Nollywood actress Bisola Aiyeola has said she feels no pressure to get married despite turning 40, maintaining that marriage would not be the defining aspect of her life.
The actress made this known during an appearance on the In My Opinion podcast, where she explained that she would welcome marriage if the opportunity arose but would not make it the centre of her existence.
Aiyeola also criticised relationships in which women are left to shoulder most of the responsibilities of providing for the family, raising children and managing the home, with little support from their partners.
She questioned the purpose of marriage when women are expected to handle these responsibilities largely on their own.
“Women are like, you know what? What’s the point if I still must do everything myself? Why do I have to be tied to this man all in the name of marriage?” she asked.
Although she acknowledged the importance of marriage to society, the actress maintained that it would not take priority over her personal well-being and achievements.
“Marriage is an institution; it is essential for society. For me, if I do get married, it won’t be the core of my life. I mean, I’m doing well,” she said.
Aiyeola, who is raising her daughter as a single parent, also discussed the challenges of bringing up a child without a partner.
She said she had advised her daughter not to aspire to become a single parent, noting that the responsibility of raising a child could be overwhelming when borne by one person alone.
“Being a single parent and looking after my daughter, I still let her know that being a single parent is not that easy. That’s not what you should aspire to be. Bearing the whole load of raising a child shouldn’t be for one person alone,” she said.
Reflecting on turning 40 in January, the actress expressed satisfaction with her life and personal growth, describing the period as the best time of her life.
“I turned 40 in January. Yeah. I love me so much, and this is the best time of my life,” she added.
