing of your own—if your in-laws are wicked, they can strip you of everything your husband left,” he added.
Agu’s advice underscores the importance of self-reliance and personal growth, presenting marriage as a complement to, rather than the foundation of, a woman’s sense of worth
