Nigerian actress Ruth Kadiri has urged young people to avoid putting themselves under pressure to organise lavish weddings, warning that such ceremonies can place unnecessary strain on couples and their marriages.
According to her, the pressure to meet societal expectations surrounding marriage can affect couples mentally and create anxiety about taking the next step in their relationships.
In a video shared on Instagram on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the actress questioned why couples who had enjoyed their relationships before marriage sometimes struggle after their wedding ceremonies.
“Do you know or have a phobia for getting married? But they could date. They’ll date this girl, love her, be with her every day and after this whole damn ceremony, have you asked yourself what changed? That wedding is part of what changed,” she said.
Madam Kadiri encouraged young couples to consider simple weddings instead of feeling compelled to organise elaborate ceremonies involving several events.
She suggested that couples could pay the bride price, invite a small group of people, have a pastor pray for them and celebrate their union without spending excessively.
The actress also reflected on her own marriage, saying she believes keeping the ceremony simple may have contributed to her marital stability.
“I can categorically say I’m successful because I’ve seen people marry, two months later they divorce, so if I’ve stayed in for seven years, I can say I’ve tried. I have tried,” she said.
She criticised the pressure associated with traditional marriage practices in Nigeria, where couples may feel obligated to organise engagement ceremonies, court weddings, white weddings and traditional weddings to prove their commitment.
Beyond marriage, Ruth Kadiri called on parents and society to ease the pressure placed on young people to succeed financially and provide for their families.
She particularly highlighted the expectations placed on firstborn children, urging families to give them room to pursue their own aspirations without carrying excessive responsibilities.
The actress further challenged society’s conventional definition of success, arguing that it should not be measured solely by wealth, professional achievements or the ability to provide money for others.
According to her, success can also mean enjoying peace at home and having the opportunity to spend quality time with one’s children.
“Success can just mean sleeping in my house and waking up to tell my children, ‘I love you.’ I might not want to work. Standard of success in Nigeria needs to be stopped,” she added.
Ruth Kadiri also expressed concern about the combined pressure from parents, family members, society and social media, urging people to allow young people to live at their own pace.
“May God not allow you to live for 60 years and out of the 60 you spend 50 getting angry. Parents, society, social media, let us breathe. Allow us hit the ground running,” she said.
Source: Abigail Ekua Arhin
