The issue of marriage today has been transformed into an open field of debate and accusations here, there, and everywhere. Not long ago, media personality GehGeh created chaos in the news when he postulated on a podcast that modern Nigerian women approach relationships with paychecks in mind, making the affection and devotion cold, hard cash.
He said the value of marriage had gone down because a woman was used to contributing immensely to the survival of the family, and now that times have changed, men were expected to carry the burden, hence many feeling exploited.
His comments have sparked outrage and debate across social media. Whereas some agreed, saying the pressures on men in modern relationships were unrealistic, others fired back, calling him outdated and unfair.
But honestly speaking, there is an atom of truth in some of those fears: societal expectations that he should “provide” and she “receive” sometimes create unequal relationships. On the other hand, dismissing Nigerian women wholesale ignores the sacrifices and contributions they make daily, often juggling work, family, and societal judgment.
For many women, the argument that they “date for money” ignores the societal and economic challenges they face. In a country where gender inequality persists, women often earn less than men, yet they are expected to balance full-time careers, caregiving, and homemaking. Is it any surprise that they look for financially stable partners?
Beyond that, some women argue that marriage in itself is no longer appealing, as many men fail to provide emotional support or shared responsibilities. “How is it fair to call us gold diggers when men want us to carry babies, cook, clean, and still work a 9-to-5?” one social media user fired back at GehGeh.
It is not a question of “men vs. women”; the question is an issue of fairness and balancing. For the relationships to work, both need to move away from conventional stereotypes and onto respectful, loving relations with shared responsibilities.
Here’s the truth; both sides have valid concerns, but the real enemy here is societal pressure. The idea that a man must be a walking ATM or that a woman must play the perfect submissive wife is outdated and harmful. Relationships shouldn’t feel like a financial contract; they should be partnerships where both parties contribute equally, whether emotionally, financially, or otherwise.
It’s time we move past these exhausting debates and start redefining what love and commitment should look like. The blame game isn’t the answer, it’s honest conversations and shared responsibilities that will save relationships in this modern age.
But until then, perhaps GehGeh’s words will resonate with a growing number of men. After all, if relationships keep feeling like job interviews instead of genuine connections, more people might opt to stay single. And who could blame them? His comments might have touched a raw nerve, but they also underscore the honest conversations that need to be had over shifting relational dynamics in Nigeria today. Are we ready for the change, or are we still stuck in the past? The answers will determine the future of love, marriage, and commitment in our society.
